George Herriman Krazy Kat Original Art (June 23, 1918)

This original Sunday comic strip artwork by George Herriman, dated June 23, 1918, showcases the classic trio of Krazy Kat, Ignatz Mouse, and Offisa Pupp in a surreal desert landscape. Measuring 17" x 12", the strip is an outstanding example of Herriman’s use of scratchy vistas, whimsical dialogue, and inventive layouts. In this episode, Ignatz’s superstition and humorous pursuit of “advice” lead to two iconic brick-throwing panels—a hallmark of the strip’s playful yet introspective tone. The art exhibits the poetically fractured language, shifting backgrounds, and emotionally resonant storytelling that made Krazy Kat a favorite of both mainstream readers and elite intellectuals. Despite some light aging and restoration, the piece retains its bold inks and dreamlike charm.

Krazy Kat is widely regarded as one of America’s greatest comic strips, influencing visual art, literature, and later generations of cartoonists. Herriman, himself of mixed African American descent, created a work that both transformed the comic medium and subtly commented on issues of identity, love, and societal norms through surreal humor and deep emotional intelligence. The strip ran from 1913 to 1944 and was beloved by luminaries such as William Randolph Hearst, President Woodrow Wilson, and artists like Picasso and E.E. Cummings. This 1918 piece is especially significant for its early date, representing Krazy Kat’s golden era and the lasting innovation Herriman brought to American art and storytelling.