Tom and Jerry #322

Tom and Jerry #322 was published in 1978 as part of the long-running Western Publishing comic book series that adapted the iconic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer animated shorts. By the late 1970s, these comics served as a nostalgic staple in the comic industry, moving away from the earlier high-gloss style of the 1950s and 60s to embrace a more simplified, utilitarian aesthetic suited for newsstand distribution during a period of transition for Gold Key and Whitman comics.

The creative direction for these later issues focused on maintaining the slapstick physical comedy of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera’s original cartoons within a static print medium. While these issues often relied on a rotating staff of uncredited house artists and writers typical of Whitman's production model at the time, they were designed to be accessible to younger readers, prioritizing clear panel layouts and recognizable character silhouettes over avant-garde illustration techniques.