Jimmy Hatlo

Jimmy Hatlo was an American cartoonist best known for creating the long-running newspaper feature *They'll Do It Every Time*, a gag panel that poked gentle fun at everyday human foibles. He was born James Cecil Hatlo on September 1, 1897, and died on December 1, 1963. Hatlo entered comics through newspaper cartooning, and in 1929 he launched *They'll Do It Every Time*, which he wrote and drew until his death. His other major creation, *Little Iodine*, spun off from the main strip and was adapted into a 1946 feature film. Hatlo's signature style was a clean, expressive line that emphasized character comedy, and he pioneered a crowd-sourcing approach by crediting readers who submitted ideas for his daily cartoons—a practice later noted as a forerunner to social media. His work appeared in titles such as *Four Color*, *Ace Comics*, and *Cartoons by Jimmy Hatlo*, and he collaborated with editors and publishers to syndicate his strips widely. Hatlo's legacy lies in his sharp, affectionate satire of human nature and his innovative engagement with his audience. He was active in comics from 1938 through 1962, leaving behind a body of work that remains a touchstone of mid-century American humor.