Charles Schulz, Theresa and Yours Truly
 Here’s a scan of an old slide that my brother discovered in the family archives, and it prompted this reminiscence:
The San Diego Comic-Con was at the El Cortez Hotel in 1975, and I went there with my dear friends Vincent and his first wife, Theresa, Davis. I knew that Charles Schulz was to be a guest, and I brought a copy of the first “Peanuts” book with me in case I had the good luck to meet him–and behold(!) I spotted him striding fast across the lobby of the El Cortez, and I practically tackled him. I was lucky to find Mr. Schulz by himself, armed with felt tip pens. I asked for his autograph and timidly requested a Snoopy–He looked pretty annoyed–but obliged me–you can see the drawing above. Later on, Vincent talked Mr. Schulz into posing for this slide–of course Theresa was pretty enticing in her girl scout outfit, so once again Mr. Schulz obliged us zany fans.
Charles Schulz is an early example of a comic strip fan becoming a member of the fourth estate–after all, his nick-name was “Sparky”-after Billy DeBeck’s “Spark Plug”. What a great thrill it was to meet him–going to the Comic-Con with Vince and Theresa was an annual event in my life for about 5 years. You should have seen Vincent handle all those famous cartoonists–he was never intimidated and his humorous appearance was a great ice breaker. Those days are gone forever–but I’ll always remember.
 In Krazy this week–from 10-19 to 10-24-1942, there’s plenty of slapstick in the 10-19 as Krazy socks Ig with a rock in retaliation–only bricks are pleasurable to KK. I love the “ZIZ” lettering in the 10-20 as “Kapri Kornus” the goat, butts Ig. There is kwirky kat langwitch in the 10-21 as KK says “Paul Troom” as code for “poltroon”. Ignatz paraphrases the early 1940s song hit: “I’ve Got Spurs” in the 10-22, and the brick-tossing coconut monster in the 10-24 is a vintage Herriman Horror.
Myrtle from 7-12 to 7-18-1948 features a story that lasts until 7-16, of a broken dinner plate. Sampson tries to replace the prized plate that Myrtle broke, but secretly “borrows” the plate from Bingo! If you find Sampson’s lisp annoying, you’ll love the 7-17 as Myrtle does something about it. The Sunday page is called “Ship Ahoy!!!” and features Dudley Fisher’s patented two panel down shot layout, as Myrtle hooks an extremely powerful fish.
 “Just a rolling stone, that’s me” Felix from 10-8 to 10-14-1934, features the homeless puss taking up with a sculptor, then a hypnotist. I love the statue coming to life in the 10/9, as Felix, hiding in the clay, brings it to life. Felix uses the old mirror gag in the 10/13 to turn the hypnotist into a chicken. The Sunday page looks like Felix is going home at last, but he is a Cat without a Country as the Captain of the ship is too cheap to pay import duty on Felix, so he is repatriated to the sea.
Thanks to all you readers for sticking with me. I just turned 67 on August 10th and will soon qualify as the world’s oldest boy cartoonist. C Ya!
Charles Brubaker says:
Happy belated birthday, Mark! I enjoy reading your blog, and I’m happy to stick around as long as you keep updating them!
Nice picture of you and Sparky. “Peanuts” was a big inspiration for me as a kid. His creation is very popular in Japan; it’s easy to find Snoopy merchandise over there.
'Pat' Ventura says:
Is that the brass Mickey and Minnie Mouse belt buckle you’re wearing?
‘Pat’ Ventura
Mark says:
Yup, That’s that “authentic phony” belt buckle with Mickey looking through a telescope that was so popular in the 1970s. I liked it, but it was just a piece of cheese.
Squeak!
'Pat' Ventura says:
Heh, I can tell because I have it and the Popeye “Strength through spinach” one. Both buckles are in my display cabinet.
‘Pat’ Ventura
http://www.patcartoons.blogspot.com/
Steven says:
Happy birthday, this is a truly great blog. I love the 10-24 Krazy Kat, truly inspired stuff. I know some people don’t like the abstract qualities of Krazy Kat, but I love the fact that most of the strips transcend the idea of a punch line, which is something all of the great comics (especially Peanuts) are capable of.
Steven says:
By the way, Pat, I enjoyed your appearance on “Space Ghost Coast to Coast” Funny stuff