by John | Jan 19, 2021 | Uncategorized
Of course, Inauguration Day hasn’t really crawled here at turtle speed. It’s more like drunk, senior citizen, snail speed—filmed in slow motion and with frequent screen freezes.
But now (at last!) it’s here. And I’m glad (almost) beyond words.
I hope this marks the beginning of a better time for all of us—Democrats, Republicans, Independents. All of us.
— — —
More cute turtle pix (and other photos) by Brittney Weng here.
SCENE:
SCENE: Turtle sitting next to a small American flag on the beach.
TURTLE: Stop complaining! I got here as quickly as I could!
CAPTION: Inauguration Day arrives…at last!
Adapted from a photo by Brittney Weng
brittney-weng-PGZ1BuBAw3E-unsplash short
↓ TranscriptSCENE: Turtle sitting next to a small American flag on the beach.
TURTLE: Stop complaining! I got here as quickly as I could!
CAPTION: Inauguration Day arrives...at last!
Adapted from a photo by Brittney Weng
brittney-weng-PGZ1BuBAw3E-unsplash short
by John | Jan 17, 2021 | Uncategorized
This isn’t one of King’s better known quotes, but—given all the turmoil we’re going through right now—it seemed appropriate. Peace.
Other photos by Pietro De Grandi here.
Transcript:
SCENE: Photo of the bow of a small boat in the water.
CAPTION: We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now. –Martin Luther King Jr.
Adapted from a photo by Pietro De Grandi
pietro-de-grandi-6U4wogjLArk-unsplash_B
↓ TranscriptSCENE: Photo of the bow of a small boat in the water.
CAPTION: We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now. --Martin Luther King Jr.
Adapted from a photo by Pietro De Grandi
pietro-de-grandi-6U4wogjLArk-unsplash_B
by John | Dec 27, 2020 | Uncategorized
Instead of showing the original, vintage panel art, I’m posting the opening, splash panel from that same story. Frankly there’s a lot more going on it and I thought it’d be more fun! —John

Artist unknown. From the Glory Forbes story in Ranger Comics #39, Feb. 1948. Fiction House.
Transcript:
SCENE: Young woman skiing rapidly and out of control down a mountain.
CAPTION: Dear Santa:
Thank you for the skis!
I didn’t see any instructions. But I’m sure I’ll figure it out!
WOMAN: Where the %$#@ are the brakes?!!
1948 Artist Unknown Color: Diego Jourdan Pereira
DJP.lk583
↓ TranscriptSCENE: Young woman skiing rapidly and out of control down a mountain.
CAPTION: Dear Santa:
Thank you for the skis!
I didn’t see any instructions. But I’m sure I’ll figure it out!
WOMAN: Where the %$#@ are the brakes?!!
1948 Artist Unknown Color: Diego Jourdan Pereira
DJP.lk583
by John | Dec 24, 2020 | Uncategorized
Happy Holidays and many thanks to all of you who’ve been reading Last Kiss! I hope 2021 is a much better and happier year for all of us!
Original Vintage Artwork:

Pencils by Charles Nicholas in Nurse Betsy Crane #18, 1962.
Transcript:
SANTA (pointing his forefinger forcibly upwards as he makes a point): You don’t have to believe in me! But Santa believes in you!
CAPTION: Believe, hope and have a Merry Christmas!
djp_lk_badsanta06b & NurseBetsyCrane18.3.4
↓ TranscriptSANTA (pointing his forefinger forcibly upwards as he makes a point): You don’t have to believe in me! But Santa believes in you!
CAPTION: Believe, hope and have a Merry Christmas!
djp_lk_badsanta06b & NurseBetsyCrane18.3.4
by John | Dec 23, 2020 | Uncategorized

Art by Charles Nicholas & Vince Alascia from the story “Kiss Me Tonight” in First Kiss #7, Feb. 1959.
Transcript:
SCENE: Woman thinking in front of a Christmas tree with presents under the tree.
WOMAN: If I was a gift, I’d be expensive! Beautifully wrapped…and laid under the tree!
Art: Charles Nicholas & Vince Alascia Color: Allen Freeman
7.3.2.5
↓ TranscriptSCENE: Woman thinking in front of a Christmas tree with presents under the tree.
WOMAN: If I was a gift, I’d be expensive! Beautifully wrapped…and laid under the tree!
Art: Charles Nicholas & Vince Alascia Color: Allen Freeman
7.3.2.5