Mad Mad Modes for Moderns Mondays - Imitation of Batman!!

I am always amazed by how wearable many of the fashions of "Mad Mad Modes for Moderns" tend to look. Though this Jay Scott Pike edition from Heart Throbs #111 (December 1966/January 1967) asks readers if they are "prepared to super-swing to the maddening pace of the sizzling sixties?" I would be more than happy to wear any of these ensembles in the 21st century!

It isn't every day that a romance comic
fashion spread evokes a superhero!

Thanks to all who have visited the Sequential Crush Facebook Fan Page and if you haven't yet, be sure to stop by and "Like!" We would love to have you! I am also on Twitter, if that is more your speed! I hope your week is off to a good start!

Mad Mad Modes for Moderns Mondays - College Chic

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend! To start the week off right, here's a fall back-to-school edition "Mad Mad Modes for Moderns" from Girls' Love Stories #125 (February 1967). Sorta makes me want to go back to college myself!

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Quick announcement -- I have just created a fan page for Sequential Crush on Facebook! Please "Like" and spread the word! Hope to see you there!!!

Checkin' In!

Yup, I managed to squeeze my entire romance comic book collection into four suitcases and two shipped boxes!
Who needs clothes?!?!

Hi everyone! It has been quite a while, hasn't it? I just wanted to do a quick post to let you all know that my move overseas went smoothly, and that I am settling in quite nicely here in Denmark! I really appreciate all the kind words and wishes that were sent my way -- I truly am so grateful to have you all in my life! I am still working on getting my little office set up, as well as acquiring a new scanner, but I should be back to posting regularly next week! Stay tuned!!!

See You Soon My Romance Comic Loving Friends!

Hello everyone! I hope you had a great weekend! As some of you probably already know, I am uprooting and moving from the United States to Denmark -- this month! While I am super excited, I am also naturally a bit stressed out! Making a move to another country is no easy feat! In light of my relocation, I have decided to go on a short hiatus from Sequential Crush. I will be back early September when my comics have arrived and a new scanner has been purchased! Until then, I hope you enjoy perusing through the archives of all the gems posted over the last few years and reading some of the other terrific blogs I have listed on my blogroll! I also encourage you to check in from time to time on my Twitter feed, as well as my new personal blog -- The Coziness Project which I will probably update a few times during the moving process. Once again, I cannot thank you -- my readers, enough for all of the encouragement, praise and love you have shown me and Sequential Crush over the past few years! I'll miss ya, but see you soon!!!

Cindy the Salesgirl - Too Mod for Her Own Good!

The adventures of Cindy the Salesgirl are some of the few multi-page non-serial story arcs with a recurring character in the romance comics of the '60s and '70s. If you aren't familiar with her, Cindy is a cute shop girl who has to deal with crazy customers on a regular basis -- hilarity frequently ensues. Today's episode from Falling in Love #104 (January 1969) penciled by Win Mortimer, has Cindy helping a customer named Sue who insists on finding an outfit that isn't "too mod."


You see, the guy Sue digs is a total square! Sue wants Cindy's help in picking something out to wear to the dance that her date wont find offensive.


Sue thinks all of Cindy's clothes are too far out and decides to look elsewhere. But when Sue shows up at the dance on Saturday night, her outfit is far more nutty and off the wall than anyone could have anticipated! POW indeed!

Such a cute way to incorporate fashion
with a bit of storyline, don't ya think?

Now for a few things on a more personal note! As many of you probably already know, I have been anticipating a move overseas to Denmark for quite some time. My paperwork has finally gone through and I am leaving on August 21st! Whoooohoooo! I am super excited, but naturally a wee bit stressed out as well! Some of you have asked about the fate of Sequential Crush. No fear! Sequential Crush is here to stay!

I do have a lot of logistical things to sort out in a short time -- personally, as well as with figuring out how to physically move my massive romance comic book collection to another continent on a tight budget. So, I ask that you just bear with me! I am going to take all next week off to start packing and also, head to San Diego for the big comicon! I anticipate that my posts here on Sequential Crush will be less frequent until I am a bit more settled in my new home, but I will still try to post on a semi-regular basis! As always, you can find me on twitter!

Thanks for being the best readers
a girl could ever wish for!

♥♥♥

See you soon!

A Big Thank You for Watching the History Detectives!!!

Hi all! I just wanted to say a big thank you to all those that watched the History Detectives last night on PBS! If you missed the show, you can watch it online here. The segment on Negro Romance starts at around 37:39! You can also view pages from the comic book over at the show's site!

Naturally, Bertram the Squirrel is my favorite character
in "Possessed!" Negro Romance #2 (1950) (Fawcett)

As always, I am so blown away by the awesome readers that I have! You all make putting the many hours into Sequential Crush so worthwhile!!! xoxo

1970s African-American Romance Comic Book Story + History Detectives Reminder!

My History Detectives segment airs tonight on PBS at 8pm EST/7pm CT! Since it is about the 1950 comic book Negro Romance, I thought I would post today on a 1970s story depicting African-American characters. This one is called "Make-Believe Romance" and is from Girls' Love Stories #169 (May 1972). The Grand Comics Database has it listed as being a retitled reprint, penciled and inked by Vince Colletta with retouched hairstyles to provide diversity. A very likely scenario, but at this time I do not know exactly where the story may have originally appeared or what it originally looked like. Until that little mystery is solved, enjoy the 1970s version!!!

Rumors constantly fly around the office. Gary and Lucy are in love! In actuality, Gary Walker is Lucy Weston's handsome boss, and there is not an ounce of romance between them... or so they think!


Lucy and Gary try hard to ignore the whispers heard 'round the water-cooler that they are an item. Everyone believes it to be so, except for Gary and Lucy! Frequently the two discuss the hassling they endure by fellow office mates.


The two distinctly not lovebirds come to the conclusion that it is probably their fault that everyone thinks they are an item. But, despite the fact they are always in the company of one another during work hours, they maintain that they are just really good friends.


However, whenever Lucy goes out on dates, she ends up wishing the guy was as compatible with her as Gary. And when she comes home from her dates, she dreams that someday she will find a man like Gary.


The gossip at work progressively worsens. Gary and Lucy decide to not even to fight it anymore as it would be futile. Lucy consults with her best friend, who also has her doubts about Lucy and Gary's platonic relationship.


One day while at work, Lucy is invited to the charity ball by the head manager. She agrees to go, gets gussied up, and is hopeful she will meet someone. Lo and behold! Who does she notice from across the room? Why, Gary of course! Out of the office and away from all the pressure, the two quickly see each other in a new light.


What a relief it must have been for them -- and for their nosy co-workers! I hope you enjoyed, and if you have time this evening be sure to catch me on the History Detectives!

History Detectives on PBS

Tonight 8pm EST/7pm CT
Be sure to check your local listings!

Catch Me on the PBS Show History Detectives - Tuesday, July 12 at 8pm EST/7pm CT!

I have some very exciting news!!! I am going to be on the History Detectives! Talking about romance comics, no less! Tune in to your local PBS channel on Tuesday, July 12th at 8pm EST/7pm CT (be sure to check local listings as times may vary) and watch as I assist one of the resident detectives in their search for clues about a very unique romance comic title - Negro Romance! Watch the preview below!

History Detectives on PBS

Tuesday, July 12th 8pm EST/7pm CT
Be sure to check your local listings!

Romance Comic Book Fans! You are Invited to Join Me for a Comic Chatcast! Tonight! 9pm (EST)

Join me tonight (Thursday, April 28th) over at Comic Chatcast for a lively discussion on a few key DC romance issues from the '60s and '70s!!! It was difficult to do, but I narrowed it down to five fantastic issues which I think represent the best of the best! After I share my picks, I would love to hear what you would add!

So join me, romance fans!
The chat starts at 9pm (EST)

A Few Announcements!

A few announcements!

There are now three ways to access Sequential Crush! In addition to www.sequentialcrush.blogspot.com, you can now access the site from www.sequentialcrush.com and www.jacquenodell.com. Just in case you like to mix things up!

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If you haven't already, check out my Amazon astore bookshop! I have lots of recommendations for books on comics, as well many of the historical issues discussed here on the blog!


Thursday, April 28th at 9pm (EST) I will be leading a discussion on key DC romance issues of the 1960s and '70s over at Comic Chatcast! It should be a fun evening, so please join us!


If you need a break from romance comics (not that anyone would!), check out Justin Bleep's (the boyfriend) new blog -- We Slaves. When he isn't designing little LEGO people, he is writing! Justin is new to the blogging world, so stop by and check it out!


Don't forget to vote in the poll in the sidebar! I will feature a story at the end of month on whichever artist is chosen! You have six days left to vote!

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One more thing! Are you on Twitter? I am and I would love to hear from you!

Have a wonderful evening!

Mad Mad Modes for Moderns Mondays + Sequential Crush Badge!

It has been a while since the last Mad Mad Modes for Moderns post! Without further ado, here is another lovely one from Heart Throbs #106 (February/March 1967) with art by Tony Abruzzo!


I also want to share a little badge I created for Sequential Crush. Feel free to pass the love around and post on your site if you like! The code is also available in the sidebar!



<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/robotahead/5504932527/" title="Sequential Crush Badge by robotahead, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5504932527_758bedc65c_m.jpg" width="120" height="120" alt="Sequential Crush Badge" /></a>

Have a great Monday!

Visit the Sequential Crush Bookshop!

You may have noticed the above image in my sidebar as of just the other day -- I have finally opened an Amazon astore filled with books that are pertinent to the topics I discuss here on the blog! When you click on the image, it will take you to my store! So far, the books I recommend are divided up into the following categories:

♥ Career Girls ♥
♥ Romance Comics ♥
♥ Comic Book History ♥
♥ 1960s and 1970s ♥
♥ Romance Genre ♥
♥ Women's History ♥

I will continually add books to the store,
so be sure to check it out!

...And the Winner Is!

Thank you to everyone who responded in the comments of the last post, concerning the Marvel Romance Redux line. It very enjoyable for me to hear the insightful and thought-provoking things you all had to say! Without further ado, the lucky winner of a copy of Our Love Story #11 (June 1971) is...

January 21, 2011 3:49 PM

Mickey Quinn said...

I think this is hilariously bad. Especially "Damn, I am one good-looking fox." Classy, Marvel.

Congrats, Mickey! Please contact me at jacquenodell at yahoo dot com with your mailing information!

♥♥♥

I would like to take just a second here to state my position on the Marvel Romance Redux books and other similar concepts. As you can probably guess by now, I absolutely love romance comics. I have a deep appreciation for everything about them -- the stories, the art, the history. Over the course of the past 60+ years that the romance comics have been around, the notion of love and relationships has changed, but I am given hope in the basic message that true love exists -- for everyone.

Romance comics are an amazing snapshot of 20th century American history and culture. As modern men and women, I can understand how it could be hard to read the content of the romance comics -- making them easy targets to laugh at and dilute. Perhaps the snarkiness that is often thrown towards the romance comics is derived from a sense of being uncomfortable with these vestiges of the past?

So much attention is paid to the superhero comics that other genres like romance and westerns and funny animal books get left in the dust. Although these parodies are often condescending, if they happen to intrigue someone and inspire them to investigate the original romance comics, then I think that is a good thing. I applaud Marvel and others for not forgetting the genre entirely, but I do wish that the romance comics in all their beautiful and historic glory would be reprinted perhaps just a little more often. Since they are not super accessible (cost, availability, etc.), I hope Sequential Crush here has filled the void in an interesting, critical and yes, sometimes humorous (but never snarky) way!

♥♥♥

Be sure to join me here tomorrow (Tuesday) for a new monthly feature that I am very, very excited about! Once you see what it is -- I think you will be totally jazzed too!

I'm on Twitter!

Hi everyone! I finally decided to start a Twitter account! You can find me here!!!

Special Announcement - Appearance by Elizabeth Berube!

Aries Horoscope by Elizabeth
Secret Hearts #143 (April 1970)

One of the organizers of the Midwest Comic Book Association informed me that the one and only Elizabeth (Liz Berube for those who are familiar with her coloring work) will be making her very first convention appearance at their SpringCon 2010! The convention is being held May 15th and 16th at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul. If you are in the area, you should totally check it out! Unfortunately I will not be able to attend, as I will be at the Motor City Comic Con that weekend. If you do go to SpringCon however, be sure to stop by and meet Elizabeth. Say hello for me too while you are at it! :)

Reminder - Comic ChatCast Tonight!

Hey folks! Don't forget! Tonight at 7pm (central standard time) I will be doing a live chat about romance comics over at Comic ChatCast.

I would love to see you and chat about all things romance comics! You will also have a chance to win an issue of Love and Romance! Hooray! Be sure to stop by!

'Twas the Night Before Valentine's Day...

Its almost here folks! The official day of love and romance!!! Any big plans? Be sure to check in here at Sequential Crush tomorrow for a delectable Valentine's Day post. I have something pretty special planned!

On Tuesday the 16th (once you have recovered from eating tasty chocolates and conversation hearts) be sure to stop by Comic ChatCast at 7pm (central standard time) for a live, hour long chat with yours truly about romance comics! It should be a great time, and signing up to chat is super easy. You basically type in your name and just send your message!


Another reason to drop by the event is because the folks at Comic ChatCast are super generous and will be giving away a copy of Charlton's Love and Romance #18 (September 1974). How cool is that? Hope to see you there!!!



*Aaron Bias from Silver Age Gold will also being hosting a chat session at Comic ChatCast -- on Monday the 15th. If you are into the Silver Age, be sure to check it out!

Special Announcement - Comic ChatCast!

Hi folks! 'Tis the month of love with Valentine's Day just around the corner! In honor of the holiday, I will be doing a special live discussion about romance comics at Comic ChatCast on Tuesday, February 16th, 7pm to 8pm (central standard time).


Please join me for a tantalizing conversation on all things romance comics!!! This will be your chance to ask all those questions you have been dying to have answered about the prettiest genre in comic books -- and in real time!!! Hope to see you there!