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Omaha The Cat Dancer

2025-05-03T19:35:11Z

LxLeckford: /* History */ Add archive-url to refs

[[Image:Omaha The Cat Dancer 1.jpg|200px|thumb|''Omaha the Cat Dancer'' #1, featuring the principal characters, Charles Tabey Jr. aka Chuck Katt and Omaha.]]

'''''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer''''' is an erotic comic strip created by artist [[Reed Waller]] and writer [[Kate Worley]]. Set in the fictional Mipple City, Minnesota in a universe populated by [[anthropomorphic]] [[funny animal]] characters, the strip is a soap opera which focuses on Omaha, a feline exotic dancer, and her lover, Chuck, the son of a powerful business tycoon.

The strip debuted in the funny animal magazine ''[[Vootie]]'', and a number of [[wikipedia:underground comix|underground comix]] in the late 1970s and early 1980s. ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' became the subject of the eponymous comic book series, which was published from 1984 until 1993 through [[wikipedia:Kitchen Sink Press|Kitchen Sink Press]]; it was relaunched by [[Fantagraphics Books]] until 1995. The final chapters of the strip's storyline were published in ''Sizzle'' magazine, beginning in 2006.

''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was the first of several comic books published in the early 1980s which integrated explicit sex into their storylines, rather than utilizing sex for shock value. The comic was the subject of a number of obscenity controversies, and was nominated for multiple [[wikipedia:Eisner Award|Eisner Award]]s in 1989 and 1991.

==Overview==
''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was created and drawn by [[Reed Waller]] and predominantly written by [[Kate Worley]]. It takes place in the fictional Mipple City, Minnesota. The comic's universe is populated by anthropomorphic funny animal characters.<ref name="Heard">{{cite web |last=Heard |first=Alex |title=Comic Strippers |publisher=Entertainment Weekly |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,317635,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070401042232/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,317635,00.html |archive-date=2007-04-01 |year=1990-07-22 |access-date=2010-06-04}}</ref> The story began as a satire of local blue laws, before evolving into a comic book soap opera.<ref name="Heard"/><ref name="Waller">{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |date=1995 |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |chapter=Introduction to 'Omaha'}}</ref>

It was one of the first major furry series to use an existing non-furry genre called "slice of life", in which the furry nature of the characters is mostly a cosmetic artistic style for realistic stories anchored in contemporary human society. The furry nature is usually restricted to animals' heads, [[fur]] colour, and [[tail]]s. The environment is indistinguishable from the real world, and all characters have [[human]]oid body shapes and wear regular [[clothing]] (but [[Free paws|no shoes]]).

It was highly praised for its writing, especially for its confident [[wikipedia:feminist|feminist]] sensibility. However, unlike the stereotyped stance, the series refused to flatly condemn erotic entertainment with the lead character usually enjoying her work and preferring it to other careers. For example, when she was once working in a clerical setting, she felt humiliated and belittled with the sexist management enough to quit in defiance and then immediately successfully auditioned at the local strip club.

==Characters==
{{main|List of characters in Omaha The Cat Dancer}}

==History==
In 1976, [[Reed Waller]] founded ''Vootie'', a [[fanzine]] intended to promote [[funny animal]] comics.<ref name="Waller"/> Waller began developing the concept for ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' after [[Taral Wayne]], who contributed to the magazine, said that there wasn't enough sex in the genre.<ref name="Waller"/> Inspired by [[wikipedia:Robert Crumb|Robert Crumb]]'s ''[[Fritz the Cat]]'',<ref name="Skinn">{{cite book |last=Skinn |first=Dez |title=Comix: The Underground Revolution |date=2004 |publisher=Thunder's Mouth Press |page=71 |chapter=Can't Get Enuff |isbn=1560255722}}</ref> Waller began looking for a theme for his new comic. He visited local strip clubs in St. Paul with his sketchbook, and read newspaper articles about attempts to shut the bars down. Another contributor to the magazine, Jim Schumeister, proposed a comic called ''Charlie's Bimbos'', in which "a bevy of strippers champion liberty in the face of Puritan oppression". This proposal sparked the idea for ''Omaha''.<ref name="Waller"/>

After two chapters had been completed, Waller was unable to continue with the story. The third chapter was completed with help from [[Kate Worley]], who continued to write the series thereafter.<ref name="Waller"/> In August 1988, Worley was injured in a car accident; the series' frequency slowed as a result of her recovery process.<ref name="Omaha-History">{{cite web |url=http://www.omahathecatdancer.com/omaha_history.htm |title=History of Omaha the Cat Dancer |publisher=CatDancer Corporation |accessdate=4 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730221659/http://www.omahathecatdancer.com/omaha_history.htm |archive-date=2012-07-30}}</ref> In November 1991, Waller was diagnosed with colon cancer; two issues of ''Images of "Omaha"'' were published in 1992 to pay for Waller's medical expenses, featuring art and writing by several major comic creators.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> In 1995, Waller and Worley ceased production of the series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omahathecatdancer.com/reed_waller.htm |title=Biography of Reed Waller |publisher=CatDancer Corporation |accessdate=4 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219171749/http://www.omahathecatdancer.com/reed_waller.htm |archive-date=2014-02-19}}</ref> In 2002, Waller and Worley agreed to complete the story; Worley was diagnosed with lung cancer, and began chemotherapy and radiation treatments in that year.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> On June 6, 2004, Worley died before completing the story; her husband, James Vance began to edit and complete the final chapters.<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

==Plot summary==
:''This section may be incomplete or out of date.''
Susan "Susie" Jensen is an aspiring model from the [[wikipedia:Midwestern United States|Midwest]] and new in the town of Mipple City, Minnesota. The story starts out as Susie uses her modeling to begin working at the strip club "Kitty Korner Klub" with her newfound friend Shelly Hine, where she now goes by the stage name of "Omaha".<ref>"Why they call her Omaha" (short story).</ref> Omaha starts to become well known after she is featured for the first time in ''Pet Magazine,'' an adult entertainment magazine as the centerfold "Kitten of the Month".<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=9-13 |chapter=Prologue: 'Kitten of the Month'}}</ref>

After working as a locally popular dancer, she and Shelly meet Chuck Katt, an artist who begins to fall in love with Omaha and whom she considers "normal".<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=19-23 |chapter=Prologue: 'Chuck and Omaha'}}</ref> After a new blue law is passed, "all strip clubs are to be closed down", Omaha and Shelly are put out of work. Shelly soon finds a hidden sub-basement at a restaurant that is owned by a man named Charles Tabey, a powerful, yet mentally ill business tycoon, whom Shelly is his lover in secret. With Omaha out of work, Chuck Katt starts working for his former boss, Andre DeRoc, a media mogul in the town and the arch-rival of Charles Tabey. He is also re-acquainted his old girlfriend, JoAnne Follett who is the personal secretary of Andre DeRoc. Charles Tabey, the wealthy and influential businessman, falls in love with Omaha as a dancer, and arranges for her to dance at the grand opening of a new secret strip club. Charles, who has control over the local police, is able to open the club which is meant exclusively for the most powerful of the city. However, DeRoc sabotages the opening night by placing a chemical in the liquor turning the crowd into a sexually violent mob aimed at Omaha. All three rush to escape through the back door. Upon exiting, a hitman hired to kill Charles Tabey mistakes Chuck Katt for him and accidentally shoots Shelly Hine. She then tells the two to find JoAnne Follett.

The couple soon go to find JoAnne and are almost killed on the way there by the man aiming for Charles. Instead they walk in on JoAnne having sex with Charles Tabey. Chuck then reluctantly reveals to Omaha that his real name is Charles Tabey, Jr. and that he is Charles' son.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=25-66 |chapter=Chapter I}}</ref> After everything that has happened, the two return to their car and drive off to San Francisco.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=67-71 |chapter=Chapter I}}</ref> On the way to the city, their car breaks down. The two are then picked up by a man and woman, who claim to run a modeling agency in San Francisco and promise work for Omaha. She and Chuck, feeling relieved, settle in a penthouse apartment belonging to the seemingly kind pair.

While Chuck is out running errands, the real owner returns. It is revealed to be JoAnne Follett. She explains that she has quit working for Andre DeRoc and now works for Charles Tabey. She brings them money from Charles so Chuck and Omaha can hide out for as long as they need to. After Chuck comes back, the three go out shopping and drinking later that night. Afterwards, at the apartment, JoAnne and Omaha begin to sexually experiment with each other while Chuck is passed out drunk. Upon Chuck's waking, the experimentation turns into an all out threesome between the pair and JoAnne. After Omaha and Chuck fall asleep leaving JoAnne alone, she is surprised by the man who claimed to run a modeling agency, but is in fact working for DeRoc. He nearly throws JoAnne off the balcony, but Omaha wakes up in time and knocks him out with a liquor bottle. He escapes, the two then go to bed together leaving Chuck to sleep on the living room floor.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=73-97 |chapter=Chapter II}}</ref>

After the threesome with '''Chuck and Joanne, Omaha''' has a nightmare about '''Shelley'''. Waking up and finding Joanne in bed with her, the shock and brandy from the night before makes her ill. So she decides to write a note and takes a walk. Chuck wakes to a closing door, looking for Omaha. But finding Joanne instead, the two make coffee and fetch aspirin. After wandering into [[wikipedia:Chinatown, San Francisco, California|Chinatown]], Omaha is enticed into a restaurant for lunch. While she is studying the menu a young Chinese man makes a call to Mipple City. Omaha finds a large chauffeur who forces her outside to a car belonging to '''Charles Tabey Sr''', who takes her to a private estate near [[wikipedia:San Pedro, Los Angeles, California|San Pedro]], whare she meets '''Pamela''', '''Charles Tabey Sr's''' personal assistant. Back in San Francisco, '''Chuck and Joanne''' hear a messenger, with a note saying that Charlie has taken Omaha for her own protection, Chuck is now angry at his father's meddling, but Joanne agrees with Charlie's good intentions. Chuck refuses to believe in his father's good intentions, Joanne loses patience with him, Chuck apologizes to her and the two wind up in bed. At the private estate of '''Charles Tabey Sr''' all three have dinner. Later Pamela shows Omaha a special workout studio, so she can stay in shape for the re-opening of the Underground. Horrified she runs back to her room and cries herself to sleep. Later she is awakened by a storm, she undresses for bed fantasizing about Chuck and masturbating. She hears a noise and finds Charles in the room. Terrified, she refuses to listen as he grabs her and drags her showing her the real reason for the abduction "'''Shelley''' is alive".<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=99-128 |chapter=Chapter III}}</ref>

Kurt Huddle tells Jerry (an old friend of Shelley) that she is now in a wheelchair and how he came to work for Charles Tabey, Sr. Back in San Francisco '''JoAnne and Chuck''' go shopping and meet '''Rob Shaw''', a gay photographer for pictures for his portfolio. Later she runs an ad in the classifieds. Back at '''Charles Tabey Sr's''' private estate Omaha meets Jerry for a second time and all five sit down for lunchtime.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |volume=2 |date=1988-01 |publisher=Kitchen Sink Press |isbn=0878160493}}</ref>

==Publication history==
The character debuted in ''The Adventures of Omaha'', which was published in ''Vootie'' in 1978.<ref name="Waller"/><ref name="Omaha-History"/> The first chapter of ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was published by Kitchen Sink Press in ''Bizarre Sex'' #9 in 1981.<ref name="Waller"/> A five page untitled story appeared in ''Bizarre Sex'' #10 in 1982, as a followup to the first chapter.<ref name="Waller"/><ref name="Omaha-History"/> In 1983, a one-page parody strip starring Omaha, titled "Hotsizz Twonkies", was published in ''E-Man'' #5 by First Comics.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> Another five page untitled story, identified as "Shelly and Omaha" in ''The Collected Omaha Volume 1'', appeared in ''Dope Comix'' #5; it was reprinted in ''Bizarre Sex Series'' #5.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> In 1991, the ''Omaha'' story "A Strip in Time" appeared in ''Munden's Bar Annual'' #2, published by First Comics.<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

In 1984, SteelDragon Press published the first issue of ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'', which featured the second chapter of the story.<ref name="Waller"/><ref name="Omaha-History"/> The series lasted 19 issues before being cancelled in 1993.<ref name="Skinn"/> Fantagraphics Books later relaunched the series, but it only lasted four issues, the last published in 1995.<ref name="Skinn"/><ref name="Omaha-History"/> In 1994, Rob, a supporting character from the series, appeared in ''Gay Comics'' #22.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> The final chapters of the story were serialized in ''Sizzle'', beginning in 2006.<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

From 1987 until 1998, Kitchen Sink, and later Fantagraphics, published six volumes of the ''Omaha'' strips under the title ''The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer''.<ref name="Omaha-History"/><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 }}</ref> From 2005 to 2008, NBM Publishing imprint Amerotica published seven volumes of strips under the title ''The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=1 |date=2005-10 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634514 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=2 |date=2006-01 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634573 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=3 |date=2006-04 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634743 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=4 |date=2006-07 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634786 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=5 |date=2006-10 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634905 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=6 |date=2007-04-05 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561635057 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=7 |date=2008-03 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561635278 }}</ref>

==Cultural impact==
''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was the first of several comic books in the early 1980s which integrated sex into their storylines, rather than utilizing sexual explicitness for shock value.<ref name="Skinn"/><ref name="Sabin-177">{{cite book |last=Sabin |first=Roger |title=Comics, Comix & Graphic Novels: A History Of Comic Art |date=1996 |publisher=Phaidon Press |location=London, United Kingdom |isbn=0714830089 |pages=177–78; 182; 188; 200; 208–209 |chapter=Alternative Visions }}</ref> In 1988, Friendly Frank's, a comic book store in suburban Chicago, was fined $750 for selling "obscene" material, including ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer''; as a result of the obscenity controversy, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund was formed.<ref name="Omaha-History"/><ref>"Comics". ''[[w:Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''. Volume 4, issue 5, page 50.</ref> In 1990, issues of ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' were seized by New Zealand authorities; the country's Obscene Publications Tribunal declared that the series was not indecent.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> In the same year, police in Toronto seized issues of the comic, claiming that it depicted [[wikipedia:Zoophilia|bestiality]].<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

In ''Graphic Novels: A Bibliographic Guide to Book-Length Comics'', D. Aviva Rothschild praised the series, writing "the plot is always strong, and the characters are always three-dimensional and appealing."<ref name="Rothschild">{{cite book |last=Rothschild |first=D. Aviva |title=Graphic Novels: A Bibliographic Guide to Book-Length Comics |date=1995 |publisher=Libraries Unlimited |isbn=1563080869 |pages=110-111 |chapter=Funny Animals }}</ref> ''Entertainment Weekly'' writer Alex Heard panned the comic, writing that "The story moves very slowly [...] one can readily agree with the disgruntled fan who wrote, 'My God! Where did you dredge up those horrid characters?'"<ref name="Heard"/>

In 1992, Kitchen Sink published two volumes of ''Images of "Omaha"'' as a benefit to pay for the treatment of Waller's bowel cancer. The volumes featured contributions by major comic book artists, such as [[wikipedia:Dave Sim|Dave Sim]], [[wikipedia:Alan Moore|Alan Moore]] and [[wikipedia:Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]].<ref name="Rothschild"/> [[wikipedia:Trina Robbins|Trina Robbins]], [[wikipedia:James Vance (comics)|James Vance]] and [[wikipedia:Neil Gaiman|Neil Gaiman]] have provided introductions to collected editions of the series.<ref name="Rothschild"/> The influence of ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' is noted in the furry comic book scene, with ''[[Shanda the Panda]]'' being the most successful series to emulate ''Omaha'' in many respects. ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was nominated for [[wikipedia:Eisner Award|Eisner Award]]s for Best Continuing Series, Best Black-and-White Series, and Best Writer/Artist in 1989; in 1991, the series received Eisner Awards for Best Black and White Series and Best Writer.<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20201201203331/http://www.omahathecatdancer.com/ Omaha The Cat Dancer official website] (on the Wayback Machine, captured 2020-12-01)
*[http://rwaller.blogspot.com/ Reed Waller's Official Blog]
*[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cat-Dancing-with-OMAHA/ Yahoo! Groups, Cat Dancing with Omaha]
*[http://www.hootisland.com/reviews/comics/waller_omaha.html Hoot Reviews, Omaha The Cat Dancer]
*[http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/allender/omahacat.htm "Omaha" The Cat Dancer Collectible Cards List]
*[http://animefeet.wikia.com/Omaha Footwork Encyclopedia article]

[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:Mature comics]]

{{Wikipedia|Omaha The Cat Dancer}}
{{Featured article}}
[[it:Omaha, la gattina ballerina‏‎]]
[[fi:Omaha kissatanssija]]

Omaha The Cat Dancer

2025-05-03T19:24:59Z

LxLeckford: /* Overview */ Fix link

[[Image:Omaha The Cat Dancer 1.jpg|200px|thumb|''Omaha the Cat Dancer'' #1, featuring the principal characters, Charles Tabey Jr. aka Chuck Katt and Omaha.]]

'''''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer''''' is an erotic comic strip created by artist [[Reed Waller]] and writer [[Kate Worley]]. Set in the fictional Mipple City, Minnesota in a universe populated by [[anthropomorphic]] [[funny animal]] characters, the strip is a soap opera which focuses on Omaha, a feline exotic dancer, and her lover, Chuck, the son of a powerful business tycoon.

The strip debuted in the funny animal magazine ''[[Vootie]]'', and a number of [[wikipedia:underground comix|underground comix]] in the late 1970s and early 1980s. ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' became the subject of the eponymous comic book series, which was published from 1984 until 1993 through [[wikipedia:Kitchen Sink Press|Kitchen Sink Press]]; it was relaunched by [[Fantagraphics Books]] until 1995. The final chapters of the strip's storyline were published in ''Sizzle'' magazine, beginning in 2006.

''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was the first of several comic books published in the early 1980s which integrated explicit sex into their storylines, rather than utilizing sex for shock value. The comic was the subject of a number of obscenity controversies, and was nominated for multiple [[wikipedia:Eisner Award|Eisner Award]]s in 1989 and 1991.

==Overview==
''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was created and drawn by [[Reed Waller]] and predominantly written by [[Kate Worley]]. It takes place in the fictional Mipple City, Minnesota. The comic's universe is populated by anthropomorphic funny animal characters.<ref name="Heard">{{cite web |last=Heard |first=Alex |title=Comic Strippers |publisher=Entertainment Weekly |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,317635,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070401042232/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,317635,00.html |archive-date=2007-04-01 |year=1990-07-22 |access-date=2010-06-04}}</ref> The story began as a satire of local blue laws, before evolving into a comic book soap opera.<ref name="Heard"/><ref name="Waller">{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |date=1995 |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |chapter=Introduction to 'Omaha'}}</ref>

It was one of the first major furry series to use an existing non-furry genre called "slice of life", in which the furry nature of the characters is mostly a cosmetic artistic style for realistic stories anchored in contemporary human society. The furry nature is usually restricted to animals' heads, [[fur]] colour, and [[tail]]s. The environment is indistinguishable from the real world, and all characters have [[human]]oid body shapes and wear regular [[clothing]] (but [[Free paws|no shoes]]).

It was highly praised for its writing, especially for its confident [[wikipedia:feminist|feminist]] sensibility. However, unlike the stereotyped stance, the series refused to flatly condemn erotic entertainment with the lead character usually enjoying her work and preferring it to other careers. For example, when she was once working in a clerical setting, she felt humiliated and belittled with the sexist management enough to quit in defiance and then immediately successfully auditioned at the local strip club.

==Characters==
{{main|List of characters in Omaha The Cat Dancer}}

==History==
In 1976, [[Reed Waller]] founded ''Vootie'', a [[fanzine]] intended to promote [[funny animal]] comics.<ref name="Waller"/> Waller began developing the concept for ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' after [[Taral Wayne]], who contributed to the magazine, said that there wasn't enough sex in the genre.<ref name="Waller"/> Inspired by [[wikipedia:Robert Crumb|Robert Crumb]]'s ''[[Fritz the Cat]]'',<ref name="Skinn">{{cite book |last=Skinn |first=Dez |title=Comix: The Underground Revolution |date=2004 |publisher=Thunder's Mouth Press |page=71 |chapter=Can't Get Enuff |isbn=1560255722}}</ref> Waller began looking for a theme for his new comic. He visited local strip clubs in St. Paul with his sketchbook, and read newspaper articles about attempts to shut the bars down. Another contributor to the magazine, Jim Schumeister, proposed a comic called ''Charlie's Bimbos'', in which "a bevy of strippers champion liberty in the face of Puritan oppression". This proposal sparked the idea for ''Omaha''.<ref name="Waller"/>

After two chapters had been completed, Waller was unable to continue with the story. The third chapter was completed with help from [[Kate Worley]], who continued to write the series thereafter.<ref name="Waller"/> In August 1988, Worley was injured in a car accident; the series' frequency slowed as a result of her recovery process.<ref name="Omaha-History">{{cite web |url=http://www.omahathecatdancer.com/omaha_history.htm |title=History of Omaha the Cat Dancer |publisher=CatDancer Corporation |accessdate=4 June 2010}}</ref> In November 1991, Waller was diagnosed with colon cancer; two issues of ''Images of "Omaha"'' were published in 1992 to pay for Waller's medical expenses, featuring art and writing by several major comic creators.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> In 1995, Waller and Worley ceased production of the series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omahathecatdancer.com/reed_waller.htm |title=Biography of Reed Waller |publisher=CatDancer Corporation |accessdate=4 June 2010}}</ref> In 2002, Waller and Worley agreed to complete the story; Worley was diagnosed with lung cancer, and began chemotherapy and radiation treatments in that year.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> On June 6, 2004, Worley died before completing the story; her husband, James Vance began to edit and complete the final chapters.<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

==Plot summary==
:''This section may be incomplete or out of date.''
Susan "Susie" Jensen is an aspiring model from the [[wikipedia:Midwestern United States|Midwest]] and new in the town of Mipple City, Minnesota. The story starts out as Susie uses her modeling to begin working at the strip club "Kitty Korner Klub" with her newfound friend Shelly Hine, where she now goes by the stage name of "Omaha".<ref>"Why they call her Omaha" (short story).</ref> Omaha starts to become well known after she is featured for the first time in ''Pet Magazine,'' an adult entertainment magazine as the centerfold "Kitten of the Month".<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=9-13 |chapter=Prologue: 'Kitten of the Month'}}</ref>

After working as a locally popular dancer, she and Shelly meet Chuck Katt, an artist who begins to fall in love with Omaha and whom she considers "normal".<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=19-23 |chapter=Prologue: 'Chuck and Omaha'}}</ref> After a new blue law is passed, "all strip clubs are to be closed down", Omaha and Shelly are put out of work. Shelly soon finds a hidden sub-basement at a restaurant that is owned by a man named Charles Tabey, a powerful, yet mentally ill business tycoon, whom Shelly is his lover in secret. With Omaha out of work, Chuck Katt starts working for his former boss, Andre DeRoc, a media mogul in the town and the arch-rival of Charles Tabey. He is also re-acquainted his old girlfriend, JoAnne Follett who is the personal secretary of Andre DeRoc. Charles Tabey, the wealthy and influential businessman, falls in love with Omaha as a dancer, and arranges for her to dance at the grand opening of a new secret strip club. Charles, who has control over the local police, is able to open the club which is meant exclusively for the most powerful of the city. However, DeRoc sabotages the opening night by placing a chemical in the liquor turning the crowd into a sexually violent mob aimed at Omaha. All three rush to escape through the back door. Upon exiting, a hitman hired to kill Charles Tabey mistakes Chuck Katt for him and accidentally shoots Shelly Hine. She then tells the two to find JoAnne Follett.

The couple soon go to find JoAnne and are almost killed on the way there by the man aiming for Charles. Instead they walk in on JoAnne having sex with Charles Tabey. Chuck then reluctantly reveals to Omaha that his real name is Charles Tabey, Jr. and that he is Charles' son.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=25-66 |chapter=Chapter I}}</ref> After everything that has happened, the two return to their car and drive off to San Francisco.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=67-71 |chapter=Chapter I}}</ref> On the way to the city, their car breaks down. The two are then picked up by a man and woman, who claim to run a modeling agency in San Francisco and promise work for Omaha. She and Chuck, feeling relieved, settle in a penthouse apartment belonging to the seemingly kind pair.

While Chuck is out running errands, the real owner returns. It is revealed to be JoAnne Follett. She explains that she has quit working for Andre DeRoc and now works for Charles Tabey. She brings them money from Charles so Chuck and Omaha can hide out for as long as they need to. After Chuck comes back, the three go out shopping and drinking later that night. Afterwards, at the apartment, JoAnne and Omaha begin to sexually experiment with each other while Chuck is passed out drunk. Upon Chuck's waking, the experimentation turns into an all out threesome between the pair and JoAnne. After Omaha and Chuck fall asleep leaving JoAnne alone, she is surprised by the man who claimed to run a modeling agency, but is in fact working for DeRoc. He nearly throws JoAnne off the balcony, but Omaha wakes up in time and knocks him out with a liquor bottle. He escapes, the two then go to bed together leaving Chuck to sleep on the living room floor.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=73-97 |chapter=Chapter II}}</ref>

After the threesome with '''Chuck and Joanne, Omaha''' has a nightmare about '''Shelley'''. Waking up and finding Joanne in bed with her, the shock and brandy from the night before makes her ill. So she decides to write a note and takes a walk. Chuck wakes to a closing door, looking for Omaha. But finding Joanne instead, the two make coffee and fetch aspirin. After wandering into [[wikipedia:Chinatown, San Francisco, California|Chinatown]], Omaha is enticed into a restaurant for lunch. While she is studying the menu a young Chinese man makes a call to Mipple City. Omaha finds a large chauffeur who forces her outside to a car belonging to '''Charles Tabey Sr''', who takes her to a private estate near [[wikipedia:San Pedro, Los Angeles, California|San Pedro]], whare she meets '''Pamela''', '''Charles Tabey Sr's''' personal assistant. Back in San Francisco, '''Chuck and Joanne''' hear a messenger, with a note saying that Charlie has taken Omaha for her own protection, Chuck is now angry at his father's meddling, but Joanne agrees with Charlie's good intentions. Chuck refuses to believe in his father's good intentions, Joanne loses patience with him, Chuck apologizes to her and the two wind up in bed. At the private estate of '''Charles Tabey Sr''' all three have dinner. Later Pamela shows Omaha a special workout studio, so she can stay in shape for the re-opening of the Underground. Horrified she runs back to her room and cries herself to sleep. Later she is awakened by a storm, she undresses for bed fantasizing about Chuck and masturbating. She hears a noise and finds Charles in the room. Terrified, she refuses to listen as he grabs her and drags her showing her the real reason for the abduction "'''Shelley''' is alive".<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=99-128 |chapter=Chapter III}}</ref>

Kurt Huddle tells Jerry (an old friend of Shelley) that she is now in a wheelchair and how he came to work for Charles Tabey, Sr. Back in San Francisco '''JoAnne and Chuck''' go shopping and meet '''Rob Shaw''', a gay photographer for pictures for his portfolio. Later she runs an ad in the classifieds. Back at '''Charles Tabey Sr's''' private estate Omaha meets Jerry for a second time and all five sit down for lunchtime.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |volume=2 |date=1988-01 |publisher=Kitchen Sink Press |isbn=0878160493}}</ref>

==Publication history==
The character debuted in ''The Adventures of Omaha'', which was published in ''Vootie'' in 1978.<ref name="Waller"/><ref name="Omaha-History"/> The first chapter of ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was published by Kitchen Sink Press in ''Bizarre Sex'' #9 in 1981.<ref name="Waller"/> A five page untitled story appeared in ''Bizarre Sex'' #10 in 1982, as a followup to the first chapter.<ref name="Waller"/><ref name="Omaha-History"/> In 1983, a one-page parody strip starring Omaha, titled "Hotsizz Twonkies", was published in ''E-Man'' #5 by First Comics.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> Another five page untitled story, identified as "Shelly and Omaha" in ''The Collected Omaha Volume 1'', appeared in ''Dope Comix'' #5; it was reprinted in ''Bizarre Sex Series'' #5.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> In 1991, the ''Omaha'' story "A Strip in Time" appeared in ''Munden's Bar Annual'' #2, published by First Comics.<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

In 1984, SteelDragon Press published the first issue of ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'', which featured the second chapter of the story.<ref name="Waller"/><ref name="Omaha-History"/> The series lasted 19 issues before being cancelled in 1993.<ref name="Skinn"/> Fantagraphics Books later relaunched the series, but it only lasted four issues, the last published in 1995.<ref name="Skinn"/><ref name="Omaha-History"/> In 1994, Rob, a supporting character from the series, appeared in ''Gay Comics'' #22.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> The final chapters of the story were serialized in ''Sizzle'', beginning in 2006.<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

From 1987 until 1998, Kitchen Sink, and later Fantagraphics, published six volumes of the ''Omaha'' strips under the title ''The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer''.<ref name="Omaha-History"/><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 }}</ref> From 2005 to 2008, NBM Publishing imprint Amerotica published seven volumes of strips under the title ''The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=1 |date=2005-10 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634514 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=2 |date=2006-01 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634573 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=3 |date=2006-04 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634743 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=4 |date=2006-07 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634786 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=5 |date=2006-10 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634905 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=6 |date=2007-04-05 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561635057 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=7 |date=2008-03 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561635278 }}</ref>

==Cultural impact==
''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was the first of several comic books in the early 1980s which integrated sex into their storylines, rather than utilizing sexual explicitness for shock value.<ref name="Skinn"/><ref name="Sabin-177">{{cite book |last=Sabin |first=Roger |title=Comics, Comix & Graphic Novels: A History Of Comic Art |date=1996 |publisher=Phaidon Press |location=London, United Kingdom |isbn=0714830089 |pages=177–78; 182; 188; 200; 208–209 |chapter=Alternative Visions }}</ref> In 1988, Friendly Frank's, a comic book store in suburban Chicago, was fined $750 for selling "obscene" material, including ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer''; as a result of the obscenity controversy, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund was formed.<ref name="Omaha-History"/><ref>"Comics". ''[[w:Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''. Volume 4, issue 5, page 50.</ref> In 1990, issues of ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' were seized by New Zealand authorities; the country's Obscene Publications Tribunal declared that the series was not indecent.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> In the same year, police in Toronto seized issues of the comic, claiming that it depicted [[wikipedia:Zoophilia|bestiality]].<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

In ''Graphic Novels: A Bibliographic Guide to Book-Length Comics'', D. Aviva Rothschild praised the series, writing "the plot is always strong, and the characters are always three-dimensional and appealing."<ref name="Rothschild">{{cite book |last=Rothschild |first=D. Aviva |title=Graphic Novels: A Bibliographic Guide to Book-Length Comics |date=1995 |publisher=Libraries Unlimited |isbn=1563080869 |pages=110-111 |chapter=Funny Animals }}</ref> ''Entertainment Weekly'' writer Alex Heard panned the comic, writing that "The story moves very slowly [...] one can readily agree with the disgruntled fan who wrote, 'My God! Where did you dredge up those horrid characters?'"<ref name="Heard"/>

In 1992, Kitchen Sink published two volumes of ''Images of "Omaha"'' as a benefit to pay for the treatment of Waller's bowel cancer. The volumes featured contributions by major comic book artists, such as [[wikipedia:Dave Sim|Dave Sim]], [[wikipedia:Alan Moore|Alan Moore]] and [[wikipedia:Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]].<ref name="Rothschild"/> [[wikipedia:Trina Robbins|Trina Robbins]], [[wikipedia:James Vance (comics)|James Vance]] and [[wikipedia:Neil Gaiman|Neil Gaiman]] have provided introductions to collected editions of the series.<ref name="Rothschild"/> The influence of ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' is noted in the furry comic book scene, with ''[[Shanda the Panda]]'' being the most successful series to emulate ''Omaha'' in many respects. ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was nominated for [[wikipedia:Eisner Award|Eisner Award]]s for Best Continuing Series, Best Black-and-White Series, and Best Writer/Artist in 1989; in 1991, the series received Eisner Awards for Best Black and White Series and Best Writer.<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20201201203331/http://www.omahathecatdancer.com/ Omaha The Cat Dancer official website] (on the Wayback Machine, captured 2020-12-01)
*[http://rwaller.blogspot.com/ Reed Waller's Official Blog]
*[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cat-Dancing-with-OMAHA/ Yahoo! Groups, Cat Dancing with Omaha]
*[http://www.hootisland.com/reviews/comics/waller_omaha.html Hoot Reviews, Omaha The Cat Dancer]
*[http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/allender/omahacat.htm "Omaha" The Cat Dancer Collectible Cards List]
*[http://animefeet.wikia.com/Omaha Footwork Encyclopedia article]

[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:Mature comics]]

{{Wikipedia|Omaha The Cat Dancer}}
{{Featured article}}
[[it:Omaha, la gattina ballerina‏‎]]
[[fi:Omaha kissatanssija]]

Omaha The Cat Dancer

2025-04-30T18:49:06Z

LxLeckford: Replace link to official site with Wayback link

[[Image:Omaha The Cat Dancer 1.jpg|200px|thumb|''Omaha the Cat Dancer'' #1, featuring the principal characters, Charles Tabey Jr. aka Chuck Katt and Omaha.]]

'''''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer''''' is an erotic comic strip created by artist [[Reed Waller]] and writer [[Kate Worley]]. Set in the fictional Mipple City, Minnesota in a universe populated by [[anthropomorphic]] [[funny animal]] characters, the strip is a soap opera which focuses on Omaha, a feline exotic dancer, and her lover, Chuck, the son of a powerful business tycoon.

The strip debuted in the funny animal magazine ''[[Vootie]]'', and a number of [[wikipedia:underground comix|underground comix]] in the late 1970s and early 1980s. ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' became the subject of the eponymous comic book series, which was published from 1984 until 1993 through [[wikipedia:Kitchen Sink Press|Kitchen Sink Press]]; it was relaunched by [[Fantagraphics Books]] until 1995. The final chapters of the strip's storyline were published in ''Sizzle'' magazine, beginning in 2006.

''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was the first of several comic books published in the early 1980s which integrated explicit sex into their storylines, rather than utilizing sex for shock value. The comic was the subject of a number of obscenity controversies, and was nominated for multiple [[wikipedia:Eisner Award|Eisner Award]]s in 1989 and 1991.

==Overview==
''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was created and drawn by [[Reed Waller]] and predominantly written by [[Kate Worley]]. It takes place in the fictional Mipple City, Minnesota. The comic's universe is populated by anthropomorphic funny animal characters.<ref name="Heard">{{cite web |last=Heard |first=Alex |title=Comic Strippers |publisher=Entertainment Weekly |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,317635,00.html |year=June 22, 1990 |accessdate=4 June 2010}}</ref> The story began as a satire of local blue laws, before evolving into a comic book soap opera.<ref name="Heard"/><ref name="Waller">{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |date=1995 |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |chapter=Introduction to 'Omaha'}}</ref>

It was one of the first major furry series to use an existing non-furry genre called "slice of life", in which the furry nature of the characters is mostly a cosmetic artistic style for realistic stories anchored in contemporary human society. The furry nature is usually restricted to animals' heads, [[fur]] colour, and [[tail]]s. The environment is indistinguishable from the real world, and all characters have [[human]]oid body shapes and wear regular [[clothing]] (but [[Free paws|no shoes]]).

It was highly praised for its writing, especially for its confident [[wikipedia:feminist|feminist]] sensibility. However, unlike the stereotyped stance, the series refused to flatly condemn erotic entertainment with the lead character usually enjoying her work and preferring it to other careers. For example, when she was once working in a clerical setting, she felt humiliated and belittled with the sexist management enough to quit in defiance and then immediately successfully auditioned at the local strip club.

==Characters==
{{main|List of characters in Omaha The Cat Dancer}}

==History==
In 1976, [[Reed Waller]] founded ''Vootie'', a [[fanzine]] intended to promote [[funny animal]] comics.<ref name="Waller"/> Waller began developing the concept for ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' after [[Taral Wayne]], who contributed to the magazine, said that there wasn't enough sex in the genre.<ref name="Waller"/> Inspired by [[wikipedia:Robert Crumb|Robert Crumb]]'s ''[[Fritz the Cat]]'',<ref name="Skinn">{{cite book |last=Skinn |first=Dez |title=Comix: The Underground Revolution |date=2004 |publisher=Thunder's Mouth Press |page=71 |chapter=Can't Get Enuff |isbn=1560255722}}</ref> Waller began looking for a theme for his new comic. He visited local strip clubs in St. Paul with his sketchbook, and read newspaper articles about attempts to shut the bars down. Another contributor to the magazine, Jim Schumeister, proposed a comic called ''Charlie's Bimbos'', in which "a bevy of strippers champion liberty in the face of Puritan oppression". This proposal sparked the idea for ''Omaha''.<ref name="Waller"/>

After two chapters had been completed, Waller was unable to continue with the story. The third chapter was completed with help from [[Kate Worley]], who continued to write the series thereafter.<ref name="Waller"/> In August 1988, Worley was injured in a car accident; the series' frequency slowed as a result of her recovery process.<ref name="Omaha-History">{{cite web |url=http://www.omahathecatdancer.com/omaha_history.htm |title=History of Omaha the Cat Dancer |publisher=CatDancer Corporation |accessdate=4 June 2010}}</ref> In November 1991, Waller was diagnosed with colon cancer; two issues of ''Images of "Omaha"'' were published in 1992 to pay for Waller's medical expenses, featuring art and writing by several major comic creators.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> In 1995, Waller and Worley ceased production of the series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omahathecatdancer.com/reed_waller.htm |title=Biography of Reed Waller |publisher=CatDancer Corporation |accessdate=4 June 2010}}</ref> In 2002, Waller and Worley agreed to complete the story; Worley was diagnosed with lung cancer, and began chemotherapy and radiation treatments in that year.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> On June 6, 2004, Worley died before completing the story; her husband, James Vance began to edit and complete the final chapters.<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

==Plot summary==
:''This section may be incomplete or out of date.''
Susan "Susie" Jensen is an aspiring model from the [[wikipedia:Midwestern United States|Midwest]] and new in the town of Mipple City, Minnesota. The story starts out as Susie uses her modeling to begin working at the strip club "Kitty Korner Klub" with her newfound friend Shelly Hine, where she now goes by the stage name of "Omaha".<ref>"Why they call her Omaha" (short story).</ref> Omaha starts to become well known after she is featured for the first time in ''Pet Magazine,'' an adult entertainment magazine as the centerfold "Kitten of the Month".<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=9-13 |chapter=Prologue: 'Kitten of the Month'}}</ref>

After working as a locally popular dancer, she and Shelly meet Chuck Katt, an artist who begins to fall in love with Omaha and whom she considers "normal".<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=19-23 |chapter=Prologue: 'Chuck and Omaha'}}</ref> After a new blue law is passed, "all strip clubs are to be closed down", Omaha and Shelly are put out of work. Shelly soon finds a hidden sub-basement at a restaurant that is owned by a man named Charles Tabey, a powerful, yet mentally ill business tycoon, whom Shelly is his lover in secret. With Omaha out of work, Chuck Katt starts working for his former boss, Andre DeRoc, a media mogul in the town and the arch-rival of Charles Tabey. He is also re-acquainted his old girlfriend, JoAnne Follett who is the personal secretary of Andre DeRoc. Charles Tabey, the wealthy and influential businessman, falls in love with Omaha as a dancer, and arranges for her to dance at the grand opening of a new secret strip club. Charles, who has control over the local police, is able to open the club which is meant exclusively for the most powerful of the city. However, DeRoc sabotages the opening night by placing a chemical in the liquor turning the crowd into a sexually violent mob aimed at Omaha. All three rush to escape through the back door. Upon exiting, a hitman hired to kill Charles Tabey mistakes Chuck Katt for him and accidentally shoots Shelly Hine. She then tells the two to find JoAnne Follett.

The couple soon go to find JoAnne and are almost killed on the way there by the man aiming for Charles. Instead they walk in on JoAnne having sex with Charles Tabey. Chuck then reluctantly reveals to Omaha that his real name is Charles Tabey, Jr. and that he is Charles' son.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=25-66 |chapter=Chapter I}}</ref> After everything that has happened, the two return to their car and drive off to San Francisco.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=67-71 |chapter=Chapter I}}</ref> On the way to the city, their car breaks down. The two are then picked up by a man and woman, who claim to run a modeling agency in San Francisco and promise work for Omaha. She and Chuck, feeling relieved, settle in a penthouse apartment belonging to the seemingly kind pair.

While Chuck is out running errands, the real owner returns. It is revealed to be JoAnne Follett. She explains that she has quit working for Andre DeRoc and now works for Charles Tabey. She brings them money from Charles so Chuck and Omaha can hide out for as long as they need to. After Chuck comes back, the three go out shopping and drinking later that night. Afterwards, at the apartment, JoAnne and Omaha begin to sexually experiment with each other while Chuck is passed out drunk. Upon Chuck's waking, the experimentation turns into an all out threesome between the pair and JoAnne. After Omaha and Chuck fall asleep leaving JoAnne alone, she is surprised by the man who claimed to run a modeling agency, but is in fact working for DeRoc. He nearly throws JoAnne off the balcony, but Omaha wakes up in time and knocks him out with a liquor bottle. He escapes, the two then go to bed together leaving Chuck to sleep on the living room floor.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=73-97 |chapter=Chapter II}}</ref>

After the threesome with '''Chuck and Joanne, Omaha''' has a nightmare about '''Shelley'''. Waking up and finding Joanne in bed with her, the shock and brandy from the night before makes her ill. So she decides to write a note and takes a walk. Chuck wakes to a closing door, looking for Omaha. But finding Joanne instead, the two make coffee and fetch aspirin. After wandering into [[wikipedia:Chinatown, San Francisco, California|Chinatown]], Omaha is enticed into a restaurant for lunch. While she is studying the menu a young Chinese man makes a call to Mipple City. Omaha finds a large chauffeur who forces her outside to a car belonging to '''Charles Tabey Sr''', who takes her to a private estate near [[wikipedia:San Pedro, Los Angeles, California|San Pedro]], whare she meets '''Pamela''', '''Charles Tabey Sr's''' personal assistant. Back in San Francisco, '''Chuck and Joanne''' hear a messenger, with a note saying that Charlie has taken Omaha for her own protection, Chuck is now angry at his father's meddling, but Joanne agrees with Charlie's good intentions. Chuck refuses to believe in his father's good intentions, Joanne loses patience with him, Chuck apologizes to her and the two wind up in bed. At the private estate of '''Charles Tabey Sr''' all three have dinner. Later Pamela shows Omaha a special workout studio, so she can stay in shape for the re-opening of the Underground. Horrified she runs back to her room and cries herself to sleep. Later she is awakened by a storm, she undresses for bed fantasizing about Chuck and masturbating. She hears a noise and finds Charles in the room. Terrified, she refuses to listen as he grabs her and drags her showing her the real reason for the abduction "'''Shelley''' is alive".<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |orig-date=Originally published October 1987 |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 |pages=99-128 |chapter=Chapter III}}</ref>

Kurt Huddle tells Jerry (an old friend of Shelley) that she is now in a wheelchair and how he came to work for Charles Tabey, Sr. Back in San Francisco '''JoAnne and Chuck''' go shopping and meet '''Rob Shaw''', a gay photographer for pictures for his portfolio. Later she runs an ad in the classifieds. Back at '''Charles Tabey Sr's''' private estate Omaha meets Jerry for a second time and all five sit down for lunchtime.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |volume=2 |date=1988-01 |publisher=Kitchen Sink Press |isbn=0878160493}}</ref>

==Publication history==
The character debuted in ''The Adventures of Omaha'', which was published in ''Vootie'' in 1978.<ref name="Waller"/><ref name="Omaha-History"/> The first chapter of ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was published by Kitchen Sink Press in ''Bizarre Sex'' #9 in 1981.<ref name="Waller"/> A five page untitled story appeared in ''Bizarre Sex'' #10 in 1982, as a followup to the first chapter.<ref name="Waller"/><ref name="Omaha-History"/> In 1983, a one-page parody strip starring Omaha, titled "Hotsizz Twonkies", was published in ''E-Man'' #5 by First Comics.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> Another five page untitled story, identified as "Shelly and Omaha" in ''The Collected Omaha Volume 1'', appeared in ''Dope Comix'' #5; it was reprinted in ''Bizarre Sex Series'' #5.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> In 1991, the ''Omaha'' story "A Strip in Time" appeared in ''Munden's Bar Annual'' #2, published by First Comics.<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

In 1984, SteelDragon Press published the first issue of ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'', which featured the second chapter of the story.<ref name="Waller"/><ref name="Omaha-History"/> The series lasted 19 issues before being cancelled in 1993.<ref name="Skinn"/> Fantagraphics Books later relaunched the series, but it only lasted four issues, the last published in 1995.<ref name="Skinn"/><ref name="Omaha-History"/> In 1994, Rob, a supporting character from the series, appeared in ''Gay Comics'' #22.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> The final chapters of the story were serialized in ''Sizzle'', beginning in 2006.<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

From 1987 until 1998, Kitchen Sink, and later Fantagraphics, published six volumes of the ''Omaha'' strips under the title ''The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer''.<ref name="Omaha-History"/><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Collected "Omaha" the Cat Dancer |date=1995 |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |isbn=9781560971610 }}</ref> From 2005 to 2008, NBM Publishing imprint Amerotica published seven volumes of strips under the title ''The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=1 |date=2005-10 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634514 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=2 |date=2006-01 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634573 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=3 |date=2006-04 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634743 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=4 |date=2006-07 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634786 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=5 |date=2006-10 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561634905 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=6 |date=2007-04-05 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561635057 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Waller |first=Reed |last2=Worley |first2=Kate |title=The Complete Omaha the Cat Dancer |volume=7 |date=2008-03 |publisher=Amerotica |isbn=1561635278 }}</ref>

==Cultural impact==
''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was the first of several comic books in the early 1980s which integrated sex into their storylines, rather than utilizing sexual explicitness for shock value.<ref name="Skinn"/><ref name="Sabin-177">{{cite book |last=Sabin |first=Roger |title=Comics, Comix & Graphic Novels: A History Of Comic Art |date=1996 |publisher=Phaidon Press |location=London, United Kingdom |isbn=0714830089 |pages=177–78; 182; 188; 200; 208–209 |chapter=Alternative Visions }}</ref> In 1988, Friendly Frank's, a comic book store in suburban Chicago, was fined $750 for selling "obscene" material, including ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer''; as a result of the obscenity controversy, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund was formed.<ref name="Omaha-History"/><ref>"Comics". ''[[w:Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''. Volume 4, issue 5, page 50.</ref> In 1990, issues of ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' were seized by New Zealand authorities; the country's Obscene Publications Tribunal declared that the series was not indecent.<ref name="Omaha-History"/> In the same year, police in Toronto seized issues of the comic, claiming that it depicted [[wikipedia:Zoophilia|bestiality]].<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

In ''Graphic Novels: A Bibliographic Guide to Book-Length Comics'', D. Aviva Rothschild praised the series, writing "the plot is always strong, and the characters are always three-dimensional and appealing."<ref name="Rothschild">{{cite book |last=Rothschild |first=D. Aviva |title=Graphic Novels: A Bibliographic Guide to Book-Length Comics |date=1995 |publisher=Libraries Unlimited |isbn=1563080869 |pages=110-111 |chapter=Funny Animals }}</ref> ''Entertainment Weekly'' writer Alex Heard panned the comic, writing that "The story moves very slowly [...] one can readily agree with the disgruntled fan who wrote, 'My God! Where did you dredge up those horrid characters?'"<ref name="Heard"/>

In 1992, Kitchen Sink published two volumes of ''Images of "Omaha"'' as a benefit to pay for the treatment of Waller's bowel cancer. The volumes featured contributions by major comic book artists, such as [[wikipedia:Dave Sim|Dave Sim]], [[wikipedia:Alan Moore|Alan Moore]] and [[wikipedia:Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]].<ref name="Rothschild"/> [[wikipedia:Trina Robbins|Trina Robbins]], [[wikipedia:James Vance (comics)|James Vance]] and [[wikipedia:Neil Gaiman|Neil Gaiman]] have provided introductions to collected editions of the series.<ref name="Rothschild"/> The influence of ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' is noted in the furry comic book scene, with ''[[Shanda the Panda]]'' being the most successful series to emulate ''Omaha'' in many respects. ''"Omaha" the Cat Dancer'' was nominated for [[wikipedia:Eisner Award|Eisner Award]]s for Best Continuing Series, Best Black-and-White Series, and Best Writer/Artist in 1989; in 1991, the series received Eisner Awards for Best Black and White Series and Best Writer.<ref name="Omaha-History"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20201201203331/http://www.omahathecatdancer.com/ Omaha The Cat Dancer official website] (on the Wayback Machine, captured 2020-12-01)
*[http://rwaller.blogspot.com/ Reed Waller's Official Blog]
*[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cat-Dancing-with-OMAHA/ Yahoo! Groups, Cat Dancing with Omaha]
*[http://www.hootisland.com/reviews/comics/waller_omaha.html Hoot Reviews, Omaha The Cat Dancer]
*[http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/allender/omahacat.htm "Omaha" The Cat Dancer Collectible Cards List]
*[http://animefeet.wikia.com/Omaha Footwork Encyclopedia article]

[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:Mature comics]]

{{Wikipedia|Omaha The Cat Dancer}}
{{Featured article}}
[[it:Omaha, la gattina ballerina‏‎]]
[[fi:Omaha kissatanssija]]

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