These two one page comics have very similar idea and structure. Barks' version anyway have better motivated action and it's a bit more logical. But which one was first? Al Posen's Sweeney & Son was published in newspapers from 1933 to 1958 (cannot decipher from what year this one is). Barks' version is published 1947. Could they be so similar just by chance?
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Topic: Which one was first: Barks or Al Posen page
(3 messages)
Timoro
Which one was first: Barks or Al Posen page
Message 1 -
2008-06-14 at 14:41:56
Olivier
Which one was first: Barks or Al Posen page
Message 2 -
2008-06-14 at 16:38:17
Objectively, I would say what makes Barks' strip better is that:
- the first half satirizes people's greedy, egotistic and aggressive attitude at the time of the year when they're most supposed to be friendly
- for once, Donald does not lose his temper, despite his frustration, and he is careless rather than malicious when making his way through the crowd
- this obliviousness is the same he has suffered at the hands of fellow Christmas shoppers, and the reader does not mind his paying back such ruthlessness in kind
- there is consequently more to the bustling throng than a visual gag
- in as many panels, Barks thus does more than build up to the final gag (and two panels are enough to explain it)
- while "Pa" (Sweeney?) is surprised at the end, and one imagines he will get rid of the "ornaments" (possibly by returning somehow), Donald keeps them on the tree, and his nephews love the effect; this odd decision makes the gag funnier, and it is heightened by Barks' choice of the "ornaments" (wig, teeth, ...)
The comparison is very interesting; thanks, Timo!
(Sorry I could not help you with your question.)
- the first half satirizes people's greedy, egotistic and aggressive attitude at the time of the year when they're most supposed to be friendly
- for once, Donald does not lose his temper, despite his frustration, and he is careless rather than malicious when making his way through the crowd
- this obliviousness is the same he has suffered at the hands of fellow Christmas shoppers, and the reader does not mind his paying back such ruthlessness in kind
- there is consequently more to the bustling throng than a visual gag
- in as many panels, Barks thus does more than build up to the final gag (and two panels are enough to explain it)
- while "Pa" (Sweeney?) is surprised at the end, and one imagines he will get rid of the "ornaments" (possibly by returning somehow), Donald keeps them on the tree, and his nephews love the effect; this odd decision makes the gag funnier, and it is heightened by Barks' choice of the "ornaments" (wig, teeth, ...)
The comparison is very interesting; thanks, Timo!
(Sorry I could not help you with your question.)
Robb_K
Which one was first: Barks or Al Posen page
Message 3 -
2008-06-14 at 18:14:45
My guess is that Barks saw Posen's and remembered it subconsciously. I don't think he would conciously have "stolen" a current gag and use it for his own, EVEN if he improved it, and matched it to Donald's character. Writers often look at others' work and think how they would improve it. That action may have registered it in his memory. Often, writers don't remember what inspired them, or where the germ of an idea came from.
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