The Yellow Kid

The Yellow Kid, a landmark series from Howard, Ainslee & Co., began its run in 1897, introducing the iconic, bald-headed child in a yellow nightshirt who is widely considered the first true American comic strip character. Spanning nine issues, this pioneering work captured the rowdy, colorful energy of 1890s New York City through the antics of its mischievous title star, establishing the visual language and serialized storytelling that would define the medium. Its enduring cultural impact makes it a foundational text for any fan of comics history.