“Don’t Be a Dope”: Will Eisner’s World War II Posters
The Still Picture Branch at the National Archives safeguards many series of posters used during World War II by the United States Government. The messages range from the promotion of Victory Gardens and the war effort to military recruitment, education, safety and more.
Cartoonist and writer Will Eisner (1917-2005) was one of the most significant pioneers and innovators within the 20th-century comic book industry. Though his career spanned over half of the century, Eisner is perhaps best known for one of his earliest works — his comic strip The Spirit, which debuted in newspapers in 1940.
Soon after The Spirit began its run, Will Eisner was drafted into the Army during World War II. During his service, he created a series of illustrations to provide soldiers with helpful information about safety and preventive maintenance. Illustrating for Army publications and maintenance manuals, Eisner created the character “Joe Dope” who, through his misadventures, reminded soldiers of the importance of maintaining their equipment properly.
World War II Posters, 1942 - 1945, “The book says to run a car right you should keep every nut and bolt tight.” National Archives Identifier 514727
World War II Posters, 1942 - 1945, "On high over enemy soil the guns can't be cocked or recoil - the lubricants froze - and the gunner now knows Joe Dope used the wrong kind of oil." National Archives Identifier 514714
Joe Dope features in several posters depicting Eisner’s “what not to do” illustrations within the World War II Posters 1942-1945 series (44-PA) which is digitized and available in its entirety in the National Archives Catalog and maintained by the Still Picture Branch. Please note that there are posters within the World War II poster series (44-PA) that may have copyright restrictions.
World War II Posters, 1942 - 1945, "Joe Dope has a vague premonition, That he's in for some quick demolition."National Archives Identifier 514705
Many thanks to Todd Crumley of the Still Picture Branch at the National Archives in College, Park MD. This feature was adapted from Todd’s blog post on the Unwritten Record blog: “Don't Be a Dope”: Will Eisner's World War II Posters
An additional series of posters consists of original artwork and a few photographs for World War II-era posters. A number of works of art were created by renowned artists, or those who later grew in popularity. The series is entirely digitized and available in the National Archives Catalog.
Original Artwork for World War II Posters, 1942 - 1945, “Books Are Weapons In The War Of Ideas.” OWI no. 7. By S. Broder. National Archives Identifier 7387451
Original Artwork for World War II Posters, 1942 - 1945, Woman carrying groceries as soldiers marching with rifles on their shoulders in the background. By Valentino Sarra. National Archives Identifier 7387506
For more information on World War II posters from these and other series, check out the following Unwritten Record posts:
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The National Archives holds a wealth of material documenting the Asian and Pacific Islander experience, and it highlights these resources online, in programs, and through traditional and social media.
Actor George Takei, best known for his role as Mr. Sulu on the original series Star Trek, visited Goddard Space Flight Center on June 3, 2008. National Archives Identifier 18412279
Olympic gold medal swimmer and famed surfer Duke Kahanamoku poses with Johnny Weissmuller at Waikiki, Hawaii, August 1927. National Archives Identifier 6121005
In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage month, we invite you to help transcribe and tag records related to the Chinese Exclusion Era. We need your help transcribing these immigration records and tagging very specific details that will help provide greater access to these records. Please read the instructions on the mission page carefully and begin contributing. Learn more and get started contributing on the Citizen Archivist dashboard: Tagging and Transcription for Chinese Heritage Records
Records of the American National Red Cross, 1881 - 2008, Historical Nurse Files, ca. 1916 - ca. 1959, Martin, Ruth Marion. National Archives Identifier 2661893
Thank you for sharing this story, RonnaB, and for your work transcribing and unlocking history!
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