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The First Comics

The creation of the first comics is a complex topic, as the evolution of comics as a medium involved many contributors and forms over time. However, some key milestones and figures are often credited with laying the foundation for modern comics:

1. **Rodolphe Töpffer (1799–1846)**: A Swiss artist and writer, Töpffer is widely regarded as one of the earliest pioneers of the comic strip. His illustrated stories, such as *Histoire de M. Vieux Bois* (1827, published in 1837), combined sequential art with text to tell humorous and satirical narratives. His work is considered a precursor to modern comics.

2. **The Yellow Kid (1895)**: Often cited as the first American comic strip, *The Yellow Kid* by Richard F. Outcault appeared in Joseph Pulitzer's *New York World* and later in William Randolph Hearst's *New York Journal*. The character's speech bubbles and recurring appearances in a serialized format helped establish the conventions of the comic strip.

3. **Early 20th-Century Comic Strips**: The success of *The Yellow Kid* led to the rise of other popular comic strips, such as *Krazy Kat* by George Herriman and *Little Nemo in Slumberland* by Winsor McCay. These works further developed the art form and storytelling techniques.

4. **Japanese Manga**: In Japan, the origins of manga can be traced back to earlier forms of visual storytelling, such as *Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga* (12th-century animal scrolls) and the works of artists like Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849). Modern manga began to take shape in the early 20th century, with pioneers like Osamu Tezuka (1928–1989) revolutionizing the medium post-World War II.

5. **European Comics**: In Europe, illustrated stories and sequential art have a long history, with works like *Les Amours de Monsieur Vieux Bois* (a French edition of Töpffer's work) and later series like *Tintin* by Hergé (1929) contributing to the development of the medium.

The "first" comic depends on how one defines the medium. If considering sequential art with text, Töpffer's work is a strong candidate. If focusing on the modern comic strip format, *The Yellow Kid* is often credited as a starting point. Comics as we know them today are the result of a rich, global history of visual storytelling.