How to Be a Hogan's Alley Cartoon Fan

Hogan's Alley was created when Joseph Pulitzer, owner of the "New York World" newspaper purchased a press to print artwork in his newspaper. The effort failed, but an associate suggested to Pulitzer that he use the press to print comic art. The newspaper comic strip was born, and Pulitzer hired cartoonist Richard Felton Outcault who developed "Down in Hogan's Alley" along with its principal character "The Yellow Kid." The cartoon depicts life in the slums of New York around the late 1800s. Read on to learn how to be a Hogan's Alley cartoon fan.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Collect books on classic cartoon art. Most will cover "The Yellow Kid" and "Hogan's Alley" in depth. You can also buy books devoted entirely to the cartoon.

2. Check out the R. F. Outcault Society's Yellow Kid Site which has information on the author, "The Yellow Kid" and memorabilia for the serious collector.

3. Look for posters and original prints from R. F. Outcault in the Library of Congress in the "American Treasures" section.

4. Start a cartoon card collection with pictures taken from the comic strip. You can buy these on eBay. Most of the cards are knock-offs, but vintage "Yellow Kid" cards do exist. Check The-Forum website for vintage cards from the late 1800s that were included with Adams' Yellow Kid Chewing Gum.

5. Watch for a poster with 36 "Yellow Kid" art cards printed on the front, and detailed information about each card on the back.

6. Join a cartoon club online so you can interact with others who share your passion for Hogan's Alley.

Tips & Warnings

• The Yellow Kid did not communicate using the "speech balloon" we see in comics today. His messages were displayed on his yellow nightshirt.
• If you choose to frame a Hogan's Alley poster of cartoon cards, make a copy of the information printed on the back of the poster so you don't lose it once the poster is framed.

Resources

• The R. F. Outcault Society's Yellow Kid Site
• Website That Sells Vintage Cartoon Memorabilia