Sketchbook: Camp Swampy

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mort Walker, the cartoonist who drew Beetle Bailey (amongst many other comic strips). Many of us could relate to Beetle, and knew people similar to those who populated Camp Swampy. My dad said the strip reminded him of his time in the Army.

Walker was among the first to introduce an African-American character into his strip as a regular character, Lt. Fuzz.* And while Gen. Halftrack's ogling of Miss Buxley was insensitive, to say the least, Mr. Walker had the General attend sensitivity training.

Rumors say that the strip will carry on, but Mr. Walker, we'll miss you. Thank you for your contributions to the art of cartooning!

*The first was Charles Schulz, who brought in Franklin as a recurring character.