I mentioned it earlier; it looks more and more like it might happen. He meets Phyllis here at the Old Comics Home, and decides to stay as well… I would love to see that closure!
So this link says that the first appearance of Phyllis in the strip was May 29, 1922, so if accurate the picture in panel 1 is an “off-panel” shot. http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=936661
You can see the huge difference in Walt from 1918 to 1919. The original Walt was modeled on Frank King’s real-life brother-in-law, but he evolved into this bean-head type. It took many years for that version to evolve into the one we know today.
By the way, Doc, Avery, and Bill all died, off-panel, quite some time ago.
At this time, Gasoline Alley was a literal alley, which still exists today, in Chicago. In this particular neighborhood, streets and alleys alternate. House fronts are on the streets, and the old stables, later converted into garages, are in back of the houses, with the entrances on the alleys. You parked your car in the garage in the alley, got out, and entered your house through the back door. I know a couple of places in New Jersey where there are still remnants of this plan, but Chicago is the only place I know where it still covers a wide area.
Just how Gasoline Alley moved from Chicago to a suburban town outside Chicago is a mystery, just like how Bangalla (in “The Phantom”) moved from India to Africa.
Do a Google image search for the earliest Gasoline Alley scenes and you’ll see that Jim Scacarelli is so far doing a skillful job of capturing the tone of those old times.
guiowen over 5 years ago
Why doesn’t he just say “That’s Phyllis” ?
khmo over 5 years ago
How neat to see it the way it was! Thanks. I had forgotten Walt’s dixie cup.
Max Starman Jones over 5 years ago
I mentioned it earlier; it looks more and more like it might happen. He meets Phyllis here at the Old Comics Home, and decides to stay as well… I would love to see that closure!
MJ Premium Member over 5 years ago
OK, now Walt looks like Walt. Cool.
DJJG over 5 years ago
Frank King was one of the best, of course—from drawing attire to drawing automobiles to composition—
AnyFace over 5 years ago
Nice of Jim to label everyone for the newbies. ✨
Jogger2 over 5 years ago
I remember Doc and Avery from when I was a kid. I don’t recall Bill.
pony21 Premium Member over 5 years ago
Omigoodness, I am swooning with joy. THIS is what I’ve been waiting for!
Don Bagert Premium Member over 5 years ago
So this link says that the first appearance of Phyllis in the strip was May 29, 1922, so if accurate the picture in panel 1 is an “off-panel” shot. http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=936661
Bob. over 5 years ago
Go here to find a bit of history of the strip. http://www.tcj.com/growing-old-in-gasoline-alley-ninety-four-years-and-counting/alley0002/
JD'Huntsville'AL over 5 years ago
This must be awfully boring for the rest of the attendees.
Brian Premium Member over 5 years ago
As posted the other day, the original Gasoline Alley was a part of a larger comic. The earliest are public domain and collected here:
http://www.carsandracingstuff.com/library/g/gasolinealley.php
John W Kennedy Premium Member over 5 years ago
You can see the huge difference in Walt from 1918 to 1919. The original Walt was modeled on Frank King’s real-life brother-in-law, but he evolved into this bean-head type. It took many years for that version to evolve into the one we know today.
By the way, Doc, Avery, and Bill all died, off-panel, quite some time ago.
At this time, Gasoline Alley was a literal alley, which still exists today, in Chicago. In this particular neighborhood, streets and alleys alternate. House fronts are on the streets, and the old stables, later converted into garages, are in back of the houses, with the entrances on the alleys. You parked your car in the garage in the alley, got out, and entered your house through the back door. I know a couple of places in New Jersey where there are still remnants of this plan, but Chicago is the only place I know where it still covers a wide area.
Just how Gasoline Alley moved from Chicago to a suburban town outside Chicago is a mystery, just like how Bangalla (in “The Phantom”) moved from India to Africa.
denis1519 over 5 years ago
Do a Google image search for the earliest Gasoline Alley scenes and you’ll see that Jim Scacarelli is so far doing a skillful job of capturing the tone of those old times.