New York Review Comics Publishes First Collection of "The Smythes" by Rea Irvin

News from the New York Review Comics people:

"We are so excited to announce a book coming out later this year from NYRC, Rea Irvin's The Smythes. Irvin was The New Yorker’s first art editor and creator of the magazine’s mascot, Eustace Tilly.

"The Smythes was Irvin’s first and only foray into a newspaper comics following The Smythes —comprised of hapless businessman John, Margie, his formidable wife, plus their two forgettable children, Willie and Maudie—through day-to-day life and madcap adventures in 1930s America.

"Handpicked by acclaimed cartoonists R. Kikuo Johnson and Dash Shaw—who also wrote the introduction together—this selection of Smythes strips are the first time it's ever been collected in a single book. An afterword by comics historian Caitlin McGurk sheds new light on Irvin’s work and life.

"As we're finishing this collection, we are still looking to get color scans of some key strips. If you have any Smythes in your home, attic, or elsewhere, please write to us at nyrcomics@nybooks.com. Thank you, and looking forward to sharing this rediscovered classic!


"Cover by R. Kikuo Johnson."

Rea Irvin (1881-1972) had been a newspaper illustrator, a cartoonist, a sometimes actor. Born on the West Coast, he moved to New York City and produced drawings for a variety of publications. In 1924, he was fired from his art director position at Life Magazine and then came aboard the then-new New Yorker magazine. He created its first cover, along with the left hand band on cover, and the typeface for the magazine. He figured the magazine would most likely fold in a couple of issues.

James Thurber: "... [T]he invaluable Irvin, artist, ex-actor, wit, and sophisticate about town and country, did more to develop the style and excellence of The New Yorker's drawings and covers than anyone else, and was the main and shining reason that the magazine's comic art in the first two years was far superior to its humorous prose." 

 

 

Rea Irvin also created The Smythes, first appearing in the spring of 1930 in the New York Herald Tribune. A domestic humor feature, in the clean line style, this centennial year of The New Yorker magazine marks the very first time that it's been collected in any form. While the humor may be a bit dated, the style is wonderful to behold. There are only a few samples of The Smythes online. 

This one via Tumblr:

From the book announcement on Instagram:

Your Platinum Age Daily:

Looking forward to this collection that is well due!