Cardinal principle in comic-strip cartooning: Never permit your characters to change.
Most notable violator of that rule is Frank O. King, who draws "Gasoline Alley" for the Chicago Tribune Syndicate. Fourteen years ago grey-haired Cartoonist King singled out his favorite character, fat Bachelor Walt Wallet, surprised him one morning with a fondling infant on his doorstep. Thus Skeezix. As years rolled by Frank King let Skeezix grow out of babyhood. Meanwhile Walt had become prosperous, married his comely neighbor Phyllis Blossom. With careful delicacy Cartoonist King shielded her form and feelings during pregnancy until, six years ago, Baby Corkleigh ("Corky") was born...