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Good morning, kids! Today we are going to enjoy a story from the 1940s published during WWII. The artist is another one of my favorites, master of the absurd, George Carlson.
Mr. Carlson’s stories always tetter on some brink of joyous anarchy, his realities always shifting and mercurial; his characters always innately happy and fearless. Indeed, nearly every panel in a Carlson story has some brilliant, surreal flourish – a flower and pot running aimlessly across the floor or perhaps an anchor in a birdcage.
Oh, yes. I nearly forgot to mention: His artwork is beautifully drawn and colored, and his layouts bristle with a genius (round panels, overlapping action, etc.) far ahead of its time. Such a visual treat is Mr. Carlson.
Today’s story features his best-known comic book creation, The Pie-faced Prince of Pretzleburg. This comes from Jingle Jangle Comics No. 13 (February 1945).
Isn't George Carlson great! I knew you would love him.
Sometimes I like to post an advertisement along with the story from the same comic book just to supply a kind of historical context (history seen through the prism of advertising). I love this War Bond advert from a vew months before V-E Day (Victory in Europe).
Coming up next, more George Carlson! I will see you all again very soon. Until then, I hope you are all warm, safe, and happy!
--Your friend, Mykal
As promised, my friends, another great story by Howie Post from Devil Kids Starring Hot Stuff No. 54 (May 1972)!
Today's story from Mr. Post features a ravenous piggy bank imbued with supernatural, gluttonous powers by Seymour the Sorcerer! I know, I know, it sounds crazy! But watch how the ingenious Mr. Post makes it work.
I love this story! In this tale, Howie Post puts on full display his great skill at character creation. Each character is so unique and well-developed. The aforementioned Seymour the Sorcerer is a fine example, but even better is Hot Stuff's Uncle Smokey. I love Uncle Smokey and relish every appearance. He's so hot-headed, but he loves his nephew!
I just adore Howie Post! Next up, a real treat. The Big Blog is going back in the archives to the 1940s and the great work of George Carlson. If that name is unfamiliar to you, kids, you are in for a treat!
I will see you all again very soon. Until then, I hope you are all warm, safe, and happy!
--Your friend, Mykal
Good afternoon, kids! Today we have a great story of alien invasion, Harvey Comics style, by Howie Post from Devil Kids Starring Hot Stuff No. 54 (May 1972)!
Mr. Post wore so many hats in his career: Animator with both Famous and Paramount Studios, director and writer for Famous Studios – he even had a very successful daily newspaper strip called The Dropouts syndicated from 1968 to 1981.
But for me, his legacy will always be his brilliant work drawing so many great stories for Harvey Comics. His lose, bouncy, beautiful style was so joyful. If I could choose one thus-far uncollected artist to be anthologized in a prestige hardcover, it would be Howie Post. I be first in line with my money in my hand.
Today we have a story featuring perennial favorite, Hot Stuff the Little Devil, which was a character most-associated with Mr. Post during Harvey’s heyday. But first, one more luxurious cover by Warren Kremer which highlights the interior story, The Intruders.
I so love Howie Post, I am going to serve up another Post story also featuring Hot stuff in a day or so from the same issue!
I will see you all again very soon. Until then, I hope you are all warm, safe, and happy!
--Your friend, Mykal
