Brooklyn Had Mullin, LA Had Hubenthal

When you look through the eyes of many Brooklyn fans you would often see the team through the drawings of Willard Mullin. His cartoons helped define the team and propelled them to legendary lovable status. The artwork he created continues to stand the test of time and is a testament to the power an editorial cartoon can have. Not only that, he could make you laugh and smile.

In LA there hasn't quite been an artist out there to have the same influence as Mullin, but there sure have been some worthy artist worthy of inspection. One person to take note of is former LA Herald Examiner cartoonist Karl Hubenthal. In fact, he had worked with and considered Willard Mullin his mentor.

Fortunately, I recently ran into a handful of Hubenthal Dodger cartoons on eBay and thought I would pass them along here. They are all from the LA Herald Examiner.

Below, Hubenthal celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Dodgers in LA with the help of Mullin's Brooklyn Bum. The Bum states, "It Wuz Soitenly a Long Ways From Flatbush." The muscular LA Dodger responds with, "But Aren't You Glad You Came?"

(click the pic to enlarge)
(eBay Auction Link)

This cartoon is from April 8, 1981, and celebrates Opening Night against Houston.

(click the pic to enlarge)
(eBay Auction Link)

After winning the World Series in 1981, the LA Dodger rides into the 1982 season on his championship banner. It is from April 5, 1982 and ushers in the new Baseball season.

(click the pic to enlarge)
(eBay Auction Link)