In 1968, Mort Walker, using the pen name Addison, introduced the comic strip “BONER’S ARK,” featuring the bumbling ship’s captain, Captain Boner. His colossal mistake was bringing only one of each animal aboard his ark, setting the stage for a quirky and entertaining adventure. The ark was home to a colorful array of characters, including Aarnie the aardvark, who hilariously shouted “Land Ho!” while weeding the ark’s flowerpot; Priscilla Pig, a vain and self-absorbed porcine protagonist; Dum Dum the gorilla, whose intellectual abilities left much to be desired; Duke the penguin, looking sharp in his tuxedo-like attire, giving him the air of a sophisticated man about town; and Cubcake the koala, whose name was selected from an impressive pool of over 50,000 entries in a competition.
Morton Walker is most notable for his creative endeavors in the form of newspaper comic strips. In 1950, Walker left an indelible mark on the comic industry by introducing the beloved character Beetle Bailey to readers across the nation, a character who would go on to become an iconic figure in the world of humor and satire.
Walker’s creative genius shone once again in 1954 when he introduced the comic strip “Hi and Lois,” captivating the hearts and minds of readers with its endearing and relatable characters. His knack for crafting relatable and engaging characters made him a pioneer in the world of comics, establishing a lasting legacy that continues to captivate audiences today. Walker collaborated with Dik Browne to introduce “Hi and Lois,” a comic strip that emerged as a spin-off from the popular “Beetle Bailey” series, with Lois characterizing as Beetle’s sister.
The humor of “BONER’S ARK” derived from the everyday interactions among this endearing yet hapless cast of creatures who found themselves perpetually adrift at sea. Frank Johnson took over the drawing duties for the comic strip in 1982 and skillfully carried on the legacy until 2000. Throughout its run, “BONER’S ARK” was a source of laughter and amusement, drawing readers into the whimsical world of Captain Boner and his motley crew as they navigated the challenges and absurdities of their life aboard the ark.
In addition to these prominent works, Mort Walker’s creative portfolio includes a diverse range of comic strips, showcasing his versatile storytelling skills. Among his notable creations are “Gamin and Patches,” “Mrs. Fitz’s Flats,” “The Evermores,” a collaborative effort with Johnny Sajem, as well as “Sam’s Strip” and “Sam and Silo,” both of which were co-created with Jerry Dumas. Walker’s diverse body of work demonstrates his ability to craft engaging and entertaining comic strips across various themes and characters, leaving an indelible mark on the comic industry.