A Tale of Forbidden Romance! - "Veil of Love" Young Love #104 (June/July 1973)

If there was a contest for most bizarre romance comic book cover scenarios, the cover of Young Love #104 (June/July 1973) would certainly be a top contender.

As it would be unfair to taunt you with merely the house ad and subsequent cover image, I am happy to present the issue's feature story, "Veil of Love" from none other than Robert Kanigher, John Rosenberger and Vince Colletta!*

Lee, a former soldier who served in the "murderous jungles of Nam..." has a difficult time readjusting to civilian life in every aspect -- romance not excluded.


Despite frequent dates with gorgeous women, Lee is never able to fill the void.

That all changes when one night, Lee takes his motorcycle out for a ride in the country to get some air. He comes across a lovely young woman in a white bathing suit swimming. Intrigue instantly washes over him.


In attempt to find the mystery girl, Lee checks into the Lone Lake lodge where he believes she is staying. The next morning in the dining room Lee spots her, but she coolly rebuffs his attempts at small talk with complete and utter silence. Suzan Dale, the hotel's receptionist takes an instant liking to Lee. She cannot seem to get his attention though, for he is on a mission to capture the heart of mysterious Theresa Brand.

After the unsuccessful encounter in the dining room, Lee goes for a walk. He stumbles upon a man attacking Theresa and quickly steps in to take him down. A fight ensues and Lee puts the guy in a choke hold, nearly killing him with his bare hands. Theresa insists Lee stop -- which he does before going further into the woods to be alone.


After sitting on a log for hours, Lee is suddenly pounded on the head from behind with a tree limb by the guy who attacked Theresa earlier. As he swings at Lee he yells, "You caught me by surprise before -- I'll crack your skull wide open -- tough guy!" Theresa appears and fends off the guy and comforts the bleeding Lee. Theresa tells him that she is a nurse and will take him to the infirmary for a checkup. Lee's admiration for Theresa is only increased by her kind and caring attention to his wounds. Before the day ends, Lee tells Theresa he is in love with her. Silently, she walks away.


The next day Lee drops by the dining room to find Theresa. Suzan lets him know that Theresa skipped breakfast and was down at the lake swimming. Lee quickly changes into his swim trunks and heads on down to the lake. Once Lee arrives, he realizes he is on the wrong side of the lake and decides to take a short cut by diving and swimming out to her rather than walk around the long way. Lee misjudges the dive, and winds up caught at the bottom of the lake in a mass of thick weeds. As he struggles to free himself, Theresa swims down to help. Things look grim, but Theresa eventually frees Lee and brings him to shore.


Thankful and even more in love than ever, Lee tries to convince Theresa that his rescue was a miracle and therefore they belong together. She tells him to rest and meet her at the park bench at noon.


Lee complies with Theresa's request and meets her as instructed -- only to find out that she is Sister Theresa! Now, I know you saw that coming, but for Lee, Theresa's reveal comes as quite a shock!

Quietly and with a gentle, "God bless you..." Theresa walks off into her new life. Lee sits on the bench for what seems like an eternity, alone in his confusion. Somberly, Suzan appears to comfort Lee in his time of need.

Despite the slightly humorous cover, the 18-page "Veil of Love" is actually quite a sad and tender story. Both Lee and Theresa were looking for a connection. For him -- an emotional one, and for her-- something divine. The young nun seemed to have found her peace, but only one's imagination can determine whether Lee discovered his.

*The creative team that would later go on to create the equally as unusual romance story, Lady Cop!

Romance Under the Covers - My Romantic Adventures #127 (October/November 1962)

As you probably know, I am a huge fan of the DC romance comics, especially the ones from the late '60s and 1970s. But the old saying, "variety is the spice of life" rings true here at Sequential Crush and today I present for your reading enjoyment, ACG's My Romantic Adventures #127 (October/November 1962)!* And what an adventure it is!

Standing for American Comics Group, ACG published only a handful of romance issues (254 to be exact) during its existence. Most were edited by a fellow by the name of Richard Hughes, who also happened to write many of the company's stories. This particular title, My Romantic Adventures was known simply as Romantic Adventures up until issue #68 (August 1956), when the "My" was added.

The first story, "The Brainless Type" sports art by the talented Ogden Whitney -- the original artist responsible for the rotund character, Herbie. Starting on this awesome splash page, Margie Tucker relays that she has "never been one for heavy thinking" and therefore cooking has become her default occupation.


When it is announced that a new manufacturing plant is opening up in town, Margie is eager (along with the rest of the locals) to witness the plant president, Dr. Joel Bentley give his speech. In need of temporary lodging, Dr. Bentley considers Margie's offer to stay at her farmhouse. Lured partially by her prettiness (and partially by her promise of good cooking) Joel moves in immediately. Naturally, the two become quite fond of each other and a romance blooms.


Margie eventually takes a position at the plant, primarily to be around her increasingly busy beau. Margie is understanding of his duties, but her world is shattered when the beautiful, smart and wealthy Catherine Carr drops in for a visit. Catherine isn't just any old flame of Joel's -- she is the girl who broke his heart at the senior prom.


Catherine doesn't let her past behavior get in the way of stealing Joel from Margie -- she hops right in! From the foul way she treats Margie, it is obvious Catherine has not gotten any sweeter with time. Joel is not phased however, and continues to take Catherine for a tour of the plant.


Suddenly, the operations of the factory begin to break down after the workers are told that mandatory overtime is expected due to a regional labor shortage. The workers aren't pleased with the situation and decide to go on strike the next day. Margie tries to warn Joel, but is caught off-guard when she finds him and Catherine smooching in his office. Though Margie is there only to warn him, both Catherine and Joel start taking jabs at Margie's intelligence. Poor patriotic Margie!


Putting her pride (and shock of Joel's betrayal) on the line, Margie speaks out against the strike. You go girl!

"...If you stick by this walkout, the plant will close. Not only will he lose, but America will, too, because it needs the products we turn out. Would you rather let our enemies win out -- and work even longer hours for practically nothing and
not be allowed to complain?"

Following her rousing speech, Margie resigns from her position -- but not before Catherine slams her again for being too brainless to operate the machinery. Joel silently stands by, while Margie dashes out in tears. However, something changes in Joel and he refuses to continue to put up with Catherine's shenanigans. In the end, it is sweet and dutiful Margie who wins the man!


From today's perspective, the second story "Immune to Girls!" could very well be read as a thinly veiled story of a gay man. Or perhaps it is just the tale of a guy who couldn't find the right lady? After you read it -- feel free to weigh in!


Constantly chased and fawned over by the girls at school, Harvey Hayes grows up to be a "perennial bachelor." Save for Ann Harris (Harvey's best chum), Harvey prefers to avoid the company of women.


Avoiding beautiful and influential women is difficult in Harvey's line of work (race car driver) but none of them catch his fancy. He appreciates Ann for her loyalty, but Ann is frustrated by the front he puts on. She feels that deep down, he is just afraid of women. In an attempt to show him the error of his ways, Ann gives Harvey a big kiss.


After the lip-lock, Ann admits her affection for Harvey. Completely shocked, Harvey requests that they try kissing again. With another passionate embrace, Harvey has found what he wanted all along -- real love!


These two one-pagers, "Sure He's Handsome...But..." and "A Pretty Girl Can Be a Malady!" extol the virtues of humbleness and serve as cautionary tales for both guys and gals who are inclined to take vanity too far.

On to the next story, "The Right Kind of Marriage!" Clara Williamson is a (former) rich girl turned working girl -- thoroughly unexcited about the routinized life of a broke typist.

While helping to plan a friend's vacation, Clara decides that she could stand to liven things up by taking a trip herself. She doesn't want to go to just any resort, however. Clara decides to withdraw her entire savings (her only form of security) and head to the exclusive Star Beach Hotel. Since she plans to pretend to be a rich girl, she scoots off to the finest boutique in town to purchase a whole new summer wardrobe. While at the shop, one of the employees tells Clara about a wealthy man that she had heard of that runs a hot dog stand near the Star Beach Hotel. Intent on finding herself a sugar daddy to marry, Clara drops by the hot dog stand as soon as she gets into town to meet the proprietor, Fred.


After a few run-ins (including pulling Clara out of the water after accidentally knocking her in) the two go on a date on a sailboat that the increasingly broke Clara has chartered. After the romantic afternoon, Clara is brought down to reality by the hotel desk clerk who reminds her of her past due account with the hotel. Unable to pay her bill, Clara decides to just come out and tell Fred about the charges and ask for his assistance. Fred is horrified to learn of her scheme to find a rich husband and Clara is equally enraged by Fred's deception.


Clara leaves the resort, broke and alone. She heads back to her monotonous life as a typist. One day at work, just as she loses all hope of ever finding love, Fred walks in and the two make amends. But someone else walks in -- Clara's boss! Not a romantic, he promptly fires her for her indecent behavior. No worries though! Fred employs her at his hot dog stand -- making for a funny and oh-so-mid-century ending.


The final story, "The Odds are Against Us!" is a short little yarn about co-workers John and Mary -- both statisticians. Love grows between the two and naturally, John asks Mary to be his wife.


Mary turns him down. She reasons that mathematically speaking, the odds are against a happy life together and she would rather not risk everything to find out.


In an effort to show Mary that true love can prevail, John takes her on a few field trips. First, they visit John's grandparents who have been blissfully married for 60 years! Then it is off to meet a pair of John's friends who met accidentally, and now have a happy marriage and bouncy baby. He even brings Mary to the slums to show her that love can flourish even under the worst of circumstances. The lady-statistician softens around the edges and what do ya know? It seems that for John and Mary the odds aren't so bad after all!


So, what do you think of ACG's My Romantic Adventures? If you are hunkering for more, then head on over to the blog, Silver Age Comics which a few months back, covered the last issue of the title!

*The cover of My Romantic Adventures #127 is actually fashioned directly after the cover of

Confessions of the Lovelorn #78 (February 1957)!

By Request - "Sweet...and Simple!" A Guy's Point of View Week Encore

A few weeks ago I did an artist spotlight on Art Saaf, in which I posted a panel from a short romance story, "Sweet...and Simple!" One reader requested that I post the whole story, and frankly, I couldn't resist! Not only does "Sweet...and Simple!" from Girls' Love Stories #159 (May 1971) feature gorgeous art by Saaf (inked by Colletta) and a cute plot -- it is told from the guy's point of view!

Enjoy, friends!

Guy's Point of View Week - Two Loves Have I!

I have really enjoyed putting together posts for the first theme week here at Sequential Crush, and I hope you have enjoyed reading them! I have one more story from the "guy's point of view" to share with you, and it's a good one!

"Two Loves Have I!" from Heart Throbs #125 (April/May 1970) drawn by Lee Elias, is a sort of romance comic book version of the Madame Butterfly/Miss Saigon story narrated by a love hungry American G.I., aptly named Joe.


Joe is an artillery spotter who has been placed on duty with another soldier in the home of a local Vietnamese family. The family's young and beautiful daughter -- Liu, helps the soldiers get their gear in order and their radios set up in the house. Joe immediately takes a liking to Liu, despite the fact he has a fiancée back at home in the United States.


Joe doesn't forget about Ruth and their future together, but Liu's presence and sweet demeanor help to pass the time.


Joe falls in love with Liu, but at the same time, cannot shake his love for his betrothed back home in the United States. One evening Joe stumbles upon Liu sewing a wedding gown and retreats in shock.


Having no clue about her lover's previous engagement, Liu is over the moon about becoming Mrs. G.I. Joe. Joe explains the situation to his mistress, and she is naturally hurt. Before Joe can explain further, members of the Viet Cong approach the civilian home, looking to rid it of American troops. During the attack, Liu and Joe become separated and Joe is rendered unconscious.


Next thing Joe knows, he is laid up in a military hospital recovering from his injuries -- unaware of Liu's whereabouts. A few weeks pass and Joe returns to duty. He tells his Lieutenant about his unfortunate last encounter with Liu, and begs to have a pass so that he can try to make amends with her. The Lieutenant breaks the sorrowful news to Joe -- Liu perished in the attack, saving Joe's life in the process.

My goodness!
What a tragic ending for this unique
and beautifully illustrated romance story!

Hopefully you have enjoyed these stories from the "guy's point of view" and I hope to find many more to share with you in the future!!!

Guy's Point of View Week - Marvel's "The Game of Triangles!"

"The Game of Triangles!"
Our Love Story #20 (December 1972)
Cover art by Alan Weiss (pencils) and Frank Giacoia (inks)
Story penciled by George Tuska and inked by Paul Reinman
Story written by Joy Hartle

So far, all of the examples here at Sequential Crush of romance stories told from the male perspective have been from DC. Not to fear romance fans! Marvel got in on it too! One such story "The Game of Triangles!" from Our Love Story #20 (December 1972) warns against falling in love with two ladies simultaneously.

"It's not easy for a guy to tell this kind of story..."

Dick has been going steady with blonde beauty Carol, but when he meets spontaneous Tracy -- he is completely smitten. Tracy not only has a wild side and is beautiful, but she is filthy rich to top it off. Well, her dad is anyhow! Not long after they meet, Dick is introduced to Tracy's father who assures Dick that if he is the right man for his daughter, he stands to inherit a lot of money.


Dick finds himself in quite a predicament -- steady, loyal, and loving Carol or moneybags Tracy?


Dick remembers all the good times he had with Carol and agonizes over staying with her or dumping her for his new found sugar mama. Meanwhile, Tracy is up to no good herself.


When Tracy runs into Carol and Dick at a party, she becomes miffed at the fact that she has competition. She demands that Dick come over to her house and explain. With an intense kiss, Dick proclaims that he has only been "fooling around" with Carol. Not satisfied with his word, Tracy calls Carol and tells her that she is with Dick. Wanting to see for herself, Carol goes to the dance that Dick and Tracy are attending. Carol sees them together and with a broken heart, runs off into the night -- never to be seen again.


Thinking he has caused Carol's death, Dick stays in his house mourning. Tracy continues to live it up in secret with her scruffy lover, Doug. In a moment of privacy (or so they think) Tracy and Doug celebrate their impending scam -- with disastrous results.


Immediately after busting his daughter, Tracy's father receives a phone call from Dick. Dick is told by Tracy's father of her scheme and how she had been dating Doug all along. Just as Dick goes to hang up the phone, none other than Carol walks through the door. Dick is shocked to say the least, but Carol explains what happened the night of her disappearance. Distraught, she merely ran away. It just so happened that her car was stolen that night and thrown in the river -- making it look as if she had committed suicide. With a kiss of ultimate relief, Dick tells Carol how very sorry he is. The story ends with a warning...

"When you go for more than one heart at a time...
the heart you break may be your own..."

Very wise advice -- and all from a male character's perspective! Have a great Saturday, and I will be back with one more story to round out "guy's point of view" week!