Our Favorite Sandwich Maker and His Beloved Blondie Came To Life 84 Years Ago Today

Even if you’ve never had flowing locks of golden hair nor composed a sandwich piled with more than two armfuls of ingredients, there still should be an appreciation of the historic comic strip that debuted on September 8, 1930.  

Blondie made its debut in newspapers many years ago and ever since people have lived vicariously through the exploits of the Bumstead family.  For every time boss man Julius C. Dithers left his mark with a kick to the rump roast or that lost tool never came back from neighbor Herb Woodley we were left with full a compliment (or should I say condiment) of fun and smiles when Dagwood came home to plan a big SMACK on the lips of his beloved Blondie.

According to his Wikipedia entry, artist Chic Young devised the Blondie concept after a six-year run of another successful strip called Dumb Dora.  Failed contract negotiations for the “Dora” character led to the enduring family with children Alexander and Cookie.  Although there was a year hiatus for Chic after his son in real life died of diphtheria in 1937.

Blondie’s success parlayed into radio, television and film deals through the 50’s and 60’s.  Even though creator Chic died in 1972, son Dean Young still writes the strip today with illustrations provided by Dean Young and John Marshall.

Just don't confuse the ageless cartoon edition with Deborah Harry who carried the moniker during pop success in the 1980's.