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This one is special.
I love the Terry and the Pirates series. In addition to his pioneering artwork and influence, I think perhaps his biggest legacy are the characters he created. Although I am partial to April Kane, Normandie Drake and the Dragon Lady, one must never leave Burma out of this conversation. Burma is my friend John's favorite. He owns many of the top Burma strips and he saw fit to let this one pass into my care.
I think it is perfect. In addition to being rather racy for 1936, it gives us perfect insight into Burma who reappeared often throughout Caniff's tenure on Terry. She was free spirited, independent and sexually liberated. The first panel is probably my favorite. I love hte joy expressed by Caniff in her gesture, smile, eyes closed with the morning sun and breeze coming in through the window. It also answers the question of what Burma wears at night, perhaps foreshadowing the Miss Mizzou character in Steve Canyon (naked except for trench coat). Although all panels are brilliant, I think the carefree and confident nature of Burma is captured again. The dialogue is very insightful into Burma's state of mind. She is always looking out for number one although in some of the later adventures she does stick her neck out to help the main cast and the favor is returned on more than one occasion.
I love the Terry and the Pirates series. In addition to his pioneering artwork and influence, I think perhaps his biggest legacy are the characters he created. Although I am partial to April Kane, Normandie Drake and the Dragon Lady, one must never leave Burma out of this conversation. Burma is my friend John's favorite. He owns many of the top Burma strips and he saw fit to let this one pass into my care.
I think it is perfect. In addition to being rather racy for 1936, it gives us perfect insight into Burma who reappeared often throughout Caniff's tenure on Terry. She was free spirited, independent and sexually liberated. The first panel is probably my favorite. I love hte joy expressed by Caniff in her gesture, smile, eyes closed with the morning sun and breeze coming in through the window. It also answers the question of what Burma wears at night, perhaps foreshadowing the Miss Mizzou character in Steve Canyon (naked except for trench coat). Although all panels are brilliant, I think the carefree and confident nature of Burma is captured again. The dialogue is very insightful into Burma's state of mind. She is always looking out for number one although in some of the later adventures she does stick her neck out to help the main cast and the favor is returned on more than one occasion.
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About Milton Caniff
Milton Arthur Paul Caniff is an American comic strip artist best known for his comic strips Terry and the Pirates and Steve Canyon. He is considered a master of black and white. He was the fourth author to be added to the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 1988.
