The Little Man (comics)

The Little Man is a syndicated comic strip created by American cartoonist Henry "Hank" Ketcham, who is also known for creating Dennis the Menace. The strip revolves around the life of a short, balding, middle-aged man named Mr. Stokes.

Publication History: The Little Man launched in 1950 and ran until 1975. It was distributed by the Publishers Syndicate, the same syndicate that handled Dennis the Menace. While never achieving the widespread popularity of Ketcham's other creation, The Little Man had a dedicated following in numerous newspapers across the United States and internationally.

Characters and Setting: The strip typically focuses on Mr. Stokes's everyday experiences, often highlighting his frustrations and triumphs in dealing with common domestic situations and societal interactions. Recurring characters include his wife, Mrs. Stokes, and various neighbors and acquaintances. The setting is generally a suburban or small-town environment.

Themes and Style: The humor in The Little Man derives from relatable situations, such as dealing with household repairs, navigating social gatherings, and experiencing the minor irritations of daily life. Ketcham's signature cartooning style, characterized by clean lines and expressive characters, is evident in The Little Man, although with a simpler aesthetic than Dennis the Menace. The strip often presents a gentle and observational style of humor.