Celebrity comics are comics based on the fame and popularity of a celebrity.[1] They are a byproduct of merchandising around a certain media star or franchise and have existed since the mass media and comics came into existence in the 19th century. Celebrity comics are usually not held in high esteem by critics, because of their purely commercial nature. They are solely created to capitalize on media trends and therefore published so quickly and cheaply that drawings and narratives tend to be of very low quality.[1]
Definition
Celebrity comics are usually written and drawn for commercial purposes.[1] Publishers try to cash in on the fame of a well known radio, TV, film star or series by launching a comic book or an entire comic book series about these media stars.[1] Comics about sports champions or theatrical actors fall in the same category. The line of thought behind these works is that the audience will be more likely to buy something they already recognize from theatre, film, radio or TV than a brand new series about an original creation.
Despite the commercial potential few of these celebrity comics last long. Their sales are usually based on the amount of attention a certain celebrity receives during a certain period. If the media craze or fad dies down the comic version usually fizzles out as well.[1] Another reason why many of these comics fail in the long run has to do with the fact that companies usually pass both the writing and drawing to less skilled artists, many of which don't have much experience in their profession. Apart from that the artists in question are put under pressure of a TV channel, company or the media star himself to follow their own demands and expectations as much as possible.[1]
Celebrity comics should not be confused with satirical comics or political comics, which lampoon celebrities. While these can sometimes be made to play-off the fame of a celebrity, they usually tend to be less respectful towards the media stars in question and are seldom made with their own participation.
Despite the fact that celebrity comics are considered pure pulp some people have interest in these titles as a mere nostalgic or historical curiosity, of which they enjoy the campiness.
History
Dan Leno's Comic Journal, Issue No. 1, February 26, 1898
Celebrity comics have existed since the late 19th century. The earliest example was the magazine Dan Leno's Comic Journal (1898), based on the popularity of British music hall comedian Dan Leno. The paper was primarily aimed at young adults and featured a fictional version of Leno. He personally wrote most of the gags and stories, while Tom Browne contributed many of the illustrations.[2] The comedian retained editorial control of the paper, deciding which items to omit.[3][4] After a run of nearly two years the novelty wore off, and Leno lost interest. The paper shut down on December 2, 1899.[2][3] Another early example was a comic strip drawn between 1909 and 1913 about the local village eccentric Robert W. Patten by John Hager, which was published in the Seattle Daily Times.[5] When Hollywood started making slapstick films many comics series were made about popular film comedians. E.C. Segar's Charlie Chaplin's Comic Capers is perhaps the most famous example and ran for a solid two years, between 1916 and 1918. Between the 1920s and early 1960s the British magazines Radio Fun and Film Fun were even completely based around comics about radio and film celebrities. In the mid-1930s American artists like Alfred Buescher,[6] Clifton H. Crittenden,[7] Roland Jack Scott, and Arthur J. Palmer also made text comics based on the lives of celebrities who made headlines at the time. When television became popular in the 1950s and 1960s it opened the door for a whole stream of comics based on popular TV shows and stars. In every country with a comics industry examples of celebrity comics can be found.
The longest-running celebrity comic in the world made by the same two creators is the Belgian series Urbanus by Urbanus and Willy Linthout. It was in constant production from 1982 up until 2022.[8]
La Voz del Rioba con los reportajes de Minguito, based on the TV series La Voz del Rioba and character played by Juan Carlos Altavista. It was drawn by Felix Saborido.[9]
Albert en Co (since 2013 Filip van België), based on the Belgian royal family, written and drawn by Charel Cambré. The series has a mild satirical tone.[12]
Baba Yega, a children's comic based on the Belgian dance group Baba Yega, written by Leon and drawn by Steve Van Bael.[13]
En Daarmee Basta!, a humor comic (2006–2009), based on the children's TV series En Daarmee Basta!, written by Tom Bouden[15] and drawn by Wim Swerts and Luc Van Asten.[16] and Vanas.
Familie Backeljau, a humor comic based on the popular TV sitcom De Familie Backeljau, drawn by Luc Morjaeu.[19]
F.C. De Kampioenen, a humor comic (1996) based on the popular TV sitcom FC De Kampioenen, written and drawn by Hector Leemans.[20] It's currently one of the most successful Flemish comics series, still selling strong even though the TV series itself came to an end in 2011.
Flikken, an action comic (2010) based on the TV police series Flikken, written by Zaki Dewaele and drawn by Michaël Vincent.[21]
Gaston en Leo, a humor comic (1985) based on the comedy duo Gaston en Leo, written and drawn by Jeff Broeckx.[22]
De Geverniste Vernepelingskes, a satirical gag-a-day comic (1997) in which the main characters are comedian Urbanus[24] and comics artist Jan Bosschaert,[25] who consequently also write and draw the gags. The series also features numerous cameos of Flemish celebrities.
Get Ready!, a humor adventure comic based on the popular boys band Get Ready!, written by Danny Roelens, drawn by Patriek Roelens.[26]
Le Grand Jojo, a humor comic (2014) based on the Walloon singer and comedian Le Grand Jojo by André Lebrun (writing) and Philippe Bercovici (drawings).[14]
Jacques Vermeire, a humor adventure comic based on the popular comedian Jacques Vermeire, written and drawn by Geert Kinnaert.[27]
Jean-Marie Pfaff, a humorous biographical comic about association football player Jean-Marie Pfaff. A first version was drawn by cartoonist Hugo Leyers in 1983,[28] followed by second version from 1984 by K. Luyckx and F. Defossez.[29]
John Massis, a humor comic about acrobat John Massis, written and drawn by Pirana, who was a close friend of his.[30]
De avonturen van K3, a humor adventure comic (2000–...) based on the popular girls group K3, written by Jan Ruysbergh, drawn by Patriek Roelens[26] and later Charel Cambré.[12]
Kabouter Plop, a humor comic based on the popular children's TV show Kabouter Plop, written and drawn by Jean-Pol,[34] Wim Swerts and Luc Van Asten [35][36]
Kamiel in Vuur en Vlam, a one-shot comic book about fire prevention by Marc Daniels [37] and Rik De Wulf, starring Kamiel Spiessens, a comedic character created by Flemish comedian Chris Van den Durpel.[38]
Katastroof, a humor comic about the local Antwerp band Katastroof written by Tom Metdepenningen,[39] a member of the group.
#Like Me, a humorous comic based on the children's TV show of the same name, written by Tom Bouden, Joyce Beullens and drawn by Michaël Vincent.[40]
Marc Coucke, a humorous adventure comic based on business man and sports chairman Marc Coucke, written by Leon and drawn by Steve Van Bael.[13]
Het Manneke, a gag-a-day comic (1962) about the popular TV sketch show Het Manneke, written by the actor himself, Jef Cassiers, and drawn by PIL[41] and later Marc Payot.[42]
Margriet Hermans, a humor comic (1993) about singer and TV presenter Margriet Hermans, written by Peter Verbelen and drawn by Erik Vancoillie.[43]
Mega Mindy, a humor adventure comic (2007–2009) based on the popular children's TV show Mega Mindy, drawn by Charel Cambré.[12]
Merlina, an adventure comic (1986) based on the popular children's TV show Merlina [nl], written by Dick Durver (pseudonym for singer and Vlaams Belang politician Jef Elbers, who was also the TV series' script writer) and drawn by Danny De Haes.[44]
M-Kids, a humor adventure comic (2002–2004) based on the girl group M-Kids, written by Jan Ruysbergh, drawn by Luc Morjaeu.[19]
Nachtwacht, a fantasy comic by Peter van Gucht and Steve Van Bael, based on the eponymous children's TV series.[13]
Papa Chico, a children's comic about TV clown Papa Chico, written by Tony and drawn by Tody.[45]
De Pfaffs, a humor adventure comic (2003–2004) based on the reality TV series De Pfaffs, written by Ronald Grossey and drawn by Charel Cambré.[12]
Piet Piraat, a children's comic (2002-2012), based on the TV series Piet Piraat, written and drawn by Wim Swerts and Luc Van Asten.[35][36]
De Planckaerts, a humor comic (2003) based on the reality TV series De Planckaerts about former cyclist Eddy Planckaert and his family.[13]
Samson en Gert, a humor adventure comic (1993–2005) based on the children's TV show Samson en Gert, drawn and written by Wim Swerts[16] and Jean-Pol.[34] Wim Swerts and Luc Van Asten [35][36]
Slache, a humor adventure comic (1939-1941) based on the vaudeville and radio sketch comedy character Slache, developed by comedian Marcel Antoine. [46]
Spring!, a humor adventure comic (2004–2007) based on the children's TV show Spring, written by Luc Morjaeu[19] and drawn by Charel Cambré.[12]
De Strangers, a humor comic (1984) about the Flemish comedic band De Strangers, written by Patrick Vermeir, drawn by Dirk Stallaert.[47]
De avonturen van Tommeke, a humor comic (2007–2008) based on the cyclist Tom Boonen, written by Ivan Claeys and drawn by Patrick Van Oppen.[48]
Urbanus, a humor comic (1982) based on the popular comedian Urbanus, written by himself[24] and drawn by Willy Linthout.[49] It has been in continuous syndication since 1982, making it the longest-running and best-selling celebrity comic of Flanders and in the world.
Van Rossem, a semi-satirical comic (1991–1992) based on the politician and economist Jean-Pierre Van Rossem who also wrote the scripts. The drawings were made by Erik Meynen.[50]
Vertongen & Co, a humor comic (2011), based on the children's TV show Vertongen & Co, written by Hec Leemans,[20] drawn by Luc Van Asten and Wim Swerts.[16]
W817, a humor comic (2003–2011) based on the children's TV show W817, written by Hec Leemans[20] and Tom Bouden[15] and drawn by Luc Van Asten and Wim Swerts.[16]
Wendy Van Wanten, a humor comic about the pin-up model Wendy Van Wanten (1992), written by Tony Beirens and drawn by Yurg.[51]
X!NK, an adventure comic (2004–2006) based on the music band X!nk, written and drawn by Mario Boon.[52]
Zappy Max, a humor comic (1959–1960), based on the popular radio presenter Zappy Max, written and drawn by Maurice Tillieux.[53]
Zornik, a humor comic (2005) about the Belgian rock band Zornik, written by Mario Boon[52] and drawn by Freek van Haagen.
Senninha, a motorsports comics by Rogério Martins and Ridaut Dias Jr., based on legendary Brazilian motor racer Ayrton Senna. It was first published before his tragic death and kept being published for several years afterwards.
Cico e Pallina, a late 1930s, early 1940s gag comic, based on two characters from the radio show Terziglio. The series is notable for having been drawn by Federico Fellini, long before he became a famous film director.[78]
La Cicciolina, a 1980s erotic comics series by Giovanni Romanini and Lucio Filippucci, based on Hungarian-Italian porn actress and politician La Cicciolina.[79][80]
Criche e Croc, 1940s comics based on the Hollywood comedy duo Laurel & Hardy, drawn by Dino Attanasio[77] and Andrea Da Passano,[81] among others.
La Genesi di Freak, a 2008-2009 comics series by Roberto Antoni, Stefano Ianne and Marcello Albano based on Roberto "Freak" Antoni himself, lead singer of the comedy punk band Skiantos.[82]
Roberto & C., a 1981 comic by Enrico Borgatti and Sergio Corteggi about actor and comedian Roberto Benigni.[83]
Santo, el Enmascarado de Plata, a superhero comic (1952) based on the legendary Mexican wrestler El Santo, written by José Guadalupe Cruz.[85]
The Netherlands
AbsolutLee, based on the popular singer Lee Towers, written and drawn by Rob Derks. It was eventually cancelled because Towers had not given any permission for the work.[86]
Bart de Graaff, a humor comic based on Dutch TV presenter Bart de Graaff, written and drawn by Rudi Jonker.[90]
Bassie en Adriaan, a children's humor-and-adventure comic (1983–1985) based on the popular children's duo Bassie en Adriaan, written by Aad van Toor (who plays Adriaan) and drawn by Frans Verschoor.[91]
Billie Ritchie en Zijn Ezel, a humor comic book by David Bueno de Mesquita about Scottish film comedian Billie Ritchie, which was the first Dutch celebrity comic ever.[92]
Jenny van As, a comic strip about tour guide Jenny van As, written and drawn by Richard Bijloo.[99]
Juul Deeldert, a comic strip based on jazz poet Jules Deelder, illustrated by Vick Debergh.[100]
Hermanus, a celebrity comic based on comedian and musician Herman van Veen, portrayed as his clown character. The series was drawn by Jan Bart Dieperink.[101]
Made in Dollland, a 2010 humor comic based on Dutch transvestite Dolly Bellefleur. It is drawn by Wilbert van der Steen and written by Bellefleur.[102]
Meneer Bres, a 1998 humor comic based on panelist Henk Bres in the talk show Het Lagerhuis, made by Richard and Aad Bijloo.[99]
Meneer Van Looij, a humor comic based on an advertising character for insurance company Reaal. It was written by Hanco Kolk and drawn by Eric Heuvel.[103]
Nick & Simon, a humor comic based on the singing duo Nick & Simon,[104] drawn by Comicup Studio and written by Jos Beekman,[105] Frank Jonker, Thom Roep,[106] Bas Schuddeboom[107] and Ruud Straatman.
Ome Henk, based on the comedy records by Frank van der Plas, drawn by Leo de Veld.[108]
Ome Keesje, a humor comic based on the radio character Kees Mulder from the popular radio play De Familie Mulder, written by the actor himself, Willem van Cappellen, and drawn by Henk Zwart.[109]
Oppassen!!!, a humor comic (1997) based on the popular Dutch comedy series Oppassen!, written and drawn by Bert Witte. A notable aspect about this comic was that all the characters were anthropomorphized as animals.[110]
Piet Paulusma, based on the popular TV weather man, written and drawn by Piet Voordes.[111]
Pipo de Clown, based on the popular TV children's show Pipo de Clown, written by Wim Meuldijk[112] and drawn by Jan van der Voo.[113]
Purno de Purno, based on the cult children's TV series, scripted by Mischa Oudwater and drawn by Leo de Veld.[108]
Radio Bergeijk, based on the popular radio show Radio Bergeijk, written and drawn by Jeroen de Leijer.[114]
Rockin' Belly, based on the lead singer of the Dutch punk band De Rockin' Belly Bende, by René Windig and Eddie de Jong. Incidentally, Windig was also the harmonica player in this band.[115]
Royaal Modaal, a 2003 web comic about the Dutch royal family, drawn by Ruud Straatman.[116]
Sjef van Oekel, a humor comic based on the comedic character played by Dolf Brouwers, written by his script writer Wim T. Schippers and drawn by Theo van den Boogaard. The comic was notable for running more than two decades, long after the character had disappeared from television, and was even popular in English and French translations, despite the fact that the character was unknown there. But in the early 1990s Brouwers sued, causing the series to tone down its vulgar comedy and give him part of its financial share.[117]
Swiebertje, based on the popular children's TV series Swiebertje, drawn by Gerrit Stapel.[96]
Toen Was Geluk Nog Heel Gewoon, based on the popular TV sitcom of the same name, written by Hanco Kolk and drawn by Eric Heuvel.[103]
De Wadders by Henk Tol, based on a radio play of the same name.[119]
Portugal
Laurel & Hardy, a local comic strip about the U.S. comedy duo Laurel & Hardy by Óskar Pinto Lobo created in the 1930s. American publishers eventually forced him to discontinue it.[120]
Spain
Una aventura con Félix, el amigo de los animales by Carlos Guirado, an educational comics series based on the popularity of wildlife presenter Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente.[121]
Charlot, a comic about Hollywood comedian Charlie Chaplin, drawn by C. Rojo for the magazine Charlot.[122]
La Família Sistacs, a comic strip based on the radio show La Família Sistacs, written and drawn by the show's host Valentí Castanys Borràs.[123]
Gaby, Fofó, Miliki y Milikito, a children's comic (1971) based on the Spanish comedy troupe Los Payasos de la Tele, drawn by Argentinean comics artist Felix Saborido.[9]
Sweden
Live englit Rosa, a 2003-2008 comic series, scripted by Måns Gahrton and Johan Unenge, based on the Swedish drama series of the same name .[124]
Osynliga Klubben, a 1959 comic book series by Torvald Sundbaum based on the Swedish radio series of the same name.[125]
United Kingdom
Abbott & Costello, comics about the Hollywood comedy duo Abbott & Costello, written and drawn by Walter Bell,[126] George William Wakefield [127] and Norman Yendell Ward.[128]
The Comical Capers of Billie Reeves, the Scream of the Screen (1916), a humor comic about musical hall star and film comedian Billie Reeves, written and drawn by Louis Briault.[139]
Crossroads, a daily drama comic (1972-1973), based on the soap opera Crossroads, written and drawn by Alfred Mazure.[140]
Dan Leno's Journal, a magazine (1898–1899) based on the popularity of music hall comedian Dan Leno, who also wrote the gags. The drawings were made by Tom Browne.[3] Frank Holland also made The Leno Kids for the same magazine, which is the first juvenile version of a celebrity comic in history.[141]
Laurel & Hardy, comics about the Hollywood comedy duo Laurel & Hardy, written and drawn by John McClusky,[143] George William Wakefield [127] and Terence Wakefield,[144] among others.
Ovaltiney's Own Comic, a comics series and entire magazine, based on the radio show Ovaltiney's Concert Party, drawn by artists like Harry Banger, Bert Hill, S.K. Perkins, G. Larkman and Harry Hemsley.[148]
Radio Fun, an entire magazine (1938–1961) featuring comics about radio actors and comedians.
Gen13, issue #13C (October 1996; written by Brandon Choi, J. Scott Campbell and Jim Lee; drawn by J. Scott Campbell) features a cameo guest appearance by Anthony Robbins.
W.C. Fields, a 1982-1983 newspaper comic by Frank Smith [198] and Jim Smart, based on comedian W.C. Fields. Later Fields' grandson Ronald Fields took over the script, while Fred Fredericks provided the drawings.[199]
