Not Kelly at his best, I think. Very, very wordy, though of course the draughtsmanship is very fine. ( )

When I was a pre-teen way back when, I loved the denizens of Okefenokee Swamp in the long running comic strip by Walt Kelly (1948 to '75). However, as I got older, I realized that there was more here than just cute animals - it was biting satire and I loved it even more. I was too young to have read the early strips so I was excited to read I Go Pogo, a collection of many of the early strips, although I was worried that it would seem outdated. Happily, I worried needlessly - it was just as much fun and just as insightful as I remembered it and I loved every funny, witty minute of it. In fact, it could have been written now because it seems just as applicable to recent political events. So for those like me who loved this strip when they were kids or those who just like satirical comics with adorable animals, read it for the nostalgia or just a break, to step back from all the political insanity right now, and appreciate the genius of Walt Kelly and the antics of his creations.

Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Dover Publications for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review ( )

I just love the part where Churchy gets his headbone stuck in his shell and they have to blast it out. Wheehawken! ( )

Walt Kelly's Pogo was (arguably) the cleverest, funniest, and most inventive daily comic strip of all time. It also is one of the longest running of daily strips (apearing in daily and Sunday newpapers in the USA from 1948 to 1975).

Superficially Pogo focused on the antics of the lovable residents of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp -- Pogo (the possum), Churchy la Femme (the turtle), Albert (alligator), Rackey Coon, Porky Pine, Miz Beaver, Deacon Mushrat, Howland Owl, and innumerable others. However, it also functioned as social commentary and often, veiled political satire. Its humor ranged from slapstick to clever puns and intricate plots, from lighthearted fun to sardonic wit. As a result, it could be read on different levels and enjoyed by children as well as adults.

I Go Pogo is the second collection of the daily strips, published in 1952. It shows the swamp gang in fine form, with clever and intricate story lines. While most of it is apolitical, pacificism and communnism make appearances. Likewise, domestic political repression is represented in the form of the Deacon, the Buzzard Sacophagus Macabre, and Wiley Cat -- their intended victim being Churchy La Femme (and their plan being turtle soup). The 1952 US political campaign also is represented, as Pogo's friends decide to run him for president. In fact, I Go Pogo buttons reportedly were sported nationwide at the time.

While over a half century old, this book is available in used and reprinted form, and well worth having for fans of the lovable Okenenokee gang. ( )

This signed book also includes an inscription to Roland and a small drawing of Pogo. Includes the Rhyming contest between Albert and the Worm, introduces P. T. Bridgeport, the Tammanany Tiger, and Mr. and Mrs. Rackety Coon. Includes their first World Series, and introduces Wiley Catt and Sarcophagus MaCabre, attempting to have Churchy over for dinner. The most memorable sequence is the trial of Churchy La Femme, in a brilliant indictment of the McCarthyism sweeping the land. Introduces the communistic Cowbirds in another powerful political satire. Includes Pogo's first presidential campaign. ( )