He started being credited as the head artist in late December 1981, after the death of the long serving Jim Raymond.
[1] Raymond's health began to fail around 1979,[1] and it is almost certain that Gersher was handling the majority of the strip from about April 1981.
Gersher's early solo strips bore a close resemblance to those of Jim Raymond, albeit with a slightly looser drawing style.
Although few exact details are known, Gersher's time as lead artist did not run smoothly.
He had to rely heavily on assistants, notably future head Blondie artist Denis Lebrun, who was soon brought in to ink backgrounds and improve the lettering.