Seen as the first comic, this series of comedic chase scenes was created by Swiss schoolmaster Rudolph Toppler. The name was changed for English speakers but in French meant Mr Ham Handed.

The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck, 1837

Richard Outcault's character, which started life as a background character in his slum-based Hogan Alley strip, was a precursor to MAD's Alfred E Neuman. But it was also the first to consistently put words in balloons, sparking a great leap forward in comics.

The Yellow kid, 1894

With a name from the German for wailing cats or a hangover Rudolph Dirks creation used word balloons, sequential panels, speed lines, beads of sweat and Is for Snoring -all features now accepted as key in comics. A law suit over ownership would see her continue the strip as the Captain and the kids.

The Katzenjammer Kids, 1897

Frederick Opper's comedic masterpiece was so popular both Hoover and Coolidge attended the title character's 30th birthday. While the Irish stereotypes would now be offensive, its popularity, at the time made the character the first to reach the big screen.

Happy Hooligan, 1900.

With zany stories including a cat who infests poison and hot air balloonists who wreak havoc, US comic writer Arthur Burdett Frost set the scene for both ballooned comics and animated shows.

Stuff and Nonsense, 1884

German series featuring the titular scallywags, created by Wilhem Busch, Publishers got rich from his satirical strips, but he was left penniless and resigned. His character would influence Rudoplh Dirks' Katzenjammer Kids.

Max and Moritz, 1865

The fourth comic by engraver Gustave Dore, this ambitious but ultimately failed endeavour featured inspired artwork, rushed pages, a dull narrative and questionable propaganda.

History of Holy Russia, 1854

Richard Outcault's second hit, this character was a pretty boy with a pedigree dog and affluent family, but was no less chaotic than The Yellow Kid. However, his stories all ended with his deeds being punished and him promising to change his ways.

Buster Brown. 1902.

Christophe's family-based stories started life serialised in a French youth magazine before its popularity caused him to turn it into a full blown comic sending the titular family all around the world as reluctant tourists.

The Fenouillard Family, 1889.

First comics superstar popular in print and on stage. Although invented by Charles Ross, his Victorian anti-hero look of alcoholic's nose, shabby suit and crumpled hat was the work of his wife Marie Duval.

Ally Sloper, 1867