Ally Sloper’s Half Holiday

First Issue: 3rd May 1884
Last Issue: 9th September 1916
Copyright: Gilbert Dalziel

Thought to be one of the first recurring comic characters, Alexander ‘Ally’ Sloper was born in the pages of Judy, the satirical magazine dated 14th August 1867. He was the creation of the then ‘Judy; or the London Serio-Comic Journal’ editor Charles Ross. From 1869 to 1878, Marie Duval (Émilie de Tessier) became the iIllustrator. Today, Duval is recognised as one of Europe’s first professional female comic artists. Duval and Ross were thought to be in a common law relationship and upon her death Duval was buried under the name Isabella E. Ross.

ALLY SLOPER GOES A FISHING from the pages of Judy; or the London Serio-Comic Journal’

Ally Sloper is a play on words which implies that the character slopes or hides down alleys in order to avoid paying his debts. The term half holiday comes from the Victorian era, meaning a break from school or work usually on a Saturday afternoon, possibly shortened from half day holiday.

Hwyl! Comic