Brenda Starr (comic strip)

For the Pop/Dance turned Salsa artist (and mentor of Mariah Carey), see Brenda K. Starr.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Brenda Starr is a comic strip about the title character, a glamorous, adventurous reporter. Created by Dale Messick for the Chicago Tribune syndicate, it initially encountered resistance from Tribune editor Joseph Medill Patterson because its creator and main character were both women. Although set in Chicago, in its early years it was the only syndicate strip not to appear in the Tribune itself.The strip was relegated to a supplement, but quickly worked its way into the Sunday paper. A daily strip was added in 1945.

Related Topics:
Comic strip - Reporter - Dale Messick - Chicago Tribune - Joseph Medill Patterson

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It debuted on June 30, 1940, syndicated by The Chicago Tribune Syndicate. Messick retired in 1980, succeeded only by women, including Ramona Fradon and June Brigman. Brenda has always been a modern woman, noted for her exotic adventures and steamy romances. Messick and the other artists concentrated on keeping Brenda contemporary in clothing and hairstyles. Before Messick retired, Starr finally married the mysterious Basil St. John, whose eyepatch and black orchid serum have been a regular plot element. Basil has been missing in recent years as Brenda continues on her free-living ways.

Related Topics:
June 30 - 1940 - Chicago Tribune - 1980 - Ramona Fradon - June Brigman

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The strip's current writer is Mary Schmich, who is herself a glamorous Chicago reporter.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~