Judge, 1908-07-04 · page 10 of 16
Judge — July 4, 1908 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a comic strip about "Nervy Nat," a mischievous character creating chaos on Independence Day. The strip shows Nat launching fireworks (including a "fifty-pound rocket" borrowed from a fireworks dealer) that endanger children and others. In subsequent panels, his antics escalate—he appears to collide with a sky pirate mid-air, encounters an angry pirate demanding payment, and causes general mayhem. The humor relies on early 1900s slapstick: reckless Fourth of July fireworks endangering innocent bystanders, class conflict (references to "Delsherryeo's" dinner and a clothing emporium), and physical comedy. The "sky pirate" reference suggests fantastical adventure-story parodies popular at the time. The strip satirizes irresponsible holiday celebrations and the dangerous fireworks culture of the era, presented through comedic misadventure rather than serious critique.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
may take it from yours jocosely that the private 2. Nervy Nat—* Drat those kids! Nat, you are too trusting. I thought they loo 100 innocent to be harmless. | Well, I suppose everything goes Nathaniel this year will put it all sight. ‘This filty-pound rocket that I borrowed from a guaranteed to on this, with a vengeance. nation’s natal day; but I certainly am equaling Elijah's record “Howling cyclones! what's this?’ Why, you old sky 3. Nervy Nat—" y gota tise % x W New Y T suppose pirate! attacking an / citizen on your ow heard the dog-star . 11 have to become a Martian until with the earth—and I had an invitation to di Oh, shucks!" ation is established bill, where you by ht at Delsherryeo's. birthday! Get back on nd let wo of my necktie, or FIL hand you another kick in the wishbone, you old cannibal!” 5. Nervy Nat—‘Ha, ha! Ho, ho! Things are different now, are they should Jay. You'll try to make me look like a shredded-wheat trouble 1 had in capturing it. monkey-house. By-by !* NO. SI-NERVY NAT FOURTH OF JULY. COPYRIGHT, 1988, BY JUNG PTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, NOTE.—The First Series of Nervy Nat's Adventures Is now ready, handsomely bound in bo« tor postage when ordered: by mail. ‘ens JUDGE COMPANY, 225 Filth Avenue, New Yor: It is not, old parachute? Scream your head off, for all Leare. ‘That's what you ¢ fine a ‘ 4 ? : This will about pay me for the risk and The only reason I have any merey for you at all is that I have always loved the New York Zoo you are getting me back. Scream away, you old squab !"* Socie ow hie me to a clothing emporium and buy me a new . Be good to my eagle, and keep him away from the in book form. Price. 75 cents; 10 cents additional comicbooks.com