Chilly Willy comes up to the United States from the South Pole to visit Homer Pigeon. Over the course of their day, Chilly tells Homer his “origin story” (the reason why he is always so cold). After that, Chilly is mistaken for a “resident penguin” and thrown into a cold enclosure by an over-zealous zoo keeper.
This comic from Walter Lantz New Funnies #212 is the second comic book appearance of Chilly Willy, following his debut in the previous issue of Walter Lantz New Funnies. Chilly is nicely introduced to the comics audience in this sequel to his first appearance with the backstory of why, as a penguin, he is so averse to cold. As the run of New Funnies progresses, and Chilly Willy becomes a more popular presence in the Walter Lantz character stable, the shivering penguin will first share this feature with Homer Pigeon (with co-billing), then spin-off into his own series by #222, and ultimately assume the spot long occupied by Homer Pigeon.
