Judge — May 28, 1904 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Nervy Nat Wakes Up" - Judge Magazine Comic Strip This six-panel comic strip satirizes a character named "Nervy Nat" and his relationship with money and social climbing. The narrative follows Nat attempting to borrow money from "Certainly Not" (likely a wealthy person), claiming he needs funds for unspecified purposes. When rebuffed, Nat attempts various schemes to obtain money—visiting a book-maker, attempting to manipulate a club officer, and eventually getting into physical altercations. The satire targets working-class social ambition and financial desperation during what appears to be the early 20th century. "Nervy Nat" represents a hustler type constantly pursuing quick money through dubious means. The strip's humor derives from his repeated failures and the physical comedy of his comeuppances, mocking both his scheming nature and his inability to succeed despite persistent effort.