Nancy Wears Hats

by Ernie Bushmiller

The cartoonist Ernie Bushmiller stated that his beloved Nancy was created for “the gum chewers” and not the “caviar eaters,” and this new collection of classic Nancy comic strips is perfect for gum chewers of all ages! Featuring over 300 comic strips, Nancy Wears Hats is a hilarious introduction to the timeless classic, beloved by generation after generation of children and adults. Nancy, along with on-and-off again boyfriend Sluggo, deliver absurd laughs panel after panel, all rendered in Bushmiller’s chiseled cartoon perfection that feels untethered to time or place. An acknowledged masterpiece of humor and cartooning, Nancy’s brand of lowbrow absurdism and unexpected visual delights have held sway over generations of early readers, artists and celebrities, to say nothing of its impact on American culture as a whole! Bushmiller created Nancy from 1938 to 1982, and in recent years, interest in his work has surged to a fever pitch. This volume collects strips from the years 1949–1950, when Bushmiller was cresting to the peak of his powers and presents the work in a fresh and contemporary format that will entertain for ages.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Comix, Comic Strips

216 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2025

About the author

Ernest Paul "Ernie" Bushmiller, Jr. (1905 - 1982) was an American cartoonist, best known for creating the long-running daily comic strip Nancy. Bushmiller's work has been repeatedly addressed by other artists: Andy Warhol made a 1961 painting based on "Nancy"; the artist and poet Joe Brainard made numerous works based on Nancy; and many cartoonists have produced work directly inspired by or commenting on Bushmiller's art, including Art Spiegelman, Bill Griffith, Mark Newgarden and Chris Ware. The American Heritage Dictionary uses a Bushmiller "Nancy" strip to illustrate its entry on "comic strip."

Reviews

[Rick Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new attempt at collecting Ernie Bushmiller's Nancy strips kicks off, starting with this collection of strips from 1949-50 - a period considered to be the height of Bushmiller's output. I've only read some of the earlier Nancy works, so the key difference I've noticed is that the story arcs are a little more curtailed and easier to follow, but also a bit more inventive and absurd at times. Recurring story beats do come up here, like Sluggo needing a job or going on a diet, Fritzi Ritz always shutting down Nancy's requests, and more. The strips have no cohesive continuity like the earlier Bushmiller years did, but nonetheless, reading the strips in the linear chronological order as presented here does establish growing ideas for the direction of the strip. The strips often end with puns and lowbrow gags, some of which aren't necessarily as funny to a modern readership, though the bulk of this collection I'd still classify as timeless work.

Nancy Wears Hats is a great starting point for those willing to try out some of these strips, and a great sampling of Ernie Bushmiller's immense talent as a cartoonist and storyteller.

[no elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

yr scum if u dont love nancy!!

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

two years of nancy strips, 1949-1950. i love her so much

[CHAD HADEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I can say anything about Nancy that hasn't been said by anyone else, I love the absurdity

[Sandbox World · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I cherish most about Ernie Bushmiller’s Nancy is its pure, unfiltered innocence. It’s a delightful escape into a world of simplicity and charm, evoking a deep nostalgia that takes me back to my childhood, when I eagerly collected Bazooka Joe comics. Yet, Nancy elevates that nostalgic joy to something even more special, blending superior artistry with a unique, almost magical quality that feels both timeless and refreshing. Every time a new collected volume of Nancy is released, I find myself compelled to add it to my ever-growing collection. The artwork is not only clever and inventive but also strikingly fresh, resonating with modern audiences who are now embracing a wonderful resurgence of interest in Bushmiller’s work.

Publisher Fantagraphics deserves immense credit for breathing new life into this beloved classic. Through their newly collected ongoing series, they’ve ensured that Ernie Bushmiller’s genius reaches a whole new generation of readers. His art is like a fine wine—it matures beautifully with time, revealing deeper layers of wit, charm, and brilliance. The simplicity of his illustrations, paired with their sharp humor and timeless appeal, continues to captivate audiences, proving that truly great storytelling and artistry are eternal. It’s incredibly heartwarming to see Nancy finding a special place in the hearts of both longtime admirers and newcomers, cementing Bushmiller’s legacy as a true master of the comic strip medium. His work is a testament to the enduring power of creativity, and I’m thrilled to see it celebrated and rediscovered in such a meaningful way.

Beyond its impact on mainstream media, Nancy has also left a significant imprint on the world of fine art. The strip’s bold, graphic style and minimalist aesthetic have drawn admiration from renowned artists, including Andy Warhol, who famously cited Ernie Bushmiller’s work as an influence. Warhol, known for his pop art masterpieces, appreciated the strip’s clean lines, striking visual simplicity, and ability to communicate so effectively with so few elements. This artistic admiration underscores Nancy’s unique position at the intersection of popular culture and high art, bridging the gap between the two in a way that few comic strips have achieved.

Ernie Bushmiller’s Nancy is more than just a comic strip—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Its clever humor, relatable scenarios, and iconic characters have made it a touchstone in pop culture, referenced and parodied in everything from television shows to literature. But what truly sets Nancy apart is its ability to transcend time and medium, appealing to both casual readers and serious artists alike. Whether you’re revisiting the strip for its nostalgic charm or discovering it for the first time, Nancy offers a timeless reminder of the power of simplicity, wit, and creativity.

As Nancy continues to captivate new audiences, it’s clear that Ernie Bushmiller’s legacy is as vibrant as ever. His work has inspired generations of artists, writers, and fans, proving that great art knows no boundaries. With Fantagraphics’ ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Nancy, this classic comic strip is poised to remain a beloved part of our cultural landscape for years to come. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, there’s never been a better time to dive into the delightful world of Nancy and experience the magic of Ernie Bushmiller’s genius. https://sandboxworld.com/fantagraphic...

[Norman Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sometimes it's easier to read Nancy than to not read Nancy." There is definitely something addictive to this comic strip, even though it's not really very funny much of the time. Maybe it's Bushmiller's impeccable draftsmanship. I read Nancy every day out of habit when I was a kid, never really enjoying it, but that was in Bushmiller's twilight years. This collection is mostly from 1949, presumably at Bushmiller's peak. Now, as an adult I can better appreciate the puns and absurdist situations that sometimes break the fourth wall. This collection is a good one for fans of Nancy, new and old.

[Ruz El · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Nancy and she does indeed wear hats though not exclusively. I loved it, it's charming.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prime Bushmiller.

[Kevin Duvall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly in the upper echelon of newspaper gag strips.

[Megan Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy 4ever.

[Patrick King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy for president