Buzz
At first glance, a flamboyant fruit-inspired character and a burly Viking might seem like an unlikely duo. However, they share a significant bond: both were brought to life by the creative genius of Dik Browne.
Long before Browne became a household name in the comics world with strips like Hägar the Horrible and Hi and Lois, he honed his craft at the advertising agency Johnstone & Cushing. Renowned for his ability to draw without glancing at the page, Browne was a standout artist. His talent shone through when he designed not just one, but three enduring advertising mascots and logos still in use today. Among his creations are the “First Lady of Fruit” for Chiquita in 1944, the Birds Eye bird, and a refreshed version of the Campbell’s Soup kids.
Browne’s work on an ad campaign for Mounds candy bars caught the eye of Mort Walker, the creator of Beetle Bailey. Walker was developing a spin-off featuring Beetle Bailey’s sister, Lois, and believed Browne’s artistic flair was perfect for the project. His instincts proved correct, and Hi and Lois has been a staple in newspapers since 1954.
Browne eventually left his advertising career behind to dedicate himself to comic strips, launching Hagar in 1973. Yet, the memorable characters he designed for Johnstone & Cushing clients continue to endure, even after many decades.
By the way, here’s the classic Chiquita Banana commercial—kudos to them for seamlessly incorporating “most digestible” into a memorable tune.
