HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX RAYMOND
October 2, 1909 – September 6, 1956
Today, we celebrate the birthday of Alex Raymond, one of the most influential comic strip artists of all time. His work helped define the look of adventure strips.
Alex Raymond was born in New Rochelle, New York, in 1909. After losing his father at a young age, he worked various jobs while nurturing his artistic side. By the early 1930s, he turned fully toward art and quickly found himself assisting on popular newspaper strips before creating his own.
1934 was a landmark year for Raymond. He launched not one, but three syndicated strips at the same time:
Flash Gordon – his most iconic work, a science fiction epic filled with fantastic worlds and bold heroes.
Jungle Jim – a pulp jungle adventure that ran alongside Flash in many Sunday sections.
Secret Agent X-9 – a hard-boiled crime and spy strip that combined Raymond’s dynamic art with tough, noir-style storytelling.
In 1946, Raymond introduced Rip Kirby, a detective strip with a more modern, suave look. It showcased his refined style and was a commercial success, running long after his death.
Alex Raymond is remembered as one of the true masters of the comic strip form, often mentioned alongside names like Hal Foster and Milton Caniff. His work elevated newspaper comics to a level of artistry rarely seen, blending technical draftsmanship with thrilling, accessible stories.
Original art from his strips remains highly sought after, and his influence can be seen in countless comic artists, illustrators, and filmmakers who followed.
Tragically, Alex Raymond’s life was cut short in 1956 in a car accident at the age of just 46. Even with his career ending so early, the body of work he left behind has cemented his place in comics history.
