Ernest Riebe immigrated to the United States from his native Germany sometime around the turn of the 20th century. Not much of his biography is known. His “Mr. Block” comics began appearing in the Spokane Industrial Worker in 1912, and his art appeared in IWW publications through 1922. His eventual fate is also unknown, but his most famous creation was immortalized in a song by Joe Hill titled, appropriately, “Mr. Block.”
When "strong union men" start scabbing on each other, Mr. Block gets caught in the crossfire.
By Ernest RiebeDecades before anyone coined the term "champagne socialist," Mr. Block found himself seduced by a "gentleman comrade."
By Ernest RiebeIn this 1912 comic, Ernest Riebe looks unflinchingly at how management uses racism to keep workers from uniting.
By Ernest RiebeIn this seventh comic from 1912 Spokane Industrial Worker, Mr. Block finds himself the recipient of some most uncharitable charity.
By Ernest RiebeIn this sixth comic from 1912 Spokane Industrial Worker, the Salvation Army sees the devil in Mr. Block's alleged drunkenness.
By Ernest RiebeIn this fifth comic from 1912 Spokane Industrial Worker, Mr. Block tests his salesmanship while stubbornly avoiding the radical Wobblies.
By Ernest Riebe"Mr. Block is legion. He owns nothing, yet he speaks from the standpoint of the millionaire. He's patriotic without patrimony."
By Ernest Riebe"Mr. Block is legion. He owns nothing, yet he speaks from the standpoint of the millionaire. He's patriotic without patrimony."
By Ernest Riebe"Mr. Block is legion. He owns nothing, yet he speaks from the standpoint of the millionaire. He's patriotic without patrimony."
By Ernest Riebe"Mr. Block is legion. He owns nothing, yet he speaks from the standpoint of the millionaire. He's patriotic without patrimony."
By Ernest Riebe© 2014 Blunderbuss Magazine. All rights reserved.