Our Gang, Vol. 2

Our Gang #2

by Walt Kelly

Of the handful of comics' bona fide geniuses, few could match the versatility of Walt Kelly.

Genres: Graphic Novels

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2007

About the author

American animator and cartoonist best known for the classic funny animal comic strip, Pogo. He won the National Cartoonists Society's Reuben Award in 1951 for Cartoonist of the Year, and their Silver T-Square Award in 1972, given to persons having "demonstrated outstanding dedication or service to the Society or the profession."

Reviews

[StrictlySequential · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's no Pogo.

[Grady Ormsby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many are familiar with Walt Kelly as the author and artist of the Pogo cartoons. I was surprised to discover that Kelly also penned (and inked) a series of Our Gang comic books. Our Gang, Vol. 2 covering seven issues printed in 1944 and 1945 is a fun read. Buckwheat and Froggie are the only two characters remaining from the Hal Roach Little Rascals film series (1922-1933). Surviving, however, is the depiction of a kids’ world of high adventure, improbable settings, perilous situations and hilarious outcomes. (“Hey, it’s a cartoon!”) Adult/child role reversal is at the heart of all the action with the kids saving the day or catching the bad guys by trumping the adults. Cultural assumptions being different seventy years ago, Kelly allows a few racist and sexist slurs to creep in. The Gang is sometimes dismissive of Buckwheat and Janet, but both of them refuse to be regarded as inferior in any way and always prove their value as important, contributing members of the group. This was a fun, nostalgic reading experience.