Comic Relief is a book published by Henry Holt And Company in New York, USA in 1986.
Comic Relief – ‘Drawings from the Cartoonists Thanksgiving Day Hunger Project’ contains an introduction written by Garry Trudeau and foreword written by Kenny Rogers.
Thanksgiving Day 1985 was a memorable day in the nation’s funny papers, marking a unique moment when the collective voice of cartoonists united for a common cause. For the first time in history, the entire comics pages were devoted to one subject: hunger, drawing attention to an issue that affects millions across the world. The project, organized by the legendary Milton Caniff (creator of Steve Canyon), Charles Schulz (the heartwarming mind behind Peanuts), and Garry Trudeau (known for his satirical Doonsbury), brought together over 175 talented cartoonists from diverse backgrounds, showcasing their creativity and compassion.
Comic Relief presents their Thanksgiving Day strips and panels, each contributing a distinct style and perspective on this vital topic. Featuring beloved characters like Ziggy, Dick Tracy, B.C., Hagar the Horrible, Nancy, Garfield, The Far Side, Bloom County, Snoopy, Beetle Bailey, Popeye, Blondie, and many more, this extraordinary tribute not only entertained but also raised awareness, encouraging readers to reflect on the importance of helping those in need during the holiday season and beyond.
Comic Relief is a softcover book printed in a unique horizontal format, containing an impressive 96 black and white pages that measure 8.5” x 5.5”. This delightful book serves as a nostalgic collection of daily comic strips, featuring an extensive cast of over 170 unique characters. It highlights a selection of panels from the daily comic strips that were published in newspapers on Thanksgiving Day in 1985 across the USA. The front and back covers can be seen below.
The Phantom was also featured in the Comic Relief book. At the time of the campaign, the Phantom story ‘The Lake Lady’ was being published on a daily basis, a story written by Lee Falk and illustrated by Sy Barry. The daily comic strip published in newspapers on the 28th of November 1985 is included in the book.
At the base of the first panel, Sy Barry has included the words ‘End World Hunger!’, a powerful and urgent call to action that resonates deeply in society. By highlighting this pressing issue, the campaign aimed to inspire individuals and communities alike to unite in the fight against hunger across the nation.
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