The Simpsons premiered at the end of 1989 and quickly became a phenomenon. The show gave rise to a merchandising juggernaut with Bart Simpson at the center. There were Simpsons plush dolls, Simpsons video games, Simpsons shampoo, and lots and lots of bootleg Simpsons t-shirts. By 1993, it was only natural that The Simpsons would get its own comic book and the print adventures of the Simpson family would last for 25 years, until Bongo Comics, Matt Groening’s publishing company, shut down in 2018.

But in addition to comic books, The Simpsons briefly had its own comic strip lasting from 1999 until 2004. Written and drawn by people working on the Simpsons comic book at Bongo, the comics debuted in 80 newspapers nationwide. Which means it’s quite possible you’ve read it or even heard of it.

The Simpsons comic strip remains a relatively obscure part of Simpsons history. But on Oct. 6, Abrams Books will be releasing the best of these comic strips in a hardcover collection called The Simpsons Comic Strip Cavalcade, which is currently up for preorder.

Simpsons Comic Strip Cavalcade CoverImage: Abrams Books

Abrams also supplied Polygon with an exclusive look, with six of the 126 comic strips that appear in the book. You can pre-order copy wherever you buy your books. In the meantime, behold these lost gems.

1

How to Read Sunday Comics with Homer Simpson

Image: Abrams Books

2

An adventure with Bart in his lucky red cap

Image: Abrams Books

3

Homer and some shaving cream

Image: Abrams Books

4

A Simpson family trust fall

Image: Abrams Books

5

The Unpossible World of Ralph Wiggum

Image: Abrams Books

6

Bad spoon!

Image: Abrams Books
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