Blondie is an American comic strip created by cartoonist Chic Young. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, the strip has been published in newspapers since September 8, 1930. The success of the Blondie comic strip, which features the blonde Blondie and her sandwich-loving husband, Dagwood, led to the long-running Blondie film series (1938–1950) and the popular Blondie radio program (1939–1950).

Originally Blondie was Blondie Boopadoop. She spent her days as a flapper girl and spent time in dance halls with her boyfriend Dagwood Bumstead. Dagwood was an heir to a railroad fortune.

Blondie and Dagwood were married February 17, 1933. Dagwood’s parents were strongly against the marriage and they disinherited him. The marriage was a big event in the strip and they were forced to live a middle class life. They lived in Joplin, Missouri in the suburbs. They have a dog named Daisy and later she gives birth to pups.

After marriage Blondie became the head of the household. Dagwood became the comic strip clown. Dagwood Bumstead was a bit on the lazy side, was clumsy and a big sports fan. He likes to make mile-high Dagwood sandwiches. He also has lots of confrontations with his boss who is Mr. Dithers.

Blondie along with a neighbor Tootsie start a catering business in 1991.

The mailman is named Beasley and Dagwood for instance frequently knocked down Beasley on his hurried way to work. At this juncture they have a child named Alexander Bumstead who is in his late teens as well as a girl named Cookie. As the comic strip evolved so did the kids from early years to teenagers.

Mr. Dithers who founded J.C. Dithers Construction Company had many confrontations with Dagwood, however Mrs. Dithers is very good friends with Blondie. Dagwood is the office manager for Mr. Dithers. Dithers is short and dictatorial and often threatens to fire Dagwood for poor work. Dagwood sleeps on the job and constantly, comes in late and often asks for a raise. Mr. Dithers kicks him in the hind end and sends him back to work.

Other characters in the comic strip are as follows. Herb Woodley, is Dagwood’s best friend and neighbor. There are a lot of subplots featuring Herb. Herb constantly finds ways to irritate Dagwood. Herb’s wife is best friends with Blondie. She and Blondie started the catering business together in 1991.

Elmo Tuttle is a kid in the neighborhood. He refers to Dagwood as Mr. B. Another character in the strip is Lou, the tattooed owner of Lou’s Diner. This is where Dagwood eats lunch and suggests menu items. Lou constantly has a toothpick in his mouth and is the cook also. Dwitzell and Claudia carpool with Herb and Dagwood. Claudia is a lawyer but no occupation is indicated for Dwitzell also know as Dwitz in the strip.

In 1960 the kids grow into teenagers but stop growing so as to maintain the strip. Both kids resemble their parents Dagwood and Blondie.

In 2005 the strip celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Through the years the distinctive look and gags of Blondie have been preserved. The Bumstead kitchen has been updated to a more modern look. Dagwood no longer wears a hat to work, nor does Blondie still wear a hat and gloves when leaving the house. Today Dagwood no longer smokes a pipe. Blondie often wears slacks and is no longer depicted as a stay at home housewife. She teamed with Tootsie Woodley to start a catering business in 1991. The staff at the construction company Dagwood works at no longer punch a mechanical time clock.

There have been many more updates to modernize the strip while still retaining the distinctive look and gags. There are Blondie and Dagwood collectibles, assorted items and video available, as well as tee shirts.