Fab! Tuff! Outasight! - Monkees Mania in Romance Comics!

Hello, romance comic fans! When I was a kid and dragged to comic book conventions, I quickly learned that having a niche thing to collect made the cons ten thousand times more fun. At 12 years old, I wasn't super into collecting comics (yet), but I had been recently captivated by the Monkees and oh goodness, was I obsessed! And so, the comic book conventions I attended with my family turned into all out Monkees memorabilia hunts. I still really dig the Monkees and I am of course a wee bit sad I won't be seeing any of their latest tour performances.


Anyhow, how does this relate to romance comics, you ask? Well, there are quite a few advertisements for Monkees merchandise in the romance comics. Quite fitting when you think about it!

In the DC advice column "To You... from Carol Andrews" from Falling in Love #95 (November 1967), Carol advises readers on a new teen mag from DC called Teen Beat. The inaugural issue featured a sensationalistic story on the Monkees!


The second issue of Teen Beat was reincarnated as Teen Beam. This house ad for Teen Beam advertising frameable Monkees pictures was printed in Young Love #66 (March/April 1968).


Charlton published a magazine called Teen Tunes and Pin-Ups and naturally, advertised it in their romance comics. This ad featuring Micky, Davy, Mike, Peter and compatriots appeared in Teen Confessions #48 (January 1968).


Space in some of DC romance comics were purchased by Charlton to advertise their "huge kissable - SINGABLE - posters" of the Monkees. This one appeared on the back cover of Girls' Romances #130 (January 1968).


The Beatles made a few appearances in the stories and covers of romance comics, but besides these advertisements, I don't think any story in romance comics mentioned the Monkees. *Sob!*

Mother's Day with Girls' Romances - Love Letters

Most love letters are between sweethearts, but some, are between mother and child. Today's special Mother's Day story, "Love Letters" from Girls' Romances #159 (September 1971) is a tearjerker -- so go round up some tissues! Lovely art courtesy of John Rosenberger and Tony DeZuniga!*


This touching story of love and loss opens with a young woman lying on her bed reading a stack of letters, the first of which reads:

Dearest darling daughter,

I asked your father to withhold these letters until you were old enough to understand. How I wanted to be here, but these words must be my voice. You know me from my photographs, but I must tell you what was in my mind. I have so much to say, and so little time -- that is why I pour out my soul to you in these...

It is through these narrative letters of a mother's short life in which the rest of the story unfolds.


A proud set of parents to a bride-to-be go over last minute details, but an unexpected phone call puts an end to their joy and shatters their world. They receive the life-altering news from the doctor that their beloved daughter Nancy has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease and only has a short time left to live.


Nancy takes the news far better than her parents, but she is still all too aware that her sentence is terminal and hence, tries to break things off with her betrothed, Johnny. He insists that they can still "squeeze a lifetime of happiness" into the time she has left, but Nancy can't bear to make him suffer through the ordeal.


Nancy goes to bed that night devastated -- not only for her own life, but for Johnny's. In the morning she finds Johnny asleep on the couch, as he was unable to make it home due to the stress of the prior evening's events. She heads down the stairs to him and in a romantic embrace, the young couple decides to go through with their marriage. They know it will be tough, but they also know that being apart would be tougher. Sadly, Nancy's parents don't see the silver lining and feel that Johnny is marrying her out of pity. Nancy can only say that maybe someday they will understand. Despite their disapproval, the wedding ensues.


Nancy and Johnny do all the things newlyweds do, despite the sadness that looms just over their heads.

It wasn't false gaiety, but genuine fun. Each minute was an eternity to be enjoyed and savored, each second hoarded for its happiness. The future we pushed from our minds. We promised never to talk about it... but the shadow was always there in our own, our very own, little temporary world.

As the newlyweds attempt to have as normal of a marriage as possible despite the ticking clock, they soon find themselves welcoming an infant into the world. Nancy grows weaker throughout the pregnancy, but gives birth to a healthy baby girl.


After the delivery, Nancy grows weaker still. She feels her time drawing to a close and hands the baby to Johnny to hold so that she can finish composing the last of her letters to their daughter. Nancy's parents finally understand why she was so set on marrying Johnny -- to give him a child through which her memory and love would live on. And so, one life ends and another begins. Their child grows into a beautiful young woman and upon reading her mother's letters, knows that she is watched over and loved.

I shall never see you grow up, share the joys and heartaches of your childhood... but God is good and kind in his infinite wisdom... and I shall be near you eternally...

"The story you'll never forget" indeed!

To all the mothers out there -- to those that are still with us,
and to those whose memories we cherish...
Happy Mother's Day!

♥♥♥

*Identification of the artists on this one has proved tricky! See comments below!

Are You Ready for Marriage?

The quiz "Are You Ready for Marriage?" from Girls' Romances #147 (March 1970) is quite possibly one of my favorite romance comic book quizzes. The 30 questions were designed to test the reader's marriage preparedness. It is actually rather sophisticated for a comic book! Much of it, such as questions on financial arrangements and independence are good things to think about for anyone heading into marriage -- regardless of time period.

A few of my favorite
questions (and answers):

8. Have you ever done something together like working to complete a chore at work or school, shoveled snow or mowed a lawn, painted a room, or combined your monies to buy something? (this should be answered yes)

11. Do you love him less after a scrap or continue to love him just as much? (yes again, on the second part of course)

17. Are you uncomfortable being alone at night if he has to work or go out of town on business or goes bowling with the boys or must train for two weeks during the Summer with his military or naval service unit? (ah, trick question! This one should be answered with a "no")

22. Do you retain leftovers from your meals, know how to prepare them attractively? (this is to be answered yes -- and remember, you may not have had a home microwave in 1970!)

Give it a read!

It is really quite fascinating!

The Tiny Fists of Mortimer or Identifying a Romance Comic Book Artist

"It is not the thrill of the chase. It's not a game. It's your tiny ineffectual fists."

-Derek to Meredith on
Grey's Anatomy Season One

For longtime readers of Sequential Crush, the fact that Win Mortimer is pretty much my most favorite romance artist of all time should come as no surprise. For those of you new to the blog, you should be made aware immediately -- I love Win Mortimer! His men are handsome; his ladies simultaneously sweet and sexy. Once you get the hang of it, Mortimer's work in the romance comics is actually quite easy to identify, which is partially due to the great little fists he depicted his characters as having. Here are a few examples through the years in which Mortimer's tiny fists stole the show!

Win was drawing fists
way back in his Superman days!

Action Comics #193

June 1954

♥♥♥

Mortimer's fists
were very expressive --
here we see sheer frustration
from "Cindy the Salesgirl."

"Cindy the Salesgirl"
Girls' Love Stories #136
(July 1968)

♥♥♥

A thought bubble is complimented
well by a little Mortimer fist, don't you think?

"No Time for Love!"

Girls' Romances #141
(June 1969)

♥♥♥

The October 1969 issue of Secret Hearts
had two Mortimer illustrated stories in it!
Twice the fist -- all for 15 cents!
"Not That Kind of Girl!"
Secret Hearts #139
(October 1969)

"How Can I Tell Him the Truth?"
Secret Hearts #139
(October 1969)

♥♥♥

A tiny fist put to a
more practical use -- ironing!

"Too Beautiful to Be Loved"
Girls' Romances #147
(March 1970)

♥♥♥

Even guys need to flex
their fist muscles once in a while!

"Substitute Sweetheart"
Heart Throbs #129
(December 1970/January 1971)

♥♥♥

A delightful Mortimer cover,
complete with fist!
Falling in Love #132
(May 1972)

♥♥♥

Mortimer incorporated a little fist action
into the Marvel classic, Night Nurse!

Night Nurse #1
(November 1972)

♥♥♥

Even short two-page stories
deserve the Mortimer fist treatment!
"The Walk"
Young Romance #198
(March/April 1974)

♥♥♥

I count three
little fists in this panel!

"Love Expert"
Young Love #111
(August/September 1974)

♥♥♥

Even as romance comics were winding down,
Mortimer took the time to draw an emotive fist!

"Love is the Answer!"
Young Love #123
(January 1977)

Though small and perhaps not noticeable on a first glance, the curled hand just adds so much and works for so many emotions. Can you see why I love Mortimer so much?! Any Mortimer fist panels you would like to share? Don't forget to check Spidey Super Stories!

See You Next Week + A Link!

"He'll Break Your Heart!"
Ric Estrada Pencils
Young Romance #155

(August/September 1968)

You can probably tell from the above panel where I will be for the rest of the week! I am off to celebrate true romance at a friend's wedding this weekend -- you may remember my post about picking out the bridesmaids' dresses from a few months back. Anyway, I will be without internet, but I will be back next week! In the meantime, be sure to check out the latest post at As Told To Stan Lee recounting the classic, "How Can He Love Anyone Who Looks Like Me?" from Girls' Romances #144 (October 1969)! It's a good one!!!

Have a wonderful week!!!

Mad Mad Modes for Moderns Mondays - Sleepwear as Depicted by Mystery Artist!

So far, most of the "Mad Mad Modes for Moderns" fashion featurettes I have shown here on Sequential Crush were illustrated by either Tony Abruzzo or Jay Scott Pike. Today I bring you a lovely two-pager from a different artist, one that I am not familiar with. This "Mad Mad Modes for Moderns" spread from Girls Romances #143 (September 1969) has a fine layout, great lettering and well drawn figures, but the name of the artist alludes me.



There were other fashion featurettes in other romance comic titles, including the following "Romance in Fashion" from Girls' Love Stories #101 (February 1964). This page "presents the work of one artist, Cynthia Chazan, Montreal, Canada" and is obviously drawn by the same artist as pictured above. Now, here is where it gets tricky. Does this mean that the actual artist who illustrated this piece was a woman named Cynthia Chazan, or does this mean that the outfits were designed by her, à la "Patsy's Pin-up Page!"

Any thoughts, romance fans?!

Too (fill in the blank) to Love!

Recently, while flipping through dozens of romance comics from the '70s, I noticed a little pattern with a number of titles -- the use of the intensifier, "too." Below are eight splash pages from eight different stories. The following titles are not just descriptive of the plot line; they also insinuate some sort of value judgment placed upon the female character and allude to her potential status as damaged, undesirable, or different. Keep reading to see what I mean!

"Too Spoiled for Love"

Girls' Love Stories #154
(October 1970)

"Too Beautiful to be Loved"
Girls' Romances #147
(March 1970)

"Too Good to be Loved"
Girls' Romances #149
(June 1970)

"Too Old for Love!"
Falling in Love #122
(April 1971)

DC was confident the above character was indeed "too old." Charlton on the other hand, just wasn't so sure; therefore necessitating the question mark!

"Too Old to Love?"
Romantic Story #119
(June 1972)

"Too Smart to Love"
Falling in Love #137
(October 1972)

"Too Tall to Love"
Falling in Love #130
(March 1972)

"Too Clumsy to Love"
Girls' Love Stories #168
(April 1972)

Which title intrigues you the most? Let me know in the comments, and the story with the most votes by Sunday evening will get an entire post dedicated to it next week!!!

So which story with a declarative title will it be?
Leave a comment and let me know!

Too spoiled?
Too beautiful?
Too good?
Too old?
Too smart?
Too tall?
Too clumsy?

Drawing Inspiration from Romance Comics!

Last week, illustrator Joanne Renaud contacted me and told me of her affinity for romance comics. She also relayed how romance comics have inspired her in her own artwork, primarily when it comes to getting ideas for layouts. Recently, Joanne teamed up with historical romance novelist, Lauren Willig to create a comic book version of Willig's book The Secret History of the Pink Carnation.

The splash page of the comic book version of The Secret History of the Pink Carnation was inspired by the Art Saaf story I shared with you last week, "Sweet and Simple!" Shouldn't all romance stories have a scene in front of a fireplace?



Another scene from the Willig/Renaud creation was inspired by the layout on a page from "One-Man Woman," a story that appeared in Girls' Romances #158 (July 1971).

Joanne was also inspired by the classic Marvel mini-series, Night Nurse for a page of the sequential adaptation.

If you have enjoyed seeing these romance comic book inspired pieces, it's your lucky day! The author of The Secret History of the Pink Carnation is giving away five prints from the comic book version on her website! Enter for a chance to win here, the contest ends Sunday night!

Have a wonderful weekend and join me Monday
for a new Mad Mad Modes for Moderns!

Guy's Point of View Week - A Vietnam War Era Romance Story

Romance stories from the

"guy's point of view"
continue!

Love triangles were certainly not uncommon in romance comics, but Vietnam War centered love triangle were a little more rare. "I Lived a Lie!" appeared in Girls' Romances #150 (July 1970) and tells a tale woven with bits of secrets, lies, and desertion.

Published not long after the public was made aware of the My Lai Massacre and the horrific shootings at Kent State, "I Lived a Lie!" (penciled by Werner Roth and inked by Vince Colletta) opens with two young men (Steve and Roy) who have just been drafted.

Having been in a relationship with the beautiful Julie since high school, Steve wants to move their wedding day up so that they can walk down the aisle before he and Roy are shipped out. Julie is hesitant, and Roy is devastated -- Steve hasn't been the only one in love with Julie since high school.


While Roy waits out on the porch, Julie and Steve discuss their future together. Julie drops the bomb, and tells Steve she will not marry him -- at least not until he returns from the army. Steve is disappointed and as he and Roy drive away from Julie's house, Steve confides in Roy, "I wish I'd asked her to marry me a year ago! Maybe we'd have had a kid by now and I'd have beat the draft!" Roy is perturbed by Steve's attitude towards their impending service and accuses Steve of merely trying to use Julie to beat the draft. Steve assures Roy that he really does love Julie for the right reasons, despite his off-the-cuff rant.


Steve continues to pursue marriage with Julie, and each time she resists. Just as the guys are about to head out for basic training, Julie has a change of heart and proposes an impromptu marriage.


Soon after basic training, Steve and Roy find themselves in Vietnam. During their down time, Steve reads the letters sent to him by his bride to the heartsick Roy. Eventually, the soldiers are ordered to ship out to Hue to act as reinforcements. Just as they are leaving, Steve tries to tell Roy something.


Roy never gets to hear what Steve had to tell him, as they were ambushed and Steve disappears. Roy is hit by mortar and sent back stateside, where he is met by Julie. Roy tells Julie that Steve was classified as MIA, but she is doubtful. Roy eventually tells Julie that Steve was killed by a land mine and promptly begins dating her.


Julie however, is not ready for the intense relationship that Roy wants. Though she continues to date him, she tells him that she will always love Steve. One evening Roy goes to Julie's house and is met at the door by Julie who is holding a newspaper in shock. She has just read an article declaring that Steve was in fact a deserter -- a fact that Roy knew the whole time.


Julie tells Roy she never wants to see him again for the lie he told her. Heartbroken and ashamed, the vet moves into a lonely boarding house far from Julie and his hometown. A couple of months later, Julie tracks Roy down and tells him she is over Steve and that she realizes Roy was just trying to spare her pain. Consequently, she has had her marriage annulled and is free to be with Roy completely.


An interesting romance story, with strong characters, "I Lived a Lie!" is not only beautiful to look at, but a great historical document as well. For example, when Julie announces the fact that Steve deserted to Sweden, it may seem at first glance like a random bit of comic book dialogue. But when you take into consideration that during the Vietnam War, Sweden was a safe haven for draft dodgers and deserters, the romance story suddenly becomes a little time capsule of the tumultuous era. And all told from a male character's view to boot!

♥ For a very similar story (but one that includes a baby and no desertion) be sure to check out a review of "Second Choice!" that appeared in Heart Throbs #121 (August/September 1969) at the blog, As Told to Stan Lee.