The stories of Chip ‘n’ Dale are all about friendship, loyalty, and the sheer power of a teamwork based in personal sacrifice. In addition to these sterling qualities, the pair of chipmunks accomplished things through a near-psychic communication (despite a mutual inability to pronounce linking verbs).
Harvey Eisenberg was the finest artist for the pair. The legendary cartoonist had the secret of Funny Animal cartooning: Cute but not cloying. I best love his work with Hanna-Barbara Studios (which we will get to before long), but his perfect panel composition is more than evident here. He did the cover as well.
This is from Chip ‘n’ Dale No. 10, June 1957. All scans are from my own comic.
Harvey Eisenberg was the finest artist for the pair. The legendary cartoonist had the secret of Funny Animal cartooning: Cute but not cloying. I best love his work with Hanna-Barbara Studios (which we will get to before long), but his perfect panel composition is more than evident here. He did the cover as well.
This is from Chip ‘n’ Dale No. 10, June 1957. All scans are from my own comic.
More Eisenberg from front and back inside covers. Cute, you bet; but no saccharine here. Ah, such beautiful work – each panel with just exactly enough.
This from the same issue. This eye-catcher is typical for Schwinn from the era. Is it any wonder a Schwinn was the only choice for cool kids? The Mark II Jaguar sported 3-speed Sturmey-Archer gearshift, a streamlined tank, and a deluxe two-toned saddle. Dang!
That bit where Dale pretends to be Peg-Leg Pete's GUN is classic ! (I think something similar appeared in an animated cartoon... scanning memory banks...*)
ReplyDeleteLysdexicuss: I know! That 5 or 6 panel sequence made me chuckle out loud - starting with Chip dropping the six-gun. "uh-oh. Must be the posse! says Pete as the bullet Zings through his hat. Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think I'm getting a memory of a cartoon with a similar moment now, too. Maybe a Warner's with Daffy and Elmer? -- Mykal
A classic! You know I don't ever remember the duo talking this way in the cartoons? Did they? Also, in the toons Dale is always the dumb one; here, they're both competent.
ReplyDeleteI love how they all Black Pete: "Meany Man."
R/E: No, in the cartoons, they had slightly "alvinized" voices, perfect diction, and were overly polite to one another - "After you, I insist!" Oh, no, no, no - after you!".
ReplyDeleteyeah, Everything Eisenberg did has the classic look and feel. Great artist. -- Mykal
Even as an artist myself, I have had a rather narrow focus concerning what I liked and didn't like. Over the years I have grown to appreciate more varied styles of art - years ago I never would have looked at these kids comics and wouldn't have expected to see such talented artists...thanks for helping widen my scope, Mykal! I enjoyed the work of Eisenberg here. I can add him to my ever-growing list of faves...Cool!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I like the ads you highlight ...brings back those nostalgic memories, boy!
Apocolyte: I'm really glad that I can share these great artists with you, and I'm thrilled that you are liking them. I love this stuff!
ReplyDeleteAnd, yeah, I get a thrill out of the ads myself. -- Mykal
Awesome comic! Thanks for posting that!
ReplyDeleteJamie: My pleasure, Sir! Thanks for stopping by. -- Mykal
ReplyDeleteI like the story, but these two one-page strips are really great! Cute, sure. Really cute. No problem, I confess they really gets to me emotionally. Mostly the first one. I see in there a melancholic shade which gets me warm enough to spend the night!
ReplyDeleteGabriel: I agree, those B&W inside covers are great. They tell so much in so few panels, plus you get to see the artist's ink line so much clearer! - Mykal
ReplyDeleteHey, what a great blog!
ReplyDeleteI am going to scour this later and steal some of your images to talk about 'em.
If you don't mind.
I'll link back to yu of course.
Thanks!
John: I would be honored, my friend! Swipe away for all to enjoy! I can't wait to read your thoughts on this stuff. - Mykal
ReplyDeleteMykal, Somehow I totally missed this! And after requesting Chip 'N' Dale, too. I think Lysdexicus is right. I think there is a Chip 'N' Dale short where they steal Black Pete's gun and Dale subs for it. But I know the WB cartoon you're talking about, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this!
Aaron: So you were the one! I had a memory that Chip -N- Dale was requested, but I couldn't remember who (I normally make a note in my notebook by my computer about such requests, but I couldn't find a reference to it). I'm glad you spoke up, and I'm glad I was able to get this Chip -N- Dale your way !-- Mykal
ReplyDeleteWAY late on this one, me.
ReplyDeleteThe Chip 'n' Dale cartoon in which a chipmunk substitutes for Pete's gun is THE LONE CHIPMUNKS, on which this comic book story was directly based. Other gags from the comic are also here (though I like the comic better):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuKpmMKRx-o
Mykal, the business you mention of the 'munks saying "After you... no, after you" is really Warner Bros' Goofy Gophers, similar but unrelated characters.
Ramapith: Of course. The Goofy Gophers! I always did mix the two teams up. Thanks for the info, and thanks for the link and the expertise.
ReplyDeleteChip & Dale are soooo CUTE! I love the way they talk. ("Me help that possum. There! That better." Adorable!) :)
ReplyDeleteMuito bom.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDelete