Boner's Ark
| Boner's Ark | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Publication information | |
| Publisher | King Feature Syndicate |
| Format | Series |
| Publication date(s) | 1968-2000 |
| Creative team | |
| Created by | Mort Walker |
| Written by |
Mort Walker Frank Johnson |
| Colorist(s) | Mort Walker Frank Johnson |
Boner's Ark was an American comic strip created by Mort Walker, also the creator of Beetle Bailey. Walker debuted the strip under the pseudonym "Addison" on March 11, 1968. The title is a reference to Noah's Ark of Abrahamic religions.
Designed and written by Mort Walker, Boner's Ark first appeared on March 11, 1968. The series ran until 27 May 2000, with the final strip depicting the Ark reaching dry land.
The series also ran in Norway and Sweden under the name Arken, and in Denmark as Olsen's Ark. In the Netherlands it ran under the name De Ark van Zoo (Zoo's Ark).
Boner's Ark depicted a menagerie of animals trapped on a boat (the "Ark") and constantly in search of land. Helmed by the bumbling Captain Boner, the Ark is small on the outside and abnormally large within. In addition to sleeping quarters for all the animals, it also features a cinema, a restaurant run by a hippo, a hospital, a pub and a golf course where Captain Boner, Cubcake and the doctor spend most of their time. The complaints department is staffed by a hyena. The large initial cast was gradually pared down to a small group of regulars.
Captain Boner is the leader and only human aboard the ark until Miss Boner is introduced to the series. He struggles to get the animals to listen to him or follow his orders. A car enthusiast, Captain Boner remodels the bridge to resemble the interior of an old automobile. When not on the bridge, the Captain is a regular at the golf course and the end of the "plank", where he goes to escape the frustrations of his office, or is forced to walk off the edge by the Hyena's frequent mutinies.
His wife, Bubbles, was introduced to the series in the 1970s, when she was rescued at sea. Shortly after she joined the strip, a story arc involved her convincing Boner to shave his moustache. He remains clean-shaven until the end of the strip.
Duke is a male penguin and a member of the society on the ark.
Rex is a dinosaur, usually depicted on the deck of the Ark or in the hospital with the Doctor.
Cubcake is a koala, occasionally referred to as Captain Boner's nephew.
Aarnie is a male aardvark. His struggles with his enormous nose are the subject of a number of strips . He is the Ark's First Mate.
The doctor aboard the ark is a male duck who is often seen with Rex in his hospital. The Doctor is also a regular golfer and accompanies Captain Boner on the course.
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