Good morning. Today on the site we have R.C. Harvey's account of Chic Young and Blondie, the classic (and still-running) comic strip, which includes this choice bit:
Before Blondie debuted, it enjoyed a legendary promotional campaign that began (as Walker tells us) when newspaper editors around the country were sent an announcement of the engagement of Dagwood Bumstead to Blondie Boopadoop. This was followed by a letter from the Bumstead attorney, who alleged the engagement announcement was “a pure fabrication of fancy, if not a malicious attempt on the part of this Miss Blondie Boopadoop.” After which came a handwritten note from Blondie herself, protesting her innocence and saying she’d soon arrive to explain “in person.” She also said she was sending her luggage on ahead: “When you get it, hold it for me and don’t peek inside.”
A few days later, a cardboard suitcase was delivered to editors’ offices, with a note from Blondie, admonishing: “Don’t peek into it.” It being a blatant promotion, everyone peeked. The suitcase contained women’s clothing—for a paper doll. Next, as promised, Blondie herself arrived—a cut-out paper doll in her lingerie. With a note: “Here I am, just like I told you I’d be. Only, please, Mr. Editor, put some clothes on me quick. I sent them on ahead, you remember my pink bag. I’m so embarrassed! Blondie.”
And John Porcellino rolls on with Day 4 of his diary.
Elsewhere in the world it's video time:
Big congrats to artists and TCJ-contributors Dash Shaw and Frank Santoro on this gorgeous and moving music video or Sigur Ros.
And check out this new ongoing web series, featuring some serious Ron Rege visuals: We Can Do It!
Oh, it's the unlikely but heartwarming Dennis Fujitake week over at Michel Fiffe's place.
And lastly, remember the time Jim Starlin took acid and road an elevator? No? Luckily Sean Howe does.
