Pogo's Will Be That Was

by Walt Kelly

Positively Pogo" are comic strips from around 1954 first published in newspapers. This part starts with the start of the television media with various characters doing things to break into commercials and shows. The strip then meanders into a plan by Churchy (the turtle) to make money by making money. We have a long appearance by a non-regular character (in the form of a pig) which just happens to look like a certain Soviet leader of the time (part of Kelly's political humor). The book then ends with the Olympics in Australia.

Genres: Comics, Humor, Comic Strips, Classics

381 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1979

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

[Dominick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two classic Pogo collections of strips from the mid-fifties combined into one book makes for both delightful and depressing reading. Kelly's political satire is toned down somewhat here, but there is still some pretty on-point, even today, commentary on elections and Russia (the pirate pig character is evidently Kruschev, though who the yes-bird is I am not sure) and on colonialist property theft, via a story line about a plan to replace the Suez Canal with one in the swamp--which Mole and the Muskrat preacher plan to steal, but with Seminole Sam and his much more threatening compatriots plotting to steal from them. Kelly is remarkably good at creating despicably hypocritical creatures-indeed, most of the characters other than Pogo himself are less than admirable in different, often selfish ways. Kelly's satire of human foibles and folly remains as pointed as ever, despite the reduced amount of overt political satire, and much of what transpires here is outright hilarious. Kelly's art is as always a joy to behold. Also, Mam'selle Hebzibah is easily the sexiest skunk who ever existed, Pogo's resistance of her marital hints being incomprehensible to me. Pepe LePew would have lost his mind.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!
I knew about Pogo. He was always in the newspaper comic strips when I was a kid, but never paid much attention to him besides liking Walt Kelly's art.

This stuff is magical.
It's like somebody put the 'Wind in the Willows' and a Marx Brothers movie in a blender and added a spoonful of Carl Barks.
Slapstick, satire, clever wordplay, great art and at it's core kind of sweet.
Very light on plot, yet you'll keep reading to find out what happens next.

I get why Walt Kelly is such a big deal now and am a bit sad that it took me so long.

[ComicNerdSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running our of things to say about these books. They’re all pretty enjoyable and I love the dumb wordplay that makes up a lot of the jokes. Just some comfy stuff.

[Mark Argent · Rating 5 out of 5]

i don't want to tell anyone what to do or whatever, but if you don't make Pogo and his friends a part of your life, you are a diminished human being. five gosh-blessed stars.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish I could find the "I Go Pogo" claymation movie from the 80's. Vincent Price, Jonathan Winters and the "Jes' fine!" kid. Brilliant. My first political satire primer.

[Bernie Mojzes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a re-read. I love Pogo. Walt Kelly always had a sharp and insightful take on human nature, but in a kind and understanding way, pointing out our "foibobles" in the gentlest of ways.