In 1929, E.C. Segar introduced Popeye in his Thimble Theatre comic strip. After Segar died of leukemia in 1938, the Popeye strip was scripted by Tom Sims, who lived in Ohatchee, Alabama. Doc Winner (1884-1956), who worked in the King Features bullpen, illustrated the strip until the 1938 arrival of Bela Zaboly, aka Bill Zaboly (1910-1985). Sims and Zaboly teamed on the strip from 1938 to 1955. Zaboly continued until 1958 when Bud Sagendorf (1915-1994) took over. The current run of the strip consists of Sagendorf reprints. Zaboly also continued Segar's Sappo topper strip. For more Sappo, go to Stripper's Guide. Zaboly's illustrated signature used the initials "BZ" with the "B" formed by the wings of a bee.
December 2, 1951
July 1, 1947
In 1941, Zaboly gave demonstrations
and showed students how to draw Popeye.
Bela used to work for me and my studio in Cleveland during the 50's as a art salesman and a friend. I was owner of Alan Junkins Studio in the Caxton building for approx. 10 years. Bela was a great comic strip artist and a good friend. I have a photograph of him in my studio. I think of him often.
ReplyDeleteAlan Junkins, 12/24/11
Alan: I'd love to feature that photo or anything else related to Bela on my blog: http://sekvenskonst.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteIf you read this please get in touch with me:
sekvenskonst at telia dot com
/Joakim, also a fan of Bela Zabolys work.