Read a Comic Book and Respond - Golden Age Obscurities!

[habib]

OK....let's try something different.....

Confession time. I love comic books of all genres.......war, western, humor, horror, romance, super-hero, sci-fi......whatever......you name it I'll read it.

So what I want to do is share some comics with all my fellow Corralites. What I mean by share is I plan on posting a complete....yes, complete obscure Golden Age comic for your reading pleasure. And when I say complete I mean ads and all! It may take me several posts over a couple days but the end result will be the whole comic! I will try to post a different comic every week or two.

Are you interested yet? (Lord I hope so because this is gonna be a ton of work and take a lot of time)

OK.....now comes your part dear Corralite....the read and review part. Take out some time and read the posted comic. Then post your review/response/discussion/or any old comment about the current comic. You may want to talk about the genre, cover, ads, storyline, your likes or dislikes, artwork......whatever......just post!

Every Corral member who posts to the current comic will receive 5 bonus CorralCash. For example you may make only 1 post about the comic....you get 5 CC. On the other hand you may make 10 posts about the current comic but you still only get just the 5 CC (not 50).

Still interested?

Is habib crazy? (most likely... #creep# )

Well, in any case, I am going to get the first GA Obscurity started in a little bit.........Enjoy!

[habib]

My first comic for you all to read comes from the romance genre. For those who have never read any comics like this.....you are in for a treat! Many of the pre-code romance comics had some great stuff.

And the first comic is......

All True Romance #14 - Nov 1953

Front Cover & Inside front cover

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atrc.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atric.jpg

I am going out and getting some Ward's Formula today because that weird hair-destroying germ hand scares the hell out of me!!

[habib]

The first story in the comic is called "Dread Past". Drug use, jail time, attempted murder.....all the best elements of a romance comic :roll:

So here is "Dread Past" page #'s 1-7.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr1.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr2.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr3.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr4.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr5.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr6.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr7.jpg

A good stopping point for now......the comic continues tomorrow........

[cluelesscomicnewbi]

I'll post comments after I read the rest of the comic.

I just wanted to say that I think this is a GREAT idea Habib, and thank you for all the time you have (and will) put into this.

[habib]

Thanks CCN! I hope you (and others) enjoyed that first story of the comic. I thought it was a hoot!

For now let's get the next 6 pages going. We start with an ad for some rings and then we have a 5 page story titled "Blues".

Let's continue.....

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr8.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr9.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr10.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr11.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr12.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr13.jpg

I got a couple themes out of this story......

1. Some guys want just one thing and are pigs....."Come on, Baby....Now let's see if you can do other things as well as you can sing!" I would have kicked the crap out of that punk myself! #nunchuck#

and

2. This girl can't be too smart (or she needs glasses)......."The man at the piano looked strangely familiar". Uh, yeah.......Hello Mcfly....it's your HUSBAND....you know the guy you married! :roll:

More later......

[habib]

The next three pages contain a two page story "Forgetfulness" with an ad page about "Pimples" in between.

Shall we.....

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr14.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr15.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr16.jpg

Halfway through folks.

I'll finish the rest of the comic before the day is through......

[habib]

Next we have "Love Bait".......can't go wrong with a title like that right?!

Here is the 6 page story.....

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr17.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr18.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr19.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/Atr20.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atr21.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atr22.jpg

Ah...true love. I wonder what Rob would have had to say if he knew the true story?? Oh well, some things truely are best left unknown I suppose.....

[habib]

The next two pages are "Today's Problem" and a letters page "Problem Corner". Got a problem with that?

Here they are.....

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atr23.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atr24.jpg

[habib]

The last comic story is called "Gang Moll" and it covers 6 pages.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atr25.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atr26.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atr27.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atr28.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atr29.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atr30.jpg

"Funny how he gets stubborn over the littlest things sometimes"

Hey Tim is no fool. If Meg is going to open up the blouse for being stubborn then she is going to see stubborn quite a bit I would imagine!

[habib]

And we now finish up with this first GA obsurity with the last two pages being ads plus the inside & outside of the back cover which are also ads.....

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atr31.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atr32.jpg

inside back cover:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atrbci.jpg

back cover:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b125/kammion/atrbc.jpg

Damn....I wish that chewing gum worked. I would be chewing it for a good 10 weeks (hey who wants to exercise and diet when you can just chew gum!!)

Anyway....there it is. A complete GA comic.

Now it is time for you, dear reader, to start discussing. (remember my bribe of 5 CorralCash to all contributors :cool: )

Tell me what you thought about the comic or this grand experiment........

[slucas76]

This is a really cool idea. At least I think so. I'm not sure that I've ever read an actual golden age comic book before and now I was able, due to the power of the interweb and habib. Thanks a lot, man!

As far as the book itself, I didn't much care for the obvious anti-drug message in the first story. Don't get me wrong, I'm not for drugs or anything, I just like my morals a bit more subtle than all that. I felt like I was reading one of Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" bulletins with the first story. All's well that ends well, though. Dopey McJane got her man and she got off scott free on the murder charge!

Is it just me or does the guy in the first panel of the second story look a lot like Peter Parker? Roy Davis? What an obvious choice for an alias to go flitting around town with that singer floozy Ellen Delany behind MJ's back. For shame, Mr. Parker, for shame. (Did I just give JMS a storyline to follow after this Civil War thing wraps? I'm going to keep a close eye out.) Just look at that red dress. You know she's trouble with a capital "T". All's well that ends well there, too. Man, how did these guys tell such deep and riveting stories with only 6 pages? How do you TPB that?

I was more interested in the pimple ad than the story that wrapped around it, so I don't have much to say there, other than 100% success rate. Wowee!

The twist at the end of "Love Bait" had me riveted to my seat. I sure didn't see that one coming!

"Today's Problem" - Young girl runs off with a man, turns her back on her parents and everything she knows and loves, decides to get knocked up to keep him around and it all falls apart around here. Whoduhthinkit? This book is starting to look like some of the old Home Ec textbooks.

I haven't gotten to the last story yet. I have to cook dinner and I'll comment later tonight.

Again, great idea, habib!

[SatansProdigy]

The stories were cool, but I liked the ads even better! Weight loss chewing gum!! Chronograph watches for $6!! And those Space Commander walkie talkies are awesome! Of course, $6 was a lot of money back in the 50's, but still fun to see. Wonder what something like those walkie talkies would be worth today....

Great idea habib!

[marvelguy]

What a cool concept, habib. I liked the story and the ads. I loved the ads as it pertains to that time period. I wonder if people knew that germs didn't caused hair to fall out back then. Ahh, what knowledge can do for you. I haven't got deep in the stories yet but will do.

[fulltimer56]

This is the first time in a loonngg time that I have read a Golden Age book. The art was OK and most of the stories are good. But like MG I like the ads and check out that "Problem Corner" and I wonder who "Mildred Norton" is?

I love to read old mags for the ads and check out that ad for Pimples!! Lord, you can tell that comics were for kids back then!!

Thanks, habib!

Linda

P.S. Good Luck on your sale this weekend!

[chaosus]

This is a great idea Habib!

And yes, one of the more enjoyable parts of reading Golden and Atom age books are the ad's.

These books offer a very accurate picture of where societies head was at during the time period. Much better than history books.

Keep em coming HABIB!

Gary

[Greg]

I have never seen a nurse that looked like the one from the first story. Now if only I can track down a Skull and X-bones ring. Thanks for posting, I know that took some work.

[habib]

All right time for my nightly responses to your responses!

CCN.....I look forward to your comments after you have finished the whole comic.

slucas.....Nice reviews! Well done. I sort of see where you are coming from on the 1st story but you have just got to love lines like " In a few short months I was a full-fledged addict, taking narcotics in all forms...stealing from the hospital in order to satisfy the terrible raging inferno that blazed constantly in my tortured body". I actually LOL on that line! Looking forward to your thoughts on the last story.

SP.....Walkie Talkies.....that is all you can think about! I mean come on the guy gets to look down the chicks shirt every time he gets bull-headed (which is probably all the time) Now that is something we guys need to talk about...not walkie talkies! (they were pretty cool weren't they....I mean they were vibro-matic and everything!) Seriously, glad you liked the comic. Maybe I'll get to an old horror one next :wink:

MG.....Once you get the stories done give us your reviews! That creepy hand coming out of those germs still scares the hell out me!

Linda....that pimple ad is a hoot isn't it?!! 100% success is a bold statement. Not going to get away with that in advertising today. The ads sure do indicate comics were for kids but the themes in the stories I consider quite adult. Drug use, adultery/cheating, criminal activity, stealing, attempted murder, attempted rape.....hell....I don't want my 10 year old daughter to read this stuff (it's scooby-doo for her!). And I just want to say it was a pleasure meeting & talking with you at the Heroes Con and thanks for the well wishes on our sale (I still have lots to get ready)!

Chaos......what, more ad praise?!? Alright next time no comic pages.....I am just posting the ads!! #explode# It is cool how the ads show the sign of the times. They make for fun reading :-D

Greg......I think that nurse was the original model for the phrase "Nurses are hot and ready to party" #jester# . That Skull and X-bones ring looks pretty cool..."Eyes Flash Weirdly"....indeed! Glad you like the post!

More reading....more reviewing....keep 'em coming folks!

[cluelesscomicnewbi]

Thanks again Habib, I have never read a romance comic before, and it reminds me of a soap opera, but EVERY story has a happy ending, even the girl who “cheated” in the fourth story. That story kind of shocked me a little because of with the time period that it was written, and it “subliminally” said that you can get away with “cheating” and not get caught.

As for the ads, I liked the jewelry ad that has the “Amazing Pseudo Diamonds”, it makes me wonder how they really stack up against today's fakes. Also that gum, hmm... you mean I can now get rid of my bike?

[chaosus]

Chaos......what, more ad praise?!? Alright next time no comic pages.....I am just posting the ads!! #explode# It is cool how the ads show the sign of the times. They make for fun reading :-D


Actually, I was pointing out that the ads in these books, something we would usually skip when reading the story, now read like a bonus history lesson.

Just another way to enjoy our wonderful hobby!

Gary

[slucas76]

The ads are some of the best parts of reading the old MTUs that I picked up and was heavily into reading for the better part of a month or so.

They're not as old as these ads, but still funny to see. Seeing ads for Star Wars and LotR and Frank Frazetta, plus the movie ads for Orca and such.

I was born in that era, so it's no wonder that I'm a geek now! That's okay, though, geeks rule! #rockon#

[habib]

Glad you all so far have liked the read & review idea!

Let's keep those reviews/comments coming in!

[jaeldubyoo]

The stories I could do without. Too simplistic and moralistic. The art not too shabby.

But those ads! I love reading those ads. They sure could get away with a lot back then. Imagine running similar ads these days.

My brother actually ordered a ring from a similar ad back in the 60's. It was junk. I think he just threw it in a drawer and forgot about it. The adage about you get what you pay for comes to mind.

[mordo]

Thanks Habib!

I don't think I've ever read a Golden Age romance comic. I didn't realize they're so wordy. Lots of dialogue and narration, and very enjoyable overall.

Favorite stories: "Dread Past" because of all the drug references and the smoke-filled party scene. It makes me want to watch Reefer Madness again. "Love Bait" was entertaining. Bart came really close to seducing Jane. I think Ann will cheat on Rob again based on her track history. "Gun Moll" could've been better but I did like the art.

BTW, do you have any romance comics that feature Matt Baker artwork? I don't know if he worked this genre during the GA, but If so, perhaps you can treat us to one in the future.

[malaprop]

Man, I gotta say that reading this stuff is really painful. Could we do a Kerry Drake or Planet Comic next time? What I won't do for 5 Corral Bucks.

The addict in the first story seemed to me to be a bit "fast" as we used to say. She agreed to marry the doc during their first kiss. They must both be ventrilloquists to hold that discussion during a liplock.

My wife is out of town for 10 days, and I'm a little rusty talking to strange women on my own. Now I've got it, a can't fail pickup line:
"You and me can stand this town on its ear, Dollface, ...whadda you say?"
I can't wait to go out tonight and try it out.

[fulltimer56]

I'm going to tell your wife, malaprop!!

Thinking about picking up women when your wife is gone!! "When the cat's away the rat will play"!!!! :twisted: :lol:

[habib]

Any one else read the comic?

Comments?

All participants in this thread get CorralCash which I am going to start giving away now.

CCN, Slucas, SP, MG, Linda, Chaos, Greg, Jael, Mordo, & Malaprop......Thanks for the comments......CorralCash is coming at you.

I'll see if I can get another "read and review" for later in the week. I was thinking a 1950 horror comic would be in order this time.....

[SatansProdigy]

I'll see if I can get another "read and review" for later in the week. I was thinking a 1950 horror comic would be in order this time.....

HELL YES!!!!!