It's the circle of comic strip shelf life. One illustrated star usurps another before being usurped himself. Such was the case in 1940, when Stever Roper wandered into Publishers Syndicate strip Big Chief Wahoo (which, incidently, was set in "Tepee Town"), the title character was the sole head honcho.

But apple-pie, all-American Steve Roper, a photojournalist known for catching villains on film, was a tough act to follow and a rather disjointed addition tot he comparatively light-hearted Big Chief strip.

Before long, the name of the strip was changed to Steve Roper and Wahoo in 1945. Notice Roper's top billing. This slight was succeeded by the increasing absence of Wahoo-based storylines. Just two years later, the strip nixed the "and Wahoo." Roper's honeymoon lasted nearly 20 years, with Roper aging gracefully and gathering journalist accolades and promotions all the while. Not until 1964 was Roper's position challenged. In a very All About Eve turn of events, a much younger news photographer named Mike Nomad showed up. Roper received fewer field assignments, while Nomad edged up to fill in the gap. Another 20 years later, the strip title changed to Steve Roper and Mike Nomad.

Sure, Roper still has top billing, but any casual glance at the more current strips will reveal the same absence that marked Wahoo's forced retirement.

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