Kreigh Collins had extensive experience with Biblical illustrations, and he used his expertise in the field on numerous occasions as a cartoonist. While the Christmas story never factored into an “Up Anchor!” sequence, it was featured in both of his other NEA-syndicated strips. However, it first appeared in his Bible Picture Stories for the Methodist Publishing House.
In advance of Christmas, here is a portion of “The Story of Mary,” from 1945.
In September, 1942, Kreigh Collins got a letter with some positive feedback on a job he did for one of his long-time clients, the Nashville-based Methodist Publishing House (MPH). In addition, the letter asked Kreigh to tackle a new project — illustrating a comic based on stories from the Bible.
An outline was included, and the editor’s instructions were purposefully vague (in order to give Collins plenty of leeway). A full page was requested, with six panels, featuring “as much action as a Superman comic.” The entire story was to be told in the characters’ speech balloons, with no explanatory captions.
A New York City publisher had started producing Bible comics, and they had approached the MPH to see if they would be interested in running them. If not, the New Yorkers planned to approach the Methodist Church directly. Not wanting to lose out on this business opportunity, the MPH turned to their favorite artist, Collins, and encouraged him to get right to work.
Three days later, in a letter accompanying his first sketch, Kreigh pointed out the difficulties of not using expository captions. Collins modified the outline in order to better set the scene, and added dialogue where appropriate. It also became apparent that the outline covered too much material for one comic. However, the suits at the MPH were pleased with the results, and after hiring a writer, the series began to take shape. The comic would appear in the weekly publication “Boys Today” and Collins would earn $75 per episode.
First dubbed “Pioneers of the Bible,” the series’ official title became “Stories from the Bible.” Work began in earnest for Collins in March, 1943, and by May he had finished the first nine comics. The editors were very pleased and felt the work far surpassed the perceived competition from New York. By July, the series had begun to generate fan mail.
The opening sequence was called “The Adventures of Paul the Apostle,” and the first comic told the story of the stoning of Stephen.
An early “sketch” clearly shows that it was a work in progress, despite the startling level of finish. The series title was tentative, as were the dimensions the comic would have. This illustration was dated February 10–12, 1943.
“Adventures of Paul the Apostle, Number 1” Final version
Next week, a seasonally-appropriate sequence will begin, “The Story of Mary.”
As the sequence with Tim continues, a sweet vignette is shown. The boy quickly learns aspects of sailing with which he wasn’t already familiar, and shows he’s an asset, not a liability. But before the comic transforms into a PSA on inclusiveness, a villain appears on the horizon, and tension is created.
As a cruising family, any time spent at a port is an opportunity to restock the galley. Given Tim’s limitations, the logical decision is made to leave him in charge of Heather while the family walks into town.
While the motivations of the man who cut the barge loose weren’t discussed, Tim’s quick thinking saved Heather and himself, and provides an example of the sort of drama to be found while sailing.
Generally, Kreigh Collins scripted all of his comics. “Up Anchor!” is narrated by wife Jane Marlin, and in fact, Kreigh’s wife Theresa (Teddy) collaborated on the writing and plot development of the strip.
Following the storm, the family is reunited, and repair work begins. Jane Marlin’s comment in the fifth panel (about never lacking things to tell her grandchildren) is something that resonates with me personally. Late in her life she shared an oral history about her life with my grandfather, and the document is a fascinating read about their history together.
The hurricane sequence transitions into a new story, and a new character is introduced. Although disabled, Tim proves to be more than capable as he gets a taste of his passion, boating.
Much of the action in “Up Anchor!” was based on events experienced by Kreigh Collins and his family as they sailed aboard their 45-foot schooner, Heather. Artistic license was exercised — I doubt they encountered any hurricanes sailing north in late-spring of 1960. The following two sequences are based on this voyage.
These images come from Kreigh’s original illustrations, many of which are now in the collection of the Grand Rapids Public Library. The originals feature the topper strip “Water Lore,” which would periodically reflect the action in the main strip. When the comic appeared in broadsheet papers, it generally ran as a one-third page, and the topper was omitted. However, in tabloids, the topper would appear (although without its second panel, which served as a throwaway).
As the storm hits, Kevin and Jane Marlin realize that part of their crew is missing — younger son Dave has disappeared. In real life, Kreigh’s sons Erik and David were only two years apart, but in the comic the age difference is greater. This change helps differentiate them in the strip, and as Kevin heads out in search of the young boy, Erik helps by having already water-proofed a walky-talky. (As Erik’s son, I especially appreciate seeing this character’s smart moves).
In search of their prey, Kevin and Moab split up. While Kevin stays with their horses, Moab is startled by a pair of dangerous-looking foes.
Moab is able to persuade his would-be killer to show him a different type of mercy than she had intended, but unconscious, he is soon confronted by another bitter enemy.
The backstory is revealed as Kevin faces off against the cave bear, without the benefit of Dr. Claustus’ clever strategy.
The sequence wraps up neatly, despite the fact that several more cave bears survive. And as usual, further danger awaits.
Longing for a quiet life in Ireland, and a reunion with Moya McCoy, Kevin and Brett instead journey eastward in an attempt to help Moab and his tribe battle their weird ursine enemy.
En route, they encounter an old friend of Kevin’s, Dr. Claustus. Hearing of Moab and Kevin’s plan against the bears, the old scientist has a couple of solid suggestions. As far as dealing with the bear’s mysterious mistress, Dr. Claustus’ advice is less concrete, but rather witty.
Meanwhile, the situation worsens dramatically for Moab’s tribe — he and Kevin are too late to save another victim from the fearsome Cave Bears.
“Kevin the Bold” is essentially historical fiction, as Kreigh Collins used real events from the 15th and 16th centuries on which to base Kevin’s adventures. At times, the comics veered into the realm of fantasy, as with this mid-1953 sequence featuring an enormous, fearsome Cave Bear*.
*Skeptical reader: you say bears only walk on two feet in cartoons? Sure of that? A bear spotted in my home state of New Jersey became famous for his gait. (Sadly, “Pedals” was recently killed during this fall’s hunting season).
Back in the funny papers, Kevin and Brett arrive in Antwerp, Belgium, seeking passage to Ireland. Their quest for peace and quiet ends abruptly with a chance encounter with an old friend. Soon enough, Kevin and Brett learn of their next adventure, and they have set sail for the East.
Miraculously, Kevin is able to save David. After they struggle back to shore, a joyous family reunion occurs. The story’s plot has taken numerous twists, but at least one more remains… will Kevin be punished for his good deeds?
Lord Dinsmore has absolved David and Kevin of any wrongdoing and has decided to provide finances so that David can become a fisherman. However, before returning to London, the plot turns again. The kindly Lord has taken ill. Unable to deliver a small fortune of gold for the King, he tasks Kevin with the job, and the comic transitions to its next chapter.
His conscience guilty, seeing a sailboat about to be smashed by the rocks, David fears that his family is about to suffer the same fate as the others. Little does he realize, but it is Llewellyn who has fallen to the curse of the Abbott’s Bell.
Lord Dinsmore delivers Mary and Emily Drew, but instead of finding David at home, they meet young Robbie. As they rush off to find Mary’s husband, Kevin dives into the sea in a very risky attempt to save David.
Kreigh’s Comics 