Nagelbuis

Nagelbuis is a type of Dutch comic strip that originated in the late 19th century. The name Nagelbuis translates to "thumb cabinet" or "thumbnail-sized cabinet," which refers to the small size of the comic strip images. These strips typically consisted of a series of short, rectangular images that told a story in a humorous and satirical way.

Nagelbuis was first popularized by Dutch artists such as Freek Bremmer and Ruud Valstar, who began creating and publishing these comic strips in the 1870s. The style of Nagelbuis often featured simple, line-drawn illustrations and a focus on wordplay and puns. The stories were typically humorous and irreverent, and often poked fun at the social and cultural norms of the time.

Over time, Nagelbuis evolved to influence other forms of Dutch comics, including the " stripverhaal," a longer-form comic strip narrative style. Despite its influence, the Nagelbuis genre as a distinct and popular form of comic strip has largely faded from mainstream attention. However, its impact on the development of Dutch comics and its place in the country's comics history remain notable.

The Nagelbuis style has also been cited as an influence by some contemporary comic artists, who appreciate its unique and innovative approach to storytelling. While the genre may no longer be widely popular, its influence on the world of comics and its place in the history of Dutch comics make it an interesting and significant subject for study.