Comical comics
Comical comics |
|
Page 14 of 34  Interior strips from Walt Disney's Comics and Stories (Dell, 1948,1948 and 1947), demonstrating the superb artwork of Michey Mouse artist Floyd Cottfredson, and duel? man' Carl Barks. The only name that appeared on the comics at the time, however, was that of Walt Disney. As other publishers joined the fray, competition was intensified still further. The running in the mid-1960s was made by Wham! (Odhams, 1964), intended to be a 'super-Beano', and which featured new creations from Baxendale ('George's Germs') and Reid (Trankie Stein'). It was followed by Sparky (DC Thomson, 1965), Smash! (Odhams/IPC 1966) Pow! (Odhams, 1967) and Whizzer and Chips (IPC/Fleetway 1969); and then in the 1970s by the inferior Cor!! (IPC, 1970), Shiver and Shake (IPC, 1973) and Whoopee! (IPC, 1974). In the drive for readers during this period, subtle changes took place. For example, publishers turned increasingly to gimmicks and non-strip features. Letters pages became a major characteristic of many titles, and served to generate a sense of belonging for readers, and thus increase loyalty. Puzzles and competitions were similarly popular additions. Then there was the craze for free gifts: water pistols, masks, lollies and a plethora of other cheap novelties were given away in their thousands. These were often worth more than the comic itself, and usually given in the premier issue, such was the need to secure that vital first purchase. |