Mort Walker’s Beetle Bailey: 75 Years of Smiles

Can you believe it? Beetle Bailey, the iconic comic strip that has entertained millions of readers for generations, is now 75 years old! To commemorate this historic milestone, Fantagraphics presents Mort Walker’s Beetle Bailey: 75 Years of Smiles—a deluxe coffee-table retrospective that explores the remarkable legacy of one of the most influential cartoonists in comic history. This beautifully designed volume honors Mort Walker’s 75-year run with Beetle Bailey, offering fans and collectors an in-depth look at his groundbreaking work, timeless humor, and unparalleled contribution to the world of newspaper comics.

Mort Walker: A Cartooning Icon

Mort Walker, the genius behind Beetle Bailey, holds the record for the longest tenure of any cartoonist on his original creation. Over 67 years, 3 months, and 12 days, Walker penned an astounding 24,576 comic strips, bringing humor, wit, and social commentary to generations of readers. He drew his final daily strips on December 16, 2017, just weeks before his passing.

King Features Syndicate nearly pulled the plug on Beetle Bailey after its initial one-year contract ended due to lackluster performance. At the time, the Korean War was escalating, and creator Mort Walker saw an opportunity to give the strip new life. In a bold, creative move, he reimagined Beetle as an army private, enlisting him in the military. The change struck a chord with readers and editors alike—within a short period, Beetle Bailey was picked up by over a hundred newspapers, marking the beginning of its rise to iconic comic strip status.

Walker often joked, “Old cartoonists never die. They just erase away…” True to his words, he remained creatively active until the very end.

A Richly Illustrated Tribute to Beetle Bailey

This commemorative edition, beautifully curated by Mort’s son Brian Walker, is a treasure trove for fans and collectors alike. Inside, readers will discover:

• 75 full-color Sunday pages reproduced from syndicate proofs
• 135 daily and Sunday strips scanned from the original artwork
• Nearly 200 rare images, sketches, and behind-the-scenes material
• Exclusive photographs, promotional posters, and memorabilia from the Walker family archives
• Historical insight into character debuts, vintage marketing campaigns, and personal stories
• Anecdotes and biographical sketches that reveal Walker’s dedication to the craft

Beyond Beetle: A Cartooning Dynasty

Did you know Beetle Bailey had a spinoff? In 1954, Mort Walker partnered with cartoonist Dik Browne to launch Hi and Lois, based on Beetle’s sister, Lois. But that wasn’t his only creation—Mort also brought readers Boner’s Ark, Mrs. Fitz’s Flats, and Sam and Silo, further cementing his status as one of the most prolific comic creators of the 20th century.

Unlike Charles Schulz, who famously worked solo on Peanuts, Mort Walker thrived in a collaborative environment. He welcomed input from fellow writers, artists, and even his children, who later became part of the creative teams behind Beetle Bailey and Hi and Lois. One key tradition in the Walker studio was the “gag conference,” where writers would pitch jokes, only the funniest of which made it to the final strip.

A Family Affair in Comic History

Walker’s collaborative approach boosted creativity and built a lasting legacy. His willingness to embrace teamwork ensured that Beetle Bailey resonated with readers across decades. This 75th-anniversary collection is more than a tribute—it’s a celebration of family, humor, community, and a life dedicated to bringing joy through comics.