Today's Ugly Duckling story, "Plain Jane Fell in Love" from Heart Throbs #135 (November 1971) involves another glasses-wearing lady -- as depicted by Mike Sekowsky. Fantastic splash page, no?!
Bespectacled Bonnie is hired for her efficiency and neatness to be the "Gal Friday" of fashion consultant Coral Babbitt -- a job which involves frequent and high dosages of glamor. Constantly surrounded by women getting makeovers takes its toll on Bonnie, and soon she finds herself wondering if she could also use a change.
In her dreams, Bonnie is beautiful with a full social calendar and suitors aplenty. In reality, it is fashionable and fabulous Miss Babbitt who gets the guys.
One day, a young man named Jim McHugh comes into the office looking for Miss Babbitt. After his initial visit, Jim continues to drop by -- but not for Coral. Bonnie clearly becomes the object of Jim's infatuation. Bonnie starts crushing on Jim as well, but she is convinced that he only comes by because he is in love with Coral.
Bonnie decides that resigning from her position as Miss Babbitt's employee would be the best thing to do for the sake of her sanity. Just as Bonnie is about to go to Coral's office with her resignation letter, Jim walks in. He tears the glasses off of Bonnie's face, unpins her hair and kisses her. Surprised, Bonnie looks in the mirror -- liking the reflection staring back at her. Suddenly, a bitter Miss Babbitt walks in. Jim lashes out at her for "keeping" Bonnie unattractive to lessen competition.
Taken aback, Coral tells the two lovebirds to scram. They hightail it out of there -- giddy with excitement and adoration for one another, and the possibilities inherent with blossoming love.
Kind of romantic, huh? I am usually not a super huge fan of Sekowsky, but this story has a nice pace to it and Bonnie's golden flowing locks add a nice visual touch. For Bonnie's sake, we can only hope that Jim is an optometrist and has a fresh set of contact lenses waiting for her!
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