Y’know, I like this strip a lot. It’s a funny, well-drawn feature with characters that I personally find utterly charming and unique in comicdom. The Dippy Dudes are Robby and Reggie, Victorianesque swells who must have seemed anachronistic even in 1905 when they appeared in the papers. Their affected lisp (the strip was initially called “Wobby and Weggy”) and effete “sissy” mannerisms read as overtly homosexual to modern eyes, and I have a hunch that they did at the time as well, since later strips introduce a recurring, fruitless interest in vying for the attentions of “Mith Dolly”. Whether they’re a burlesque of gay stereotypes or simply preening and pretentious poseurs, they have some funny little misadventures, and deserve a little exposure.

dd050423