The Press: Hix v. Ripley

For nine years Robert L. Ripley has been producing a newspaper feature (TIME, March 26, 1928). At the head are the words “Believe It or Not—by Ripley.” Below are cartoons and descriptions of astounding freaks, seeming impossibilities. At the bottom appears the legend: “On request Robert L. Ripley will send proofs and details of anything depicted by him.” Recently a volume of selections from the series was produced by mass-production-publishers Simon & Schuster.

Last week, McClure Newspaper Syndicate put out a “new” feature. At the head are the words “Strange as It Seems—by John Hix.” Below were cartoons and descriptions of astounding freaks, seeming impossibilities. At the bottom appears the legend, “If you doubt this, write for proof to the author.”

Cartoonist Hix does not seem quite so able with his pencil as Cartoonist Ripley. Astounder Ripley, after nine years, does not seem quite so astounding as fresh Astounder Hix.