by John | Jun 13, 2021 | Uncategorized
Today’s Flag Day comic is really two comics in one.
First, there’s the vintage, Nazi-fighting art from Our Flag Comics #3. It struck me how different times were back in 1941 and how united we were (by the end of that year) against “the bad guys.” These days, alas, we can’t even all agree who the “bad guys” are.
Second, there was this incredible, completely over-the-top caption in the 1941 art. I thought it was jaw-dropingly bizarre, but also a lot of fun. So I decided to share it with you. But—fearing that the type would be too small—I enlarged it for readability. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
(Below is a miniature version of the vintage,
untouched art so that you can see the original layout
and what I covered up when I enlarged the caption.)
Art by Harry Anderson from Our Flag Comics #3, Dec. 1941.
Transcript:
SCENE: Superhero dressed somewhat like an American flag, punches out a bunch of Nazis in a subway as terrified citizens look on in the background.
THE FLAG: That’s
what I love about America in 1941…Everyone agrees about who the bad
CAPTION BOX: Born with a chest birthmark resembling the American Flag, Jim Courtney, adopted son of John Courtney, an old flag maker and war veteran known as “Old Glory,” has been endowed by the immortals of U.S. history with the strength of a hundred men and the speed of the wind. When traitors seek to destroy our country, Jim Dons the special patriotic uniform made for him by “Old Glory” and goes forth as that hard-hitting, patriotic avenger, The Flag, to crush and destroy them!
Happy Flag Day!
Dec. 1941 Art: Harry Anderson from Our Flag Comics #3
New Dialogue: John Lustig
Yellow caption box is enlarged, but contains the original,
1941 textfeaturing the origin of The Flag. Writer unknown.
our flag comics 4_17-Flag2
↓ TranscriptSCENE: Superhero dressed somewhat like an American flag, punches out a bunch of Nazis in a subway as terrified citizens look on in the background.
THE FLAG: That’s
what I love about America in 1941...Everyone agrees about who the bad
CAPTION BOX: Born with a chest birthmark resembling the American Flag, Jim Courtney, adopted son of John Courtney, an old flag maker and war veteran known as “Old Glory,” has been endowed by the immortals of U.S. history with the strength of a hundred men and the speed of the wind. When traitors seek to destroy our country, Jim Dons the special patriotic uniform made for him by “Old Glory” and goes forth as that hard-hitting, patriotic avenger, The Flag, to crush and destroy them!
Happy Flag Day!
Dec. 1941 Art: Harry Anderson from Our Flag Comics #3
New Dialogue: John Lustig
Yellow caption box is enlarged, but contains the original,
1941 textfeaturing the origin of The Flag. Writer unknown.
our flag comics 4_17-Flag2
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
