Lee Papers Switch to Creators

Skip to commentsPublished: October 1, 20261 minute1 comment

Being the Fall of an even numbered year it is time for the Lee Enterprise newspapers to play musical chairs with their comics page syndicates. In their biennial attempt to get the most comics for the lowest price Lee’s 80 or so daily papers will be dropping their King Features Syndicate comic strips for those offered by Creators Syndicate.

As noted here two months ago (scroll to the bottom) the editor of Lee’s Tulsa World hinted at this change. At that time the paper informed Oklahoma readers, “In the fall, we’ll get access to 20 additional comics, including classics like ‘B.C.,’ ‘Wizard of Id’ and ‘Archie,’ and other favorites like ‘Scary Gary’ and ‘Dog Eat Doug.’”

Today a spate of announcements from Lee papers were issued about the change, most using the formal pronouncement issued from headquarters like this one from The North Platte Telegraph

“For many readers, their morning routine involves the crossword and a chuckle from their favorite comic strip. Parents use the funny pages to introduce young children to reading. 

“Readers have told us how much they value these features, along with the local news, sports and <a href="https://comicvibe.com/dubai-mall-of-the-emirates-is-adding-a-hangout-with-4-new-<a href="https://comicvibe.com/dlyr-the-new-temple-of-virtual-reality-and-immersive-entertainment-on-pariss-doorstep/” title=”D'LYR: The new temple of virtual reality and immersive entertainment on Paris's doorstep”>entertainment-concepts-18-eateries/” title=”Dubai: Mall of the Emirates Is Adding A 'Hangout' With 4 New Entertainment Concepts & 18 Eateries”>entertainment we cover every day. We hear you.”

Yes, rather than being honest about their two year syndicate contracts they claim to be listening to readers.

The statement continues with the what the new comics will be:

“We’ve added more than 20 new comics as well as some additional puzzles and columns in your newspaper…

“We’re adding some classics, including Wizard of Id, B.C. and Archie. You might find some new favorites, too.”

In a surprising bow to reader complaints Lee will be bringing back at least 2 Andrews McMeel Syndication comics strips along with the Creators lineup using one of them to illustrate the “letter to readers.”

“You may remember that we made some changes to our comics and puzzles lineup in January of 2025, and the comic strip Pickles, which Brian Crane started in 1990, was among the casualties.

“Since then, hundreds and maybe even thousands of you have gone out of your way to share your disapproval.

“Along with Pickles, Breaking Cat News is back by popular demand.”

A check of the Creators site shows them distributing 14 new comic strips and panels so if 18 of the comics on the new Lee comics page comes from Creators at least 4 will be reruns. The Daily Cartoonist doesn’t have the new daily and Sunday lineups, when we do this report will be updated.

feature image is a detail from the April 7, 2011 B.C. comic strip