Vivie Risto's Chilly Willy

Today we have the work of Vivie Risto, who worked for Dell/Western Publishing for approximately twenty years, beginning in the early 1940s. Not much is known about Mr. Risto (sometimes Veve or vive Risto). He was first generation American (his parents were Finnish immigrants), born in South Dakota in 1902 (real name - Oscar Wilho Risto). He died in Studio City, California in 1981. For a concise list of his work in both comic books and animation, check out the artist's entry in the Inducks database. "The Sea King's Quarrel" and "Polar Pirates," come from Four Color No. 1074, February-April 1960.

Risto is another of the many worthwhile though forgotten artists from the glorious history of Dell's Four Color. His style seems a pleasing holdover from an earlier period of cartooning and animation, perhaps late Twenties or Thirties. The cover was done by John Carey.

I couldn't let you go without this great ad from the back cover. Oh, for the days when fudge was energy food. See how "Frisky Fudgie" saves the day, all because he is bursting with energy!