Nancy
By Olivia Jaimes | 4.7K FollowersAbout Nancy
For nearly 100 years, there have been daily smiles and laughs, comic books, animated cartoons, and affection for this little whirlwind in a plaid skirt! Aside from a brief pause in the early 1930s, this beloved comic strip has been running in print since 1922. It currently appears in more than 100 newspapers. The strip started under the name "Fritzi Ritz" in 1922 by Larry Whittington, who wrote and drew the comic for United Feature Syndicate. Mr. Whittington left the strip in 1925, and Ernie Bushmiller's long tenure as the strip's creator began.
In 1933, Fritzi’s niece, Nancy, made her first appearance in the comic. Nancy was such a fan favorite that by 1938, the comic’s name was changed from “Fritzi Ritz” to “Nancy” to honor the shift in emphasis. Olivia Jaimes took over the strip in 2018 until her retirement in September 2025. The newest creator, Caroline Cash, will start her tenure on Jan. 1, 2026.
To read “Nancy” from its Ernie Bushmiller heyday, check out “Nancy Classics.”
Meet Olivia Jaimes
Not much is known about Olivia Jaimes, the reclusive cartoonist behind "Nancy" as of April 2018. Her work revitalizing the strip has garnered accolades from publications including New York Magazine, Vice, the A.V. Club, and more.
Cast of Characters
Nancy
Nancy is more than an icon. She's a girl with strong opinions, and she wants to be a famous artist. She loves video games and ice cream and is constantly finding ways to make her laziness work for her.
Aunt Fritzi
Aunt Fritzi is Nancy's caretaker, and it's a full-time job staying ahead of all of the schemes Nancy's always concocting. Aunt Fritzi is a responsible adult who just wants the best for her irrepressible niece.
Sluggo
Sluggo is Nancy's best friend. He's a thoughtful companion who tries his best to be a supportive pal. He is often tricked by Nancy.