What is going on in this picture, and what is a double ripper? Is the goose singing and everyone is running away because his singing is so bad? I don’t get it.
Thats the problem with some of these really old comics – the cultural references have often been lost over the last century. Take “Little Nemo” – the most common punch line always has something to do with Welsh Rarebit causing his dreams. So what’s the deal with Welsh Rarebit – melted cheese on toast – that makes it supposedly funny?
well, to use a well-worn phrase, times change.imagine some of today’s references appearing in newspapers just 30 years ago…..for example, the social media explosion with all of its peculiar terms (tweet, twitter, yelp, google, HDTV), personal computer references ,etc etc……it wouldn’t be funny, because nobody would have a clue to me, the most appreciative aspect to get out of these hundred year old strips is the art itself
I really am learning so much and gaining so much appreciation for how comics developed to now and the early comics in their own right – this strip is great!!
“Father Goose” was co-created by L. Frank Baum and Denslow in “Father Goose: His Book”, a book of original nursery rhymes by Baum with illustrations by Denslow. By modern standards, it’s pretty thin stuff, but it was a bestseller, and propelled the publication of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, their next collaboration.
“Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend” was a separate strip by the creator of “Little Nemo”. The Rarebit Fiend was an adult, not a child.
Welsh Rarebit (or Welsh Rabbit, to give it its real name) is thick and greasy, not the sort of thing you want to eat before sleep.
Buzza Wuzza over 10 years ago
Another really great artist that seems to be forgotten in the books on old strips! I hope you continue this feature a long time.
Atanwat over 10 years ago
The fine print in the headline says “For Key to the Characters in This Picture See Page 3.” How about scanning page 3 and sharing that with us, too?
davidf42 over 10 years ago
What is going on in this picture, and what is a double ripper? Is the goose singing and everyone is running away because his singing is so bad? I don’t get it.
Dampwaffle over 10 years ago
Thats the problem with some of these really old comics – the cultural references have often been lost over the last century. Take “Little Nemo” – the most common punch line always has something to do with Welsh Rarebit causing his dreams. So what’s the deal with Welsh Rarebit – melted cheese on toast – that makes it supposedly funny?
Nighthawks Premium Member over 10 years ago
well, to use a well-worn phrase, times change.imagine some of today’s references appearing in newspapers just 30 years ago…..for example, the social media explosion with all of its peculiar terms (tweet, twitter, yelp, google, HDTV), personal computer references ,etc etc……it wouldn’t be funny, because nobody would have a clue to me, the most appreciative aspect to get out of these hundred year old strips is the art itself
ARTYEFF over 10 years ago
double-ripper according to google search is a bob-sled made by mounting a plank between two coaster sleds, allowing many passengers…
SKJAM! Premium Member over 10 years ago
The pirate fellow must be cold in his flowing shorts!
1MadHat Premium Member over 10 years ago
I love the cloud mustache on the moon!
riahdomhan over 10 years ago
I really am learning so much and gaining so much appreciation for how comics developed to now and the early comics in their own right – this strip is great!!
John W Kennedy Premium Member over 10 years ago
“Father Goose” was co-created by L. Frank Baum and Denslow in “Father Goose: His Book”, a book of original nursery rhymes by Baum with illustrations by Denslow. By modern standards, it’s pretty thin stuff, but it was a bestseller, and propelled the publication of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, their next collaboration.
“Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend” was a separate strip by the creator of “Little Nemo”. The Rarebit Fiend was an adult, not a child.
Welsh Rarebit (or Welsh Rabbit, to give it its real name) is thick and greasy, not the sort of thing you want to eat before sleep.
cwreenactor over 10 years ago
The double ripper refers to the sled.