Henry Comics with Black Themes
We have had the good fortune to acquire a supply of newspaper
comic weekly proof sheets. They date from 1936 to 1941. The comic
strips on each page are "Henry" by Carl Anderson and
"The Pussycat Princess" by Ed. Anthony, drawn by Ruth
Carrol. Each proof sheet is different and has been folded in the
middle. Some have thumbtack holes at the top and bottom from their
use at the paper. Size 17 1/2" x 24".
Both of these comic strips are King Features Syndicate.
Four of these sheets portray Henry and black children and
adults. They exhibit the stereotypical views of blacks at that
time in our history.
March 16, 1941
November 14, 1937
Henry dresses for a masquerade party as devil. He walks down
the street then drops down a manhole to avoid an angry dog. He
resurfaces and frightens a "Stephin Fetchit"-like black
man. Click to view (Stock number
003Henry111437) $50.00
July 9, 1939
Henry creates seesaw with sawhorse and board. Two young blacks
jump over the wall, jumping on end of seesaw. Henry flies up.
On his return to the seesaw the boys are launched over the wall.
"Us Doan Wanna Play in Yo Yahd, Nohow" SOLD
October 22, 1939
Henry takes bath then walks down street to an antique shop.
He looks into mirror and sees himself as a black. Henry runs home
and bathes again. He returns to the antique shop, looks in the
mirror and sees the same black image. He then pulls out a lollipop
and a black boy in identical clothing steps out of the mirror
frame. "Ah was only foolin' wif yo', Henry -- Ah'm Powe'ful
sorry yo had to take two baths!!" Click to view
(Stock number 003Hen102239) $50.00
March 16, 1941
Henry is walking and meets a crying black child with kinky
hair. The child wants a milkshake that costs 15 cents. Henry has
empty pockets. Henry ponders and takes the child home for glass
of milk. Henry then connects the child to belt-driven reducing
machine. "Golly Dat Milk Shake is Good" (Pictured
above) (Stock number 003Henry111437) $50.00
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