Customer Reviews

Complete E.C. Segar Popeye, Dailies, 1934-1935 Vol. 9

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Back in the mid eighties Fantagraphic Books started an eleven part series of books reproducing E.C. Segar's complete run of: "Thimble Theater" that began in 1919 and lasted through E.C. Segar's passing in 1938. This series was one of the most celebrated cartoon strips of the roaring twenties that really came to life in January of 1929 when a one-eyed sailor reported onboard the old windjammer that Ham Gravy and Castor Oyl had just purchased. As Castor's sister Olive wanted to be the first mate, they went and found a rough and tumble sailor named Popeye to be the 'crew' all by himself. This minor character to this already established cartoon strip was the star of the show within a few short months and became a stuff of legends since.

Fantagraphics, was closing up shop on this series of books, and in the late ninties I got seven of these paperbacks (volume five through volume eleven) for just ten dollars. I kinda like that price (this was like a great bank heist!) for so much cartoon greatness.

This edition, volume nine is one of Segar's greatest periods of producing this masterpiece "Theater" during 1934 & 1935. Popeye, is having goil problems with Olive, Wimpy is looking for the perfect hamburger, King Tork is introduced and war is declared, Toar and the Sea Hag give Popeye more than a few problems to deal with, Swee Pea is in danger once again, Popeye becomes king of "Spinachova" and it is all awash with roraring fists and general choas, as you would expect. Segar, was at the peak of his powers during the mid-thirties and the Timble Theater was at it's apex as one of the most imaginative comic strips ever published. Entire worlds are created for this cast to go bonkers within.

I enjoy the entire run of Segar's work with the Timble Theater, but this book is a crest of a great wave that will not let up or crash on the shore of a sandy beach in an distant land. For a good look-see to what all the fuss is about, this volume will throw you right into deep waters of Popeye (and his friends and enemies) and cast you smack dab right in the middle of many of his greatest adventures. Seventy five years ago, these comic strips were featured in the great newspapers of the world. Most of those newspapers have not survived but, Popeye lives on and always will.
Five Stars!!!

This was Segar at his finest.Learn about Eugene the magical jeep,find out how Popeye found his father and laugh at all the amazing stories and gags.Popeye was at his finest those years.Wimpy was at his mooching best-and you might even enjoy the goofy antics of Oscar or Toar.