I’m posting a Supermouse story for two reasons: First reason is – who needs a reason to post a Supermouse story? Second reason is to thank cartoonist, Jim Engel, for his wonderful contribution last post. Supermouse is Jim’s favorite funny animal comic book character. This is Soupie courtesy of Al Hubbard (thanks for the ID, Jim). That works out double cool, as Hubbard is Jim’s second favorite funny animal cartoonist (after Walt Kelly). Mr. Engel is a man of highly refined taste. This comes from Coo Coo Comics No. 35, September 1947.
Since were discussing favorites, I had to post a story by Jack Bradbury from the same issue. No artist’s work jumps off the page, straight into my eyeballs, quite the way do the bouncy, bold pages of Bradbury. His stuff always looks bright and edible as candy. You can never, ever go wrong with JB.
This ad is from the same issue. Chester Gould introduced the two-way wrist radio in the Dick Tracy strip in January of 1946. My guess is you are looking at one hot Christmas item for the winter of 1947. It didn’t come cheap, though. $3.98 in 1947 clams equals about $39.95 in 2010 hard-earned dollars.
Thanx for posting this, Mykal. As an artist, the rich, minimalistic use of black ink in these two stories is truly inspiring. I have battled my entire artistic existence with my own penchant for muddying things up with excessive chicken scratch and over-inking. Oh ! And I really enjoyed the 1st STORY. What a hoot !
ReplyDeleteHubbard is great! Love his stuff.
ReplyDeletehahah supermouse in the clarke gable disguise is hilarious! i can see why supermouse is mr. engle's favorite character. I love that dick tracy add too, no batteries, no tubes, it really works! yeah i bet it works as well as the x-ray glasses....
ReplyDeleteLysdexicuss: There's always that horrible feeling that if you make more lines, the drawing will get better! At least that's what happens to me. In both writing and inking, I strive, strive, strive for minimalism without lose of impact. Masters like Bradbury and Hubbard seem to achieve that so naturally.
ReplyDeleteErik: Yes indeed!
Brad: I know! That mustache made me laugh. I have been trying to figure out how a radio works with no batteries, and simply don't understand. I still want one, though! -- Mykal
This artist is excellent! those actions shots are perfect.
ReplyDeleteKW: Yes, indeed!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. I just discovered it and spent an hour catching up. Especially enjoy the Lulu/Tubby and WDC&S stories.
ReplyDeleteMyrrpage: Welcome aboard and I am glad you found me! Please visit again and thanks for the comment! they mean a lot. -- Mykal
ReplyDeletePicture me as Robert Conrad (sure it's a stretch), "OK, go ahead and post TWO stories from my favorite golden age publisher. I DARE YOU!"
ReplyDeleteWhew, that was pretty easy for you, Mykal.
Chuck: There's a bunch more where that came from, my friend! (Great Conrad impression! I so preferred his ads to the stupid bunny!) -- Mykal
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Al Hubbard drew Super Mouse. But, by golly, that is his style right there on those pages. Nice find and thanks for running these.
ReplyDeleteGary: I can see why Supermouse is so beloved by funny animal aficionados: so many great talents drew him! Thanks so much for stopping by! -- Mykal
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff. Mr. Hubbard has a really unusual style. I don't think I've ever seen such volume-y drawings in a funny animal comic.
ReplyDeleteThe unexpectedly cruel and sudden ending of the Bruno story made me crack up!
Hey, David. That Bradbury story was a bit savage, wasn't it? And, of course, Hubbard is something. There is another Hubbard story in this isssue I am saving up gor an all-Hubbard post sometime. -- Mykal
ReplyDeleteMan, Al Hubbard was great. I haven't seen much of his non-Disney work; this is fantastic! I may have to start picking up some Supermouse after seeing the great cartooning going on. I never knew!
ReplyDeleteGiggle Comics has some stories signed by Al Hubbard, but the style looks a lot different from his usually recognizable work. It's got to be the same guy, though, right?
Doug: Yeah, it's got to be. There's only one Al Hubbard! That entire era of comic artists that worked for Ha-Ha and Giggle and Coo-Coo, they really set the standard for the kind of stuff I love. -- Mykal
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