After 70 years in the newspaper biz, Brenda Starr, Reporter is being retired by the Chicago Tribune. Writer, Mary Schmich and artist, June Brigman have decided to call it quits. Rather than find a new team, the Tribune has decided to cancel the strip. (I knew I should have finished that two year script! Brenda would have had story lines FOREVER! Starr Twinkle! Basil! Hank! B-Bomb! Pesky! Merrie Ryder! Wanda Fonda & Sage, etc. Didn't want to draw it --- just wanted to write it!) But, our beloved red headed reporter will not be forgotten. She is being commemorated in a new hard backed, full color compilation series of Sunday and Daily strips by Hermes Press in June 2011.
I have been wanting to write about Brenda on this blog for AGES, but every time I started --- I would honestly just get overwhelmed. Like now. She had SO much history. SO many adventures. So much of it SO incredible. She influenced me SO much in my life as a storyteller and cartoonist. I just wanted to do her justice. In the end, I don't know if I can. But, I will try. This is just a tid bit. Brenda's creator, Dale Messick was a genius (1906 - 2005). She changed her name from Dalia in order to get in the door and prove that a strong female lead could head a strip. Originally, Brenda was supposed to be a girl pirate. But, I'm glad that changed. She evolved into the glamorous red headed reporter that chased story after story, helped people, solved problems, then eventually met her Mystery Man. (Now ... she chased him for over 30 years, but still ... So, hang in there, gurls!) I hate to see her go, but I'm happy she's actually not going anywhere. Dale ... you did good, girl. It's about time you got more props. This is just the beginning !Brenda Starr, Reporter
Being saved by The Mystery Man
Basil St. John
Trying to ditch a potential beau, Timber Woods.
Tears and regrets. Always. A gal can't wait forever.
A red head gone fiery!
Oh, that Brenda! What have you done now?!?
Liz Cleaver pretending to be Libby Lipps, another hater after our Brenda.
Prof. Dan Dalivar discovering that Brenda will always love her Mystery Man.
More haters!
The life of a glamorous red head.
Wrong, but honest reflection.
Hands off, Dr. Dell! Our Brenda ain't having it!
Another Mystery Man wannabe. Don't fall for it, Brenda!
Gasp! Our Brenda in another predicament!
Like a pro, her next step is to interview him!
Make-over madness!
Merrie Ryder, a little girl grown up to find woman problems!
Never ride while angry.
A familiar culprit: amnesia!
Clever Brenda helping another hater!
That's right! A woman's in charge!
Using what she has to find her Mystery Man --- again!
And, finally getting him: Mr. & Mrs. Basil St. John!
And the birth of their daughter, Starr Twinkle!
The story I remembered first --- Galaxy Gal!
Losing her Mystery Man to the Bermuda Triangle in a hot air balloon.
More to come!
