The Merchant of Dennis the Menace

by Hank Ketcham

by Hank Ketcham
This engaging memoir from Hank Ketcham has Dennis the Menace tell his own colorful story, from when he was about "five-ana-half" and first picked up the "magic pencil." This book not only traces the humorous adventures of Hank Ketcham, it also offers a special insight into the life and times of the half-pint "Menace." Go behind the scenes of Dennis' world with backgrounds for all major characters, (including their genealogies). Plus, enjoy official model sheets, private sketches, and more.

Genres: Memoir, Comics, Biography

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1990

About the author

Henry King "Hank" Ketcham was an American cartoonist who created the Dennis the Menace comic strip, writing and drawing it from 1951 to 1994, when he retired from drawing the daily page and took up painting full time in his studio at his home. He received the Reuben Award for the strip in 1953. The strip continues today in the hands of other artists.

Reviews

[Tim Schneider · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at the point I discovered Ketchum was a scab during the Disney strike. Screw that guy. He was far more of a menace than Dennis ever was.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting guy who led an interesting life. Possibly a little one sided. He gives very few glimpses into his married life/divorces or into the difficulties of having a child who had developmental difficulties. Still, full of good, practical ways of looking at the creative process. It was neat to learn that Ketcham had mapped out Dennis' house and neighbor's house and entire block. Also interesting to learn how he made other strips post Dennis that didn't make it, and more importantly, why. I know that DtM is not in vogue right now, and may never be again, but that doesn't mean that it wasn't good for most of its original run by its original creator. Definitely recommended to anyone interested in graphic novels or cartooning, regardless if they use a dip pen nib or a mouse.

[Larry Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this reading this book. In This Corner, Dennis The Menace was the first paperback book I ever read back in my elementary school days. And my love with the Dennis the Menace cartoons has never ended. Reading this history of the comics and Hank Ketcham was fascinating and made me appreciate the original cartoons even more.

[Donnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating the way it seemed as if the cartoon son was WY more real to Mr. Ketcham than the real son.