by John | May 26, 2019 | Uncategorized
I like writing holiday-themed humor. But none is harder than Memorial Day.
So, I was happy when I found this old comic book cover art. Even in 1943, it was a sweetly naive, childish view of war. But sometimes reality is a little too real to bear.
Happy Memorial Day!
Art by Al Plastino from 4Most Vol. 2, #4, Fall 1943.
Transcript:
Two boys firing a sling shot and throwing a stone at pumpkins made up to look like Adolph Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Emperor Michinomiya Hirohito.
Caption: If only it was this easy! Memorial Day
4MostV2#4Fall1943_Al_Plastino_NoveltyPress
Art by Al Plastino from 4Most Vol. 2, #4, Fall 1943.
↓ TranscriptCaption: If only it was this easy! Memorial Day
4MostV2#4Fall1943_Al_Plastino_NoveltyPress
Art by Al Plastino from 4Most Vol. 2, #4, Fall 1943.
by John | May 27, 2018 | Uncategorized
Art by Vince Colletta from the story “Involuntary Bride” from FIRST KISS #40, 1965.
Transcript:
Man in a military-style camouflage shirt hugging sadly.
WOMAN (thinking): Every day is Memorial Day for some of us!
Art Code: DJP.lk265 40.6.8.1
↓ TranscriptMan in a military-style camouflage shirt hugging sadly.
WOMAN (thinking): Every day is Memorial Day for some of us!
DJP.lk265 40.6.8.1
Art by Vince Colletta from the story "Involuntary Bride" from FIRST KISS #40, 1965.
by John | May 28, 2017 | Uncategorized
I was surprised by how many people hated today’s comic. It is arguably—at least so far—my most controversial comic.
I wasn’t trying to offend anyone. Instead, I was trying to make a point. Too many people regard Memorial Day as just a three-day weekend for having fun. They don’t want to think about the dead we’re supposed to be honoring.
Beyond that and on a personal note, I was also trying to highlight the absurdity of people who expect bereaved family members to quickly “snap out of it” and stop crying.
I know from personal experience that recovery is a long, slow process.
Unfortunately, those points don’t seem to have come through in the comic. (Or at least not in a humorous way.) And, for that, I’m sorry.
Art by Art Saaf & Mike Peppe from the story “Kiss and Run” from NEW ROMANCES #14, 1952.
Transcript:
SCENE: At a cemetery. Two men are covering up a grave in the background. In the foreground, a woman is crying and a man is trying to comfort her.
MAN: Cheer up! it’s a three-day weekend!
1952 Art: Art Saaf & Mike Peppe Color: Diego Jourdan Pereira
DJP.lk304
↓ TranscriptSCENE: At a cemetery. Two men are covering up a grave in the background. In the foreground, a woman is crying and a man is trying to comfort her.
MAN: Cheer up! it’s a three-day weekend!
1952 Art: Art Saaf & Mike Peppe Color: Diego Jourdan Pereira
DJP.lk304
by John | May 29, 2016 | Uncategorized
Art by Jon D’Agostino from the cover of FIRST KISS #4, 1958.
Transcript:
SCENE: Woman crying behind a door as soldier leaves a taxi cab and is preparing to come inside.
WOMAN (thinking): He’s…alive?!! Oh, if only I’d known this before…I married at least three of his brothers!
Art: Jon D’Agostino Color: John Lustig
FK04Flushed
↓ TranscriptSCENE: Woman crying behind a door as soldier leaves a taxi cab and is preparing to come inside.
WOMAN (thinking): He’s…alive?!! Oh, if only I’d known this before...I married at least three of his brothers!
Art: Jon D’Agostino Color: John Lustig
FK04Flushed
by John | May 25, 2014 | Uncategorized
Meanwhile, back in 1954…
See the original 1954 art and dialogue for today’s Last Kiss webcomic here.
↓ TranscriptSCENE: Male sailor rushing towards young woman. They're both smiling and holding their arms out to embrace each other.
