Mike Gersher was formerly an artist on the Blondie comic strip. He started being credited as the head artist in late December 1981, after the death of the long serving Jim Raymond. Gersher had assisted Raymond for about seventeen years, although it is not known what exactly contributions he made to the strip during that time. However, it is almost certain that Gersher was handling the majority of the artwork from about April 1981.[1] He began signing the strip in late December of that year.
Gersher's early solo strips bore a close resemblance to those of Jim Raymond, albeit with a slightly looser drawing style. Although few exact details are known, Gersher's time as lead artist did not run smoothly. He had to rely heavily on assistants, notably future head Blondie artist Denis Lebrun, who was soon brought in to ink backgrounds and improve the lettering.[2]
In 1984 Gersher was replaced by Stan Drake, although an uncredited cartoonist provided the artwork for a short transitional period between artists.