Comic Strips/Books and Illinois: A Living History with Steve Harrick

Illinois has frequently served as a locus for the history of comic strips and books. Creators have lived here, publishers have set up shop here, important events have occurred here—while Chicagoland birthed memorable characters (Dick Tracy, Blondie, Brenda Starr), downstate has also made lasting contributions to the culture as well (Popeye, Black Panther, The Phantom). From Hollywood, Broadway, the Mafia and the King of England, Illinois cartoonists/publishers/printers/educators have nurtured an entire industry, thereby demonstrating the importance of Illinois to the history and medium of comics.