The Idiot, or, Invisible Rambler. Vol. 1, No. 7. Boston, 21 February 1818. 4pp., 4to (298 x 241 mm). Woodcut caricature in masthead, one woodcut in text. (Browning, old folds, small split at central fold, old binding residue along spine). THE FIRST AMERICAN COMIC STRIP. It is distinguished from earlier, mostly political, cartoons, in that it featured a recurring character who spoke in word balloons.