And They Get By With It (The Ready-Made Clothier)

This six-panel strip by E.C. Segar follows Mr. Bumfits as he discovers the advantages of ready-made clothing. A tailor initially resists the concept, insisting custom garments are superior, but Bumfits systematically demonstrates how off-the-rack suits offer practical benefits—lower cost, instant fit, and fashionable details. The strip's humor relies on visual exaggeration and sequential persuasion across panels, a hallmark of early newspaper comics. Segar's economical line work and clear speech balloons drive the narrative efficiently, exemplifying how Sunday comics translated commercial messaging and everyday consumer decisions into visual storytelling during the industry's foundational period.