Yes indeed, that’s a vintage Wednesday Addams doll in Doug’s sticky hands. If you haven’t guessed, Charles Addams was one of my earliest influences. My dad had a book full of New Yorker Cartoons from the 40’s. As a kid, I was obesessed with the alien, vintage style of the drawings. And ike any kid, I generally “poo-poo-ed” anything that was old.

However, every so many pages was a single panel cartoon that didn’t fit. They were dark, not just in terms of the joke, but the artwork. I hadn’t seen anything like it, even in my modern Sunday comics. That was in thrid grade. I’ve been entranced ever since. Here’s a little more on the master of the macabre and a few links to see more:

Charles Addams (1912-1988) was an American cartoonist best known for his darkly humorous and macabre creations. He captivated audiences with his iconic characters, including Wednesday Addams and the Addams Family. Addams' distinctive style blended wit, irony, and gothic sensibilities, leaving a lasting impact on the world of cartoons. Explore his extraordinary talent and timeless work through his official website: Addams Foundation and discover the unique charm of his illustrations in The New Yorker archives: The New Yorker - Charles Addams.