I found this book over the summer. The "Chas Addams" name was enough to catch my attention, even if it didn't already have me at "Monster".
The book is the former property of "Tom Stringer" and I'm guessing he's also the artist of the sketch below. This qualifies for one of my "Between the covers" posts.
But the focus today is on the interior comic panels. Published in The New Yorker between 1946 and 1950, it focuses mainly on Addams' Family of psychopaths, though there are a few non-Family cartoons. I've selected a few for your enjoyment.
I did this as a child.
I included this panel as a nod to long-time reader/blogger Lady M. She'll get the reference.
I would actually love to live next to a cemetery. Better than living next to noisy neighbors.
This is another one I find pretty normal. I'd eat those cookies.
I've seen this one before used as an example of typical Addams' humor.
I love bacon, but I might draw the line at a two-headed pig.
This isn't far from the hobby kits found in the pages of 1970's Christmas catalogs.
Artistically inclined from a young age, Addams' first job was for True Detective magazine where he retouched crime-scene photos used in articles to remove any blood that appeared (I guess the readers were either squeamish or it violated some morals publishing law). His stint with The New Yorker began in 1934 and continued through his death in 1988. In between, he was published in other periodicals including Collier's and TV Guide. During WWII he served with the Signal Corps WWII making animated training films. Of course, his "family" became best known when it was made into a TV series in 1964. Addams had a hand in both giving the family members official names and in casting requirements of the actors that would portray the characters. The popularity of the Addams' Family continues today with movies, cartoons and most recently on the Netflix series "Wednesday".
Addams passed away in 1988 after suffering a heart attack. His ashes were interred in the pet cemetery on the grounds of his estate, known as "The Swamp", in Sagaponack, New York.
Some of these gags were used in the AF movies--The carolers/ boiling oil bit is in the beginning of the '91 film, and the multi-legged "onesie" is seen in Addams Family Values.
ReplyDeleteBut my favorite cinema use of an Addams cartoon ( though not necessarily concerning the Family) concerns this one [https://www.lambiek.net/artists/a/addams_charles.htm] that was employed very effectively for a teaser trailer for the first film [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqC4ur1WicQ]. I saw this in a theater, and the audience cheered.
I've never seen any of the movies, but the trailer is pretty clever given the original source.
DeleteI get it and what is funny is that my Dad work for Swift incorporated for 8 years. I love this book. What a treasure.
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ReplyDeleteGreat examples of that kooky family. I grew up with the back of our yard against a cemetery. For a long time there was no barrier. Our yard just eventually became cemetery. Due to kids pulling too many pranks, them cemetery built a chain link fence all around. We got good with going over it or under. The neighbors were very quiet. Every Sunday my grandmother would take a long walk with us and we’d go through the cemetery roads.
I never thought of that aspect (the vandalism). Sounds like a wonderful memory of your grandmother.
DeleteLove the Addams Family! Reminds me of my own crazy kinfolk...
ReplyDeleteWe all have some Addams in our family.
DeleteI love the Addams Family! I love it!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed!
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