Here's another Out Our Way postcard published by the Standley-May concern. This one is coded Series 1 W524.
Although I think I get A gag here, the one I'm reading depends on readers being familiar with the Buddhist/Hindu belief in reincarnation. That seems somehow less than likely, for the readers or the cowboys in the cartoon. So is that THE gag, or just one I misinterpreted?
I'm with you. A past lives reference is what came to my mind as well, but perhaps he's referring to this mess versus all his previous messes.
ReplyDeleteMy take is that it is a longstanding article of near-death experiences, that when confronted with what one expects to be the moment of their imminent demise, he sees highlights of his life flash before him.
ReplyDeleteObviously they dodged the death,to be able to tell the tale. It's commonality through human history is dispersed through all cultures and religions, and It would seem unlikely that Williams had anything as wieghty as an understanding of Karma, or Hindu philosphy on his mind.
The cowboy with the glasses is “Wes,” who was introduced in the early twenties as a professional writer picking up tips on cowboys, who very well may have engaged in that sort of phrasing. Wes was skinny, and became an accom0lished cowboy himself after awhile. During the 1930s, Wes essentially started over on the strip, and became fatter. The “Hoo-Hah!” volume, “Smokey’s Saga” covers his first year or two pretty extensively (http://Hoo-hah.net)
ReplyDeleteMister Ron, I confess I had no idea there were recurring characters in the 'western' Out Our Way panels, other than occasional passing ones early on in the panel's history. Thanks for setting me straight! -- Allan
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