Because so many libraries have sold or destroyed their physical newspaper collections, Jonathan Barli has made the effort to digitize as many surviving turn-of-the-century newspaper comic strips as possible. With the help of Adam Kempa, he has launced Digital Funnies to showcase some of the work (only works in the public domain) and to raise money to further the endeavour. Included so far are some stunning birds-eye-view illustrations by Harrison Cady, and the Complete George McManus (Bringing Up Father) from 1905-1906.
With titles like Peanuts and Gasoline Alley getting the royal treatment these days with hardcover reprints in their entirety, it’s great to see the same level of care and attention given to other creators.