Your Poll Pick - John Romita!

Thanks to all who participated in the latest poll! Thirty-six percent of readers wanted to see a sequential story by John Romita! No stranger to romance, Romita drew love stories for Atlas in the early days of the genre, as well as many of DC's romance stories and covers throughout the 1950s and into the '60s. Today, please enjoy a Marvel romance story illustrated by Romita -- "I Dream of Romance!" originally published in My Love #1 (September 1969) and reprinted (as shown here) in Our Love Story #13 (October 1971).


Val is a dedicated young woman -- always striving to better herself through work and study. Unlike everyone around her, Val has no one to depend on but herself, therefore necessitating the utmost in self-discipline. As such, romance is only a distant dream for Val.


One evening Val goes to a babysitting gig for a family she has not met before. She relieves the housekeeper from the day shift and after putting the baby down for the night, attempts to study. Val finds herself distracted by a photograph on a nearby table of the baby's father. Soon, all she can think of is the man in the picture -- handsome yes, but the husband of someone else and therefore forbidden. Soon, Val dozes off and her waking fantasy melts into a warm and thrilling dream.


But in a surprise twist, it wasn't entirely a dream! Val wakes up to find herself actually kissing the mystery man from the photo. She runs out of the house, devastated to have lip-locked with another woman's husband.


Out of shame, Val decides she must skip town. As she makes her getaway, the mystery man chases after her, begging her to stop. Finally he catches up to her and apologizes for kissing her while she was watching his -- wait for it -- nephew!!! You can now breathe a big sigh of relief! Our sweet Val is not a home-wrecker and dreams do come true as it turns out!

Thanks again for participating in the poll! Ya'll selected one of the best floating head drawers out there! Have a most wonderful weekend!

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 - The Scene is NOW! + New Poll

Here's to starting the week off right with a gorgeous edition of "Mad Mad Modes for Moderns" from Falling in Love #98 (April 1968) by Jay Scott Pike!


On another note, I would love to get some input from you fair reader! Please check out the sidebar for a new poll! I want to know -- which of the following artists would you like to see a story from at the end of the month?

♥ Tony Abruzzo ♥

♥ Ric Estrada ♥

♥ Creig Flessel ♥

♥ José Luis García-López ♥

♥ Frank Langford ♥

♥ John Romita ♥

You have until April 26th to vote!

House Ad + Poll Results

Ad for Love Stories from
Young Love #101 (November 1972)

Here on Sequential Crush, I have covered almost all of the DC romance titles of the '60s and '70s. Almost. The only one that I haven't delved into is Love Stories, a title that grew out of and continued where Heart Throbs left off. Join me Wednesday evening as I review the first issue in a Romance Under the Covers post. The remaining five issues (the title only ran for six) will be highlighted in future posts.

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The results of the latest poll are in! For the most part, the 20 readers who voted seem to enjoy the romance comics produced by Charlton! By the numbers...

♥ 2 voters felt that Charlton romance comics were superior to DC and Marvel
♥ 1 voter felt that Charlton romances were atrocious
♥ The majority of voters (9) felt that Charltons were low quality, but fun nonetheless
♥ 8 felt that the romance comics Charlton produced were pretty darn good!

Thanks for voting everyone! Stay tuned for another poll in the future, or until I think of another question -- whichever comes first!

Seek Thy Love - Love Diary #56 (October 1968)

Of all the romance comic books I bought last weekend at the Motor City Comic Con, this one -- Love Diary #56 (October 1968) has me smitten, primarily due to the gorgeous cover. The scenario depicted on the cover is expanded on in the story, "Seek Thy Love." Though perhaps not the most compelling plot, the art by Spaniard José Luis García-López, who later went on to do work for DC, makes up for it.


Ruthie's mother has always had high expectations for her, going so far as to plan out the course of Ruthie's life for her. Having selected Wallace Schmidl for her husband, Ruthie's mother is in for the shock of her life when the young woman runs off with Arthur Barrows -- just as she is about to walk down the aisle.


During a flashback we find out that Ruthie's father was killed in combat during the Korean War. After his death, Ruthie's mother makes a solemn vow to always care for the little girl in the best way that she could. The mother worked hard to give Ruthie ballet lessons, drama classes and a prestigious education. Ruthie's mother even hand-selected the most eligible bachelor in the state -- Wallace Schmidl. Though Wallace is a perfectly nice guy, Ruthie finds herself more attracted to his friend, Art.


Though Ruthie has fallen for Art, her mother arranges a marriage for her to Wallace. As depicted on the cover, Ruthie decides to do what is best for her and runs from the impending wedding. She skips town with Art and winds up in New York City. Art arranges for Ruthie to live with his downstairs neighbor, and Ruthie quickly finds a job.


The love between Ruthie and Art grows, and it even seems that Ruthie's mother has accepted their love for one another. Finally, Ruthie is free to live the life she wants and marry the man she loves.


Bland story, yes. Bland art? No way! García-López's work exemplifies all that is good with Charlton romance comics, perhaps convincing the naysayers.

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In other news, you may have noticed that the last poll ended, crowning the 1970s as the most fashionable era for romance comics. I can't say that I disagree! I will be back next week with a new poll, more goodies from my latest acquisitions and a brand new feature -- Mad Mad Modes for Moderns Mondays!!! See you then!

Romance Comic Book Fans Speak... Colletta Wasn't So Bad After All!

Good evening, everyone! I really appreciate you all taking the time to voice your opinion about Vince Colletta on the last poll! It was something I was really curious about. I have heard from a number of people who really dislike his work, and then on the flipside -- I have heard a lot of people say they do like him. It left me a little stumped, but I think I have a clearer picture now on people's views on Colletta's romance work! On to the results!

♥ Out of 33 voters, 8 gave Colletta high marks and said he was one of the greats

♥ In the majority were 13 voters who felt that Colletta wasn't too shabby

♥ Only 5 voters were indifferent to Colletta's work

♥ And finally, 7 voters were not fans of Colletta

Very interesting! I had no idea how it was going to turn out, so thanks for participating! If you missed this one, be sure to get in on the current one about our favorite talented lady, Elizabeth (Liz) Berube!

I have a few links for you that I think you are really going to enjoy...

Have you checked out As Told to Stan Lee yet? If not, you really ought to! In her latest post, Spectergirl explores the romantic side of plane crashes. Look also for her hilarious modern day interpretations of advice columns!

Out of This World will impress you with its diverse range of subject matter, ranging from science fiction to war stories, but focused primarily on romance comics. Right now, KB is featuring Charlton's Haunted Love #6 (October 1974) with story by Joe Gill and art by Tom Sutton.

Over at Silver Age Comics, Pat introduces to readers the Secret Hearts storyline -- "Reach for Happiness," which ran for an astounding 29 issues! No small feat for romance comics! Go check it out!

If you enjoyed my couple of posts on the changing logos of romance titles (look for more in the future), you will really dig this fascinating DC romance logo study from the perspective of letterer, Todd Klein. Very, very cool!!!

Have a great Friday!!!

Read Any Good Books Lately?

Here's the problem.

I've got all these great books at home waiting to be read, but I don't know which one to read first. So I offer to you my very first blog poll. (ta da! It's in my sidebar.)

I'm still fighting off stuffiness from this cold, so I haven't been doing much reading, and I know I should finish these books, but for some reason I've been straying back toward my urban fantasy. I think what's scaring me is that there are so many of them all of a sudden, when I hadn't been reading for a while. Now it's like they're ganging up on me, crowding around begging to be read first. So I figure if I tell them to get in line and wait their turn, they'll simmer down a little. But I need an outside opinion.

Tell me which book you think I should read first:

Soulless, Gail Carriger

Fire, Kristin Cashore

The Maze Runner, James Dashner

4th and 5th Percy Jackson Books, Rick Riorden

Just read Catching Fire again

Or tell me in the comments what you've been enjoying lately.

My poor, neglected books thank you in advance. ;)

100th Post Special - The Kiss Test!

Friends! It has taken me a little while to put it together, but I present to you -- The 100th post here on Sequential Crush!!! I can hardly believe it! I have had so much fun posting and interacting with all of you for the past ten months. I can officially say that I am addicted to blogging about romance comics, and the comic book blogging community in general!

I really have to thank all you readers out there who have joined me here week after week, and who have made keeping this blog so fun. I definitely feel like I have met a bunch of kindred spirits... who would have thought there were so many people who dug romance comics?!

I also have to thank Justin Bleep, my wonderful boyfriend who introduced me to romance comics many moons ago. I believe it is our mutual love over Win Mortimer that has kept us together all these years!

And finally, I have to say a super huge thank you to Pat Curley of the blog Silver Age Comics. I don't think Sequential Crush would be where it is without him. He welcomed me into this whole blogging thing immediately, and consistently cheered me on and plugged me many, many times on his site. For that and his continuing support I am eternally grateful! So, be sure to show some love over at Silver Age Comics and if you are a Batman fan, his newest blog Nothing But Batman is equally as phenomenal.

Okay, enough! Enough! I sound like I am at an awards show, sheesh! On with the very special 100th post -- The Kiss Test!!!


The Kiss Test is based on a suggestion by Mykal (Gold Key Comics!, Star-Studded War Comics, The Big Blog of Kid's Comics!) that was made recently in the comments section of the How We Met post. He thought it would be cool to get people's opinions on which romance artist drew the best kiss. So, here we have 20 amazing kisses by 20 different artists.

Which is your favorite?

♥ Ric Estrada ♥

♥ Jay Scott Pike ♥


♥ Creig Flessel ♥

♥ Charles Nicholas ♥

♥ Alex Toth ♥

♥ Win Mortimer ♥

♥ Gene Colan ♥

♥ Frank Langford ♥

♥ John Buscema ♥

♥ Jim Steranko ♥

♥ Elizabeth ♥

♥ Tom Sutton ♥

♥ Alex Niño ♥

♥ Art Cappello ♥

♥ Tony Dezuniga ♥

♥ Tony Abruzzo ♥

♥ Vince Colletta ♥

♥ Art Saaf ♥

♥ Enrique Nieto ♥

♥ John Romita ♥

Now that you have seen the contestants, who in your opinion deserves to win The Kiss Test? Top five? Least favorite?

Romance Romp + Poll Results

In our most recent poll, Miss Page Peterson has taken the cake! Readers of Sequential Crush would have rather listened to her advice over Mr. Marc's or Suzan's. If you didn't get a chance to vote in that one, fear not! I have a new one up, and it is sure to be a discussion-provoking one!



Ready for some links? I thought so!

♥ If you haven't already checked out the in-depth romance comic book blog Out of This World, hop to it! KB has a lot of great posts -- many of them concerning the depiction of nurses in romance comics.

♥ As Told to Stan Lee is the newest of the romance comic book blogs. Drop by and join Spectergirl on her journey through the loveliest of comic book genres!

♥ Another new blog out there is Apocolyte's World of Comics, which has promised to cover all sorts of various comic books, including romance!

♥ Though my personal focus lies primarily in American romance comics, Curt Purcell of The Groovy Age of Horror demonstrates that romance can be found all over the world! Be sure to flip through his copy of the British circus romance comic, The Performers.


Well everyone, that's it for me tonight! Enjoy these links, and be sure to weigh-in at the poll station!!!

I'm Back!

Friends! Thank you so much for all your patience, thoughts, and encouraging words during this difficult time -- I appreciate it more than you know. I have missed the world of blogging very much. I am slowly easing back into things, and I have some good stuff in store for you all in the upcoming weeks.

The last poll ended a few days ago, and the results surprised me a bit! I asked whether you read romance comics for the art or the stories, and the majority of voters responded stories. I actually thought it would be the other way around... very interesting! I have put up a new silly little poll -- it may help to look through old posts for this one!

After taking the poll, here is some advice on "Fifteen Ways to Get Over a Broken Heart" from Young Romance #175 (October 1971). My favorite tip -- "Buy a hat." Finally. Sound advice that you can trust. These also work well for New Years resolutions!



Thanks again everyone. I hope your holidays were lovely and special and filled with lots of snow and love! :)

Poll Result Time!

Good evening everyone! I hope you are having a great weekend! The last poll ended and here are the results as to what you the Sequential Crush readers would like to see more of!

• Chronicles of recurrent characters garnered eight votes for the win!
• Issue reviews, individual story reviews, and socio-historical themes each had six votes a piece.
  
• Advertisements and fashion features were the least desired, both with two votes.

Thank you to all those that voted. This will help me continue to deliver all the romantic goodness you have come to expect from Sequential Crush! If you didn't have a chance to vote, feel free to put your wishes in the comment section of this post. Also, check out the new poll!!!

Stay groovy! :)

The Poll Results Are In!

I hope you all enjoyed the interview with Irene Vartanoff! Her responses really got me thinking -- about romance, feminism, comics, etc. I hope it got your wheels churning as well!!!

As the title of this post suggests, the results of the last poll are in! The favorite decade amongst readers for romance comics was (by one vote) the 1960s! Next up with seven votes out of the total 21 was, the 1970s! The '50s didn't come in so far behind with five votes, but it seems the 1940s got left in the dust with only one vote! Better luck next time World War II era romance!

I have posted a new short poll, which will be up for two weeks. Help this lady blogger out by voicing your opinion as to which sorts of topics/features you would like to see more of here on Sequential Crush!

No worries -- it's multiple choice!!!

Poll Results - Groovy Age Romance Comic Publishers

Good evening! The results for the latest Sequential Crush poll are in!

Out of the thirteen votes this time around, DC won as the favorite publisher (eight votes). Charlton came in next with four votes, and Marvel received one vote. Poor Skywald, publisher of the short-lived Tender Love Stories (1971) received zero votes.

They can't all be winners!
Check out Gorilla Daze for more info on this one!

Thanks to all who voted this time around!