The Hip Flask Sunday feature, developed, written and illustrated by Tom Raymond and featuring Flask as the central character, first appeared in the comic book section of the Chicago Tribune in 1950. Just two years later, Raymond was instructed to change the title of the strip to MYSTERY CITY. Lawyers acting on behalf of Richard Alan had launched what would become a long and bitter lawsuit against Furst Features regarding ownership of the character, and Furst's strip editor hoped to continue MYSTERY CITY with or without Flask, should they lose the rights to the character.

Hip Flask and all related characters and artwork © 2002 Active Images. All rights reserved.