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Lancaster's Own Comic Genius Honored
28 Jun
Summary
- Comic strip creator Richard Outcault has local roots in Lancaster.
- An upcoming exhibit will showcase Outcault's life and work.
- Outcault created iconic characters like Buster Brown and The Yellow Kid.
Lancaster, Ohio, is preparing to honor its native son, the renowned cartoonist Richard Outcault, creator of "Buster Brown" and "The Yellow Kid." An exhibition titled "Lancaster's Own: Richard Outcault and the Birth of the American Comic Strip" is scheduled to run from July 17 to August 16, 2026, at the Fairfield County District Library. This event will provide an opportunity for the public to delve into the life and legacy of the artist.
Outcault, born in Lancaster in 1863, developed his artistic talents early. After studying art, he gained attention for his work, which even impressed Thomas Edison, leading to studies in Paris. He later created "Hogan's Alley," drawing inspiration from his Lancaster childhood. His "Buster Brown" series, launched in 1902, became a cultural phenomenon, with characters and even product lines bearing the name.
Though Outcault spent his later years and passed away in Long Island, New York, in 1928, his connection to Lancaster remained strong. A mural at Broad and Wheeling Streets has commemorated him for 24 years. His hometown continues to recognize him as a significant figure, a "famous man that the good old town of Lancaster has produced and likes to call her own."
