Meaning: The quote by Dale Messick, the artist behind the popular comic strip "Brenda Starr, Reporter," sheds light on the allure and escapism of the media's portrayal of characters and stories. Messick's response to the letters from girl reporters encapsulates the essence of storytelling and the role it plays in entertaining and captivating audiences.

The quote captures Messick's acknowledgment of the divergence between reality and fiction. Brenda Starr, the fictional character in Messick's comic strip, lived a glamorous and adventurous life as a reporter, often finding herself in thrilling and perilous situations. It is evident that the character's experiences were far removed from the everyday lives of the girl reporters who reached out to Messick. In response to their letters, Messick candidly expressed that making Brenda's life resemble theirs would diminish the appeal of the comic strip, as it is the extraordinary and captivating nature of Brenda's adventures that draws readers in.

The quote reflects the notion that fiction, particularly in the realm of storytelling, often portrays lives and situations that are more dramatic, thrilling, or glamorous than those experienced in reality. This disparity between reality and fiction serves as a form of escapism for audiences, allowing them to immerse themselves in worlds and experiences that are different from their own. In the case of Brenda Starr, readers were captivated by the escapades and escapism offered by the character's thrilling and adventurous life as a reporter.

Moreover, the quote highlights the role of storytelling in providing entertainment and inspiration. Messick's response to the girl reporters acknowledges the power of creating compelling and larger-than-life narratives that capture the imagination of audiences. By maintaining the extraordinary nature of Brenda's life, Messick ensured that the comic strip continued to resonate with readers and provide them with an engaging and captivating escape from reality.

It is important to recognize that while Brenda Starr's adventures may have been fictional, they nonetheless had an impact on the readers who found solace and excitement in the character's larger-than-life experiences. The quote by Dale Messick underscores the significance of storytelling in offering a form of entertainment that transcends the mundane and ordinary aspects of everyday life.

In conclusion, the quote by Dale Messick encapsulates the allure of storytelling and the role it plays in providing audiences with a means of escapism and entertainment. By acknowledging the divergence between reality and fiction, Messick's response to the girl reporters' letters sheds light on the captivating nature of larger-than-life narratives such as Brenda Starr, which continue to captivate audiences and offer them an escape into a world of thrilling adventures and glamorous experiences.