Frankie Doodle, originally called The Doodle Family, is an American comic strip that ran from April 23, 1934, to 1938.[1] It was created by Ben Batsford.[2][3][4][5]

Frankie Doodle
Author(s)Ben Batsford
Current status/scheduleCompleted
Launch dateApril 23, 1934
End date1938
Syndicate(s)United Feature Syndicate

Frankie was the main character even when he lived with his family. However, they were all written out by 1935.[3] Frankie is pursued throughout the strips by Mr. Shady, a disreputable lawyer who is after the fortune to which he is heir, and Mrs. Krule, who runs an orphanage. He has two Chinese mentors: Ming Low, a cook, and Captain Ku, a secret agent. He often has adventures in Chinatown, the North Woods, and the Wild West. The strip ran in 87 newspapers.[5]

The strip was influenced by Little Orphan Annie[6] - Frankie even has curly red hair. Ben Batsford had previously worked on Little Annie Rooney, which was also influenced by Little Orphan Annie.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Holtz, Allan (2012). American Newspaper Comics: An Encyclopedic Reference Guide. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press. p. 161. ISBN 9780472117567.
  2. ^ a b Goulart, Ron (1991). The Encyclopedia of American Comics: From 1897 to the Present. Reed Business Information, Inc. ISBN 9780816025824. OL 9411789M.
  3. ^ a b Markstein, Donald D. (2008). "Frankie Doodle". Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Archived from the original on March 7, 2015.
  4. ^ Holtz, Allan (August 21, 2006). "Obscurity of the Day: Susie Sunshine". strippersguide.blogspot.com.
  5. ^ a b Variety Radio Directory, Volume 1. 1937. Frankie Doodle (daily) ... Ben Batsford ... 87 newspapers {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  6. ^ The American News Trade Journal, Volumes 21-23. American News Co., inc. 1939. Frankie might be likened to a hemale Orphan Annie.