Hogan’s Alley: The Magazine That Keeps Comic Strip History Alive

If you’ve ever been truly serious about comic strips, the beating heart of cartooning and the artists and writers who shaped the golden age of the funny pages, then allow me to share one of my greatest joys: Hogan’s Alley.

Since 1994, published by Bull Moose Publishing in Atlanta, Georgia, Hogan’s Alley has proudly billed itself as “the magazine of the cartoon arts.” And it delivers on that promise. It’s not limited to just comic strips, it’s an entire celebration of the art form, weaving together comic books, classic cartoons, and animation history into one rich, thoughtful package.

This is no ordinary magazine. Hogan’s Alley doesn’t churn out issues on a monthly or even quarterly basis. It marches to its own beat, arriving whenever it’s ready. Yes, the wait can feel like ages, but that’s part of its mystique. When a new issue finally lands in your hands, it’s not just a magazine, it’s a time capsule. Each page is steeped in history, nostalgia, and those wonderful surprises that instantly remind you why you fell in love with comics in the first place.

Take the latest issue, Hogan’s Alley #24, for example. Inside, you’ll find a lively and eye-opening history of Tijuana bibles (those underground, risqué comics passed around like secret currency), surprising new insights into Charles Schulz and Peanuts, and a deep dive into the question of who really deserves the title of “the first superhero.” You’ll also stumble across the comics career of Laurel and Hardy, Bob Hope’s unexpected ventures into comic books, and so much more. It’s not just a magazine, it’s a buffet of cartooning lore, filled with stories you didn’t even know you were hungry for.

What sets Hogan’s Alley apart for me is the respect it gives the medium. This isn’t fluff or filler; it’s passionate scholarship, thoughtful interviews, rediscovered stories, and loving tributes to an art form that has shaped generations. In a world where pop culture often feels disposable, Hogan’s Alley treats comics and cartoons with the reverence they deserve, reminding us that they are cultural treasures worth preserving and celebrating.

After 31 years, it still feels like one of the best-kept secrets in comics culture. Each issue has that handcrafted quality, as if it was made by people who care deeply about the legacy of cartooning—and as a reader, you can feel that passion with every page.

For me, Hogan’s Alley is more than just a magazine; it’s a touchstone. A reminder of why I cherish the cartoon arts and why I keep returning to those characters, panels, and strips that made me fall in love with storytelling in the first place. And let me tell you: there is nothing like holding a hard copy of Hogan’s Alley in your hands. It’s not just something you read once and shelve; it becomes part of your collection. You’ll return to it again and again, revisiting your favorite strips and rediscovering the history of the cartoon arts, each time with the same spark of joy.