"This second volume in Fantagraphics' projected 12-volume reprinting of the syndicated Pogo strip introduces one of Walt Kelly's greatest recurring storylines: our possum hero's ever-reluctant quadrennial run for president ... Okefenokee Swamp grows ever more populated with the addition of, among others, the sinister duo of Sarcophagus MacAbre and Wiley Catt (intent on dining on turtle soup--or, failing that, mushrat stew); the disruptive Cowbirds; Tammanany Tiger, the ultimate political animal; and an obstreperous new porkypine who briefly displaces the old one. Also in this volume: a poetry contest involving a Rhyming Worm; bird-watching with the Bats; a journey to Mars; Albert's exoneration from the charge of cannibalism; a parody of Little Orphan Annie featuring Houn'dog and Pogo as 'Lil'l Arf and Nonny'; two slightly twisted fairytales, 'Handle and Gristle' and 'Goldie Lox'; Howland Owl and Churchy La Femme's career as dentists; and of course a few rousing seasonal choruses of 'Deck Us All With Boston Charlie.' This volume features two full years' worth of meticulously-restored Pogo strips, including dailies and (for the first time in 60 years in their original, spectacular color) Sundays--plus informative story notes by historian R.C. Harvey, archival reproductions of original Kelly art, and a new introduction by the legendary satirist and friend of Walt's, Stan Freberg"--Front jacket flap.… (more) |