Comments on: Scott’s Classic Comics Corner: ACG’s Recycled Romance

By: jazzbo

jazzbo — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:07:41 +0000

Were some of these a case of just slightly altering an old cover to make it work for a new story? Because that would pretty easily explain some of the differences. Or maybe they just wanted to cover their tracks a bit on the off chance that 5 years after the first cover someone might still be buying the comic, and change it a bit so it’s not totally obvious it was already used. The changes are very interesting, I just wonder if they were changed for censorship type reasons, or simply business/recycling reasons.

By: Sean

Sean — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:08:44 +0000

“Or am I reading too much into it, and they just didn’t want to put the effort into the coloring?”

Maybe it’s just the scan, but it looks as if the latter cover has less colors overall.

By: Thelonious_Nick

Thelonious_Nick — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:44:38 +0000

But why would they change the cherry tree on the first cover, which is really quite beautifully done, to a generic green branch on the second cover? Too much symbolism in the “cherry” tree? Or am I reading too much into it, and they just didn’t want to put the effort into the coloring?

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:24:14 +0000

It really is to bad that digital versions of Comic Book Marketplace were never made available. I have nearly two-thirs of the issue, but a digital version would be amazing for quick reference.

I have a feeling that the Nolan column I referenced pertained to Stanmor books.

I really wish I had more time and money to explore the difference in pre-Code and post-Code romance books – because it really it quite interesting.

As I mentioned, I had the original art to a Harvey Comics story drawn by Bob Powell. It has been changed quite a bit with new word balloon taped over the old ones, and some art alterations. I sold the pages, but I think I’ve got digital photos somewhere. Perhaps for another week’s piece.

By: Jacque Nodell

Jacque Nodell — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:56:04 +0000

Nice interpretation of the changes, Scott! I only have one ACG romance book, but it is a rather early one. I need to get some from the ’60s, but as you point out — they are expensive in vast quantities. Since they were a smaller publisher, I believe their romances are a bit harder to find as well. Speaking of pointing… I like that first cover immensely!

By: Ethan Shuster

Ethan Shuster — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:10:34 +0000

Maybe someone considered the “someday we’ll live there” suggestion without mentioning marriage suggested they would have house before marriage? Changing it to a honeymoon cottage to make an honest woman out of her?

My God, I can only imagine the in depth sociological studies that could be done on the sexism in these comics! The actual stories must be worse than the covers.

By: benday-dot

benday-dot — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:36:45 +0000

Great feature Scott. I knew from previous exchanges that you have long been a fan of Michelle Nolan’s great CBM article’s from back in the day. It really is some of the best comic book journalism you can find. I also fondly remember reading about her ACG romance comics investigations. Those pre-code covers (alas, as deep as I get into them) from ACG’s romance stable are really quite unforgettable!

By: Scott Harris

Scott Harris — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:52:04 +0000

Cool feature. Over the last year I’ve developed an appreciation for old romance comics, so I’d love to see more.

By: Mary Warner

Mary Warner — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:04:07 +0000

Maybe they meant New York state?