Giving paleontologists conniption attacks
Another classic strip I would like to see get a big revival. Perhaps a Hollywood movie, whether a clunker or not, would at least get a few reprint albums in the book stores and mentions of the original comic in the newspapers and magazines. Alley Oop reminds me of Popeye, in so many ways (aside from the grotesque forearms and lower legs... I mean, what is up with that?). Both characters were tough, no-nonsense brawlers who nevertheless had good hearts and stood by their friends. They had recognizable personalities. Both ALLEY OOP and THIMBLE THEATRE shared the same just-right mix of adventure, slapstick and cast interactions. Popeye sailed the oceans looking for treasure or adventure, Oop roamed through time via Dr Wongmug's time machine. I'd say EC Segar was a better storyteller on the whole (he had a sense of dark poetry and whimsy that VT Hamlin didn't show).
Anyway, I love the little touches here, like the goofy expression on the pterodactyl's face in the first panel and the way Oop tosses a rock down at the dinosaurs for no good reason, like a little kid stirring things up. And it's great that Oop and the other Moovians were stilted at all.. they spoke in relaxed, slangy English.
Anyway, I love the little touches here, like the goofy expression on the pterodactyl's face in the first panel and the way Oop tosses a rock down at the dinosaurs for no good reason, like a little kid stirring things up. And it's great that Oop and the other Moovians were stilted at all.. they spoke in relaxed, slangy English.