Topps #21: Evolution of a Wacky

Here's a step-by-step series showing how this Wacky Package was created. After I wrote this gag, I assembled a folder of reference images.

Windy’s (Frosty container has logo; girl has pigtails flying and she is ¾ upside down in logo circle) Added image outside logo shows tornado ripping roof off fast-food joint with Windy’s sign. Girl is also in swirling debris with balloon, “Beef!? Where’s the roof?” Top of cup crops off tornado. Bottom of cup crops off Clara Peller, who is holding a burger bun and has balloon, “Beef!? Where’s the roof?” Windy girl at top could be upside down and cropped at chest.  Logo design in center could be tilted as if it is also in tornado debris. This format will allow characters to be seen fairly large.

         

I emailed the gag and reference to ace cartoonist Jim McDermott, who did this rough.

 On phone we discussed the crowded layout. Jim did another rough, repositioning items.

                                    I used Photoshop to color Jim's rough.

Before the Wacky series was published, Dan Piraro used a similar gag in Bizarro.

John Zeleznik did the final painting.

I prefer our layout which shows the entire front wall, making it more identifiable.