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This week, we talk to Cullen Murphy, the son of cartoonist John Cullen Murphy, about growing up during the funnies’ midcentury heyday. Cartoon County is part memoir, part history of the giants of the comics world, who drew Superman, Beetle Bailey, Hägar the Horrible, The Wizard of Id … and a bevy of strips and gags read by millions of Americans.

Visit the episode page for a slideshow of images from the book, including sketches, comic strips, and Polaroids from Cullen Murphy’s collection.

Go beyond the episode:

• Cartoon County by Cullen Murphy
• Read the strips online: Prince Valiant, Hägar the Horrible, Beetle Bailey …
• Learn more about Fairfield County in Cullen’s essay in Vanity Fair

Tune in every two weeks to catch interviews with the liveliest voices from literature, the arts, sciences, history, and public affairs; reports on cutting-edge works in progress; long-form narratives; and compelling excerpts from new books. Hosted by Stephanie Bastek. • 

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