Memorial Day 2025
I normally note when I use AI to create art for Last Kiss, but I wanted to keep this Memorial Day image uncluttered by credits—even my own. So I’m noting it here.
Vie for Victory
Happy Veterans day from me, Allen Freeman and Felina Vie!
↓ Transcript
SCENE: Felina Vie is sitting on a stool, saluting. Behind her is an airplane--military transport aircraft. Either probably a Douglas C-47.
FELINA: Thank you for your service:
CAPTION: Happy Veterans Day!
Model: Felina Vie Photo: Allen Freeman Drooling: John Lustig
felinasmallladderL
FELINA: Thank you for your service:
CAPTION: Happy Veterans Day!
Model: Felina Vie Photo: Allen Freeman Drooling: John Lustig
felinasmallladderL
A Fleeting Romance
While I’m getting over Covid I didn’t have enough oomph to do a new comic for Memorial Day. (Coming up with a meaningful image and text for the holiday is by far my toughest assignment every year. Frankly, I’m not up to it at the moment)
The best I could do is run this reprint gag which has a military theme–sort of.
Original Vintage Art & Text
Art by Vince Colletta Studio from the story “Girl Meets Boy!” in First Kiss # 11, Nov. 1959. Published by Charlton.
Curious to see more? Click the link above to read the entire vintage comic book for free on ComicBookPlus.com.
↓ Transcript
WOMAN: Don’t wait up for me! The fleet’s in! I may not be back for days!
1959 Art: Vince Colletta Studio Color: Allen Freeman
11.1.5.6
Art by Vince Colletta Studio from the story "Girl Meets Boy!" in FIRST KISS # 11, 1959.
https://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=20181
1959 Art: Vince Colletta Studio Color: Allen Freeman
11.1.5.6
Art by Vince Colletta Studio from the story "Girl Meets Boy!" in FIRST KISS # 11, 1959.
https://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=20181
Never! Never! Ever?
In case it isn’t clear, I didn’t write the dialogue for this one.
Why? Well, occasionally I’ll come across an old comic book panel or cover and go-–wow! I’m not going to top that dialogue. This is one of those times.
I don’t know who wrote the dialogue, but the art is by Matt Baker–widely considered the greatest romance comic artist of his time. (And some think the best of all time.)
Below is the original cover before I restored it and souped up the colors a bit.
Original Vintage Art & Text
Art by Matt Baker from Pictorial Romances #6, May 1951. St. John Comics.
Curious to see more? Click the link above to read the entire vintage comic book for free on ComicBookPlus.com.
↓ Transcript
SCENE: A young woman and a male sailor are standing on a pier talking. They don't notice that a group of sailors in a small boat have also pulled up to the pier. In the background, there's an aircraft carrier.
WOMAN: Of course I'll be true to you, Ray! there never was and never will be anyone else for me!
SAILOR #2 (climbing out of the small boat--a tender--is talking to one of the other sailors in the boat: There's Dorothy now! I thought you two were engaged?
CAPTION BOX: In this issue:
The Navy Was MY Target!
I Was Too Free With Boys
1951 Art: Matt Baker Image Cleanup: John Lustig
An actual comic cover with the original, 1951 dialogue from Pictorial Romances #6
Pictorial Romances #6, St. John
WOMAN: Of course I'll be true to you, Ray! there never was and never will be anyone else for me!
SAILOR #2 (climbing out of the small boat--a tender--is talking to one of the other sailors in the boat: There's Dorothy now! I thought you two were engaged?
CAPTION BOX: In this issue:
The Navy Was MY Target!
I Was Too Free With Boys
1951 Art: Matt Baker Image Cleanup: John Lustig
An actual comic cover with the original, 1951 dialogue from Pictorial Romances #6
Pictorial Romances #6, St. John
Getting Ready for Veterans Day
Why—you might ask–am I running this comic today instead of on Veterans Day?
Great question. Thank you, dear fictional reader, s-o-o-o much for asking! You are the best!
My answer: You silly ninny! Everyone knows Friday’s the day I post a new episode of The Loves of Abby Amour. Sure, it’s a military comic. But it doesn’t have a a Veterans Day theme.
Thus I’m posting my actual VD tribute today to celebrate tomorrow. So be sure to come back tomorrow and read it again!
Original Vintage Art & Text
Pencils (& possibly inks) by Matt Baker from the Canteen Kate story “Candid Cutie” in Fightin’ Marines #5, April 1952. Published by St. John.Curious to see more? Click the link to read the entire vintage comic book.
Transcript:
SCENE: Several U.S. soldier in uniform are huddled talking as Kate (also in uniform) looks on.
SOLDIER #1: Friday is Veterans Day! And Kate is very patriotic!
SOLDIER #2: So she’s bound to go out with one of us!
KATE: Really? Just one? I’m much more patriotic than that!!!
1952 Art: Matt Baker Creative Lust: John Lustig
Happy Veterans Day!
Canteen Kate_Candid Cutie_1_1
↓ Transcript
SCENE: Several U.S. soldier in uniform are huddled talking as Kate (also in uniform) looks on.
SOLDIER #1: Friday is Veterans Day! And Kate is very patriotic!
SOLDIER #2: So she’s bound to go out with one of us!
KATE: Really? Just one? I’m much more patriotic than that!!!
1952 Art: Matt Baker Creative Lust: John Lustig
Happy Veterans Day!
Canteen Kate_Candid Cutie_1_1
SOLDIER #1: Friday is Veterans Day! And Kate is very patriotic!
SOLDIER #2: So she’s bound to go out with one of us!
KATE: Really? Just one? I’m much more patriotic than that!!!
1952 Art: Matt Baker Creative Lust: John Lustig
Happy Veterans Day!
Canteen Kate_Candid Cutie_1_1
