This strip was originally published 14 August, 1948. I have never cared for the caption of this one. I get that Addams was going for the opposite of “hug Daddy good night,” but the added violence feels un-Addams to me. I do not know how I would improve this. Maybe change the caption to something with the pet alligator. “Now say goodnight to Daddy, and run along to bed, don’t forget to take your pet alligator,” which is getting too wordy.
However we do have a precedent for long captions:
I am still on a Thing kick, and you can see them peeking through the open door, down from their usual spot on the balcony.
More about Thing
Thing T. Thing, often referred to as just Thing, is a fictional character in The Addams Family series. The Addamses call it “Thing” because it is something that cannot be identified, being originally an unseen creature in the original cartoons. Starting with the live-action television series, it was settled to be a disembodied hand. It is known as “Mãozinha” (Little Hand) in Brazil, “Cosa” (Thing) in Spain, “Dedos” (Fingers) in Hispanic America, “Mano” (Hand) in Italy, “La Chose” (the Thing) in French-speaking countries, “eiskaltes Händchen” (icecold little hand) in German-speaking countries, “Rąsia” (Small hand) in Polish, and “Izé” (Whatchamacallit, Thingamajig) in Hungarian.
“The Thing is often observed watching the family through the balustrades of the balcony over the living room. We don’t know quite who or what he is, but, whatever, he’s the soul of good nature—at least, he grins perpetually and may occasionally whimper.” — Charles Addams
Thing was usually a right hand, but [Ted] Cassidy sometimes played him as left, simply to see if anyone would notice. Thing is credited as “Itself” at the end of each episode.
The first appearance of Thing is this strip published 6 August 1938. It is also the first appearance of Morticia, and Lurch.
Previous Strips
The Addams Family (1964) Rewatch
I have not found the time to do more write ups on the other episodes, i will try to get back to it in the weeks to come.
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RIP Gomez’ shins
This one is definitely an odd one
There was a compilation book of old Addams comics around my house growing up, as i recall, the Addams family were kind of just a reoccurring joke for a while until he started to flesh them out more over time. Not suprised if a lot of the earlier panels aren’t quite the dynamic we’re familiar with now, especially the ones from before the tv show.
Thank you for posting these classics and providing commentaries. We really appreciate your passion.
Also, I think it’s simply a play on, “kiss daddy goodnight”
Also, I think it’s simply a play on, “kiss daddy goodnight”
I think you are correct. Still not a fan of the line.
Isn’t violence frequently implied and alluded to? Granted it never actually happens (either that or everybody in the Addams universe has ultra regenerative powers).
The violence is always self inflicted, such as playing in the torture chambers, which I think actually only happens in the live action media, or between siblings.
This is the only instance I am aware of child to parent call to violence. There is one strip where Gomez is taking Pugsley out back to whip him.
Love these, keep it up!
