Fantagraphics Revives Ernie Bushmiller’s Nancy for a New Generation

The first volume in a new series collecting Ernie Bushmiller’s timeless and beloved Nancy!

What I cherish most about Ernie Bushmiller’s Nancy is its pure, unfiltered innocence. It’s a delightful escape into a world of simplicity and charm, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia that takes me back to my childhood, when I eagerly collected Bazooka Joe comics. Yet, Nancy elevates that nostalgic joy to something even more special, blending superior artistry with a unique, almost magical quality that feels both timeless and refreshing. Every time a new collected volume of Nancy is released, I find myself compelled to add it to my ever-growing collection. The artwork is not only clever and inventive but also strikingly fresh, making it resonate with modern audiences who are now embracing a wonderful resurgence of interest in Bushmiller’s work.

Fantagraphics Revives a Classic for a New Generation

Publisher Fantagraphics deserves immense credit for breathing new life into this beloved classic. Through their newly collected ongoing series, they’ve ensured that Ernie Bushmiller’s genius reaches a whole new generation of readers. His art is like a fine wine—it matures beautifully with time, revealing deeper layers of wit, charm, and brilliance. The simplicity of his illustrations, paired with their sharp humor and timeless appeal, continues to captivate audiences, proving that truly great storytelling and artistry are eternal. It’s incredibly heartwarming to see Nancy finding a special place in the hearts of both longtime admirers and newcomers, cementing Bushmiller’s legacy as a true master of the comic strip medium. His work is a testament to the enduring power of creativity, and I’m thrilled to see it celebrated and rediscovered in such a meaningful way.

Nancy: Bridging Pop Culture and Fine Art

Beyond its impact on mainstream media, Nancy has also left a significant imprint on the world of fine art. The strip’s bold, graphic style and minimalist aesthetic have drawn admiration from renowned artists, including Andy Warhol, who famously cited Ernie Bushmiller’s work as an influence. Warhol, known for his pop art masterpieces, appreciated the strip’s clean lines, striking visual simplicity, and ability to communicate so effectively with so few elements. This artistic admiration underscores Nancy’s unique position at the intersection of popular culture and high art, bridging the gap between the two in a way that few comic strips have achieved.

Why Nancy Still Matters Today

Ernie Bushmiller’s Nancy is more than just a comic strip—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Its clever humor, relatable scenarios, and iconic characters have made it a touchstone in pop culture, referenced and parodied in everything from television shows to literature. But what truly sets Nancy apart is its ability to transcend time and medium, appealing to both casual readers and serious artists alike. Whether you’re revisiting the strip for its nostalgic charm or discovering it for the first time, Nancy offers a timeless reminder of the power of simplicity, wit, and creativity.

Celebrating Ernie Bushmiller’s Legacy

As Nancy continues to captivate new audiences, it’s clear that Ernie Bushmiller’s legacy is as vibrant as ever. His work has inspired generations of artists, writers, and fans, proving that great art knows no boundaries. With Fantagraphics’ ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Nancy, this classic comic strip is poised to remain a beloved part of our cultural landscape for years to come. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, there’s never been a better time to dive into the delightful world of Nancy and experience the magic of Ernie Bushmiller’s genius.

Fantagraphics

The cartoonist Ernie Bushmiller stated that his beloved Nancy was created for “the gum chewers” and not the “caviar eaters,” and this new collection of classic Nancy comic strips is perfect for gum chewers of all ages! Featuring over 300 comic strips, Nancy Wears Hats is a hilarious introduction to the timeless classic, beloved by generation after generation of children and adults.

Nancy, along with on-and-off again boyfriend Sluggo, delivers absurd laughs panel after panel, all rendered in Bushmiller’s chiseled cartoon perfection that feels untethered to time or place. An acknowledged masterpiece of humor and cartooning, Nancy’s brand of lowbrow absurdism and unexpected visual delights have held sway over generations of early readers, artists and celebrities, to say nothing of its impact on American culture as a whole! Bushmiller created Nancy from 1938 to 1982, and in recent years, interest in his work has surged to a fever pitch. This volume collects strips from the years 1949–1950, when Bushmiller was cresting to the peak of his powers and presents the work in a fresh and contemporary format that will entertain for ages.