The Origins of 'Zippy the Pinhead' comic strip
Feb 28, 2019
3 minutes
In the last few years, Bill Griffith, famous for his “Zippy the Pinhead” comic strips, has written two outstanding and unusual graphic biographies, this new one dedicated to the man and performer who provided the inspiration for Zippy. As absurd as Griffith’s non sequitur-spouting comic-strip protagonist is, the actual man was not. Schlitzie Surtees was probably born in 1901 in New York, and was likely “sold” by his parents. “It was common for sideshow managers,” writes Griffith, “to recruit new acts directly from vulnerable families.”
Griffith is a
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days