Sometimes it's the strip that excites you, sometimes it's something else entirely...don't get me wrong, the panel I'm introducing certainly has its own charm. And you already know how much we love those comics centering around last century's big radio craze. It might be easy to dismiss Life on the Radio Wave as just another one of those features were it not in fact the product of a legendary figure not generally known for his work on the comics page - take a look at the signature on one of these panels. That's right, "Pinto" is none other than Vance DeBar "Pinto" Colvig! Animation pioneer! The original Bozo the Clown! The voice of Goofy! And Bluto! Co-composer of the children's song Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?! He even voiced some of the munchkins in MGM's The Wizard of Oz...good gravy, this guy's resume goes on and on.

Pinto Colvig began his distinguished career as a newspaper cartoonist, a job he soon abandoned to join the circus. In the off season he would again seek work as a cartoonist and eventually return full time to support his new family. It was during this run that he created his best known comics work, Life on the Radio Wave, which was syndicated nationally by United Features Syndicate. As you'll see, he had fun with the idea, showing us radio spoiling the fun of fibbing husbands and children, or interfering with young love. I realize I've gone on about his other accomplishments, but Pinto shows off some strong cartooning skills, I especially like the panel concerning the original broad-casting station. And as much as I wish I didn't have to give the disclaimer--Pinto really doesn't give much cause in the majority of these--please keep in mind that these were created in a different era and may reflect a less sensitive approach to ideas of race or sex. I'm not pointing it out, but there is a doozy in the archive...hopefully this won't scare you away. To be able to present such rare material from a legendary entertainer is a real treat for us, please take a look around the archive and enjoy.