Rather than create a new character with all the graphic effort that the development entails, you could seize on the character of a existing theatrical/cinematic performer and weave a tale around them, over a single or a double page. In Petula Clark's case, the tale was a most unconvincing adventure with a detective. In the case of a radio star, perhaps familiar also in the Music Hall, a visual reminder of the persona was helpful. To reinforce the outward presence, the character would also be given a speech bubble at the masthead, with a catchphrase... "Can you hear me Mother?" for example.

The invention of these comic strips is usually low grade, and the narratives could unfold using any character, rarely in tune with the brand profile of the performer. The most fascinating are of course the Tiquana Bibles where film stars and other celebrities (Mae West, Clark Gable, Jean Harlow etc) are shown in sexual situations of a highly candid nature.

CELEBRATED ABOVE ARE.....

ARTHUR ASKEY

FLANAGAN AND ALLEN

SANDY POWELL

JEWEL AND WARRISS

CARDEW ROBINSON

PETULA CLARK

GEORGE FORMBY

LAUREL AND HARDY (THANKS TO DICK BRIEL FOR THE 1936 FRENCH VERSION OF 1936)

LOUISE FAZENDA

LARRY SEMON

CHESTER CONKLIN

OLD MOTHER RILEY

GEORGE FORMBY

FRANK RANDLE.