Herbie

When I learned that the fabled exploits of Herbie Popnecker were finally going to be reprinted, I rushed to place my order for the first two volumes, and was not dissatisfied.

But somehow, I neglected to order the concluding third volume for almost a year. It arrived this week, bringing more pure comics weirdness. It's hard to convey the essence of Herbie, but just check out the sloppy scan below.




Herbie goes time-traveling to the era of the Pilgrims and meets--Beatnik Indians!

Think of the brain that could conceive of Beatnik Indians--and stand in awe! (Click image to enlarge.)

Posted By: Paul - Mon Apr 12, 2010 - Comments (3)
Category: Comics, Pop Art, Surrealism, 1960s

Hot Stuff and Old Forky

As we observed in this prior post on Harvey Comics, the stories told about Richie Rich, Casper and the gang were frequently weirder than any Grant Morrison or Warren Ellis tale. Here's one from Devil Kids Starring Hot Stuff, Volume 1, Number 6, May 1963, that illustrates my point. You can read the entire five-page story at the end, but I've included some single panels to make my points.

First, we learn that Cupid inhabits the same universe as Hot Stuff and friends. Nothing like mixing your mythologies up. In any case, Cupid hexes Hot Stuff's trident--or phallic symbol--known as "Old Forky," to become gay.



Gay anthropomorphic trident on display.



Unwanted Public Display of Affection.



Hot Stuff's gay trident attracts unwanted queer suitors.



Including a giant grape wearing an extremely fetching hair ribbon and spats.



But Cupid realizes his error and undoes his spell, whereupon all is "he-man" regular again. Even though Old Forky's first action upon reverting was to impale Hot Stuff's butt.

They just don't write 'em like this any more.

Posted By: Paul - Fri Apr 02, 2010 - Comments (2)
Category: Sexuality, Comics, Fantasy, Writers, 1960s, LGBT, Curses

Reparata and the Delrons

Were the entire 1960's totally weird? You be the judge.

More on Reparata here.

Posted By: Paul - Thu Mar 25, 2010 - Comments (13)
Category: Music, Psychedelic, 1960s

Forgotten Wham-O Toy:  the Limbo Kit

Yes, once there was a dance (or game, or contest) stupider than the macarena: the limbo. An excuse for uptight suburbanites to get loose. And, in 1961, Wham-O made a kit to facilitate doing the limbo. Read about it here.

Posted By: Paul - Mon Mar 01, 2010 - Comments (5)
Category: Toys, 1960s, Dance

Follies of the Mad Men #90

Is it smart to emphasize to parents, the toy-buyers, how goddamn noisy your products are?

Posted By: Paul - Sat Feb 27, 2010 - Comments (3)
Category: Business, Advertising, Products, Toys, 1960s

Follies of the Mad Men #89

This detergent turns ragamuffins into altar boys.

Posted By: Paul - Tue Feb 23, 2010 - Comments (2)
Category: Business, Advertising, Products, Hygiene, 1960s

Out of This World

Posted By: Paul - Fri Feb 19, 2010 - Comments (13)
Category: Fairs, Amusement Parks, and Resorts, 1960s, Yesterday’s Tomorrows

More France Gall

WU-vies have no one to blame for this post except fellow reader John Armstrong, who practically dared us in a comment to put this sappy song up!

Posted By: Paul - Fri Feb 12, 2010 - Comments (1)
Category: Candy, Reader Recommendation, 1960s, Europe

Eurovision 1965

Time to make fun of the Eurovision contest again. Here's the winner from 1965.

Posted By: Paul - Fri Feb 12, 2010 - Comments (3)
Category: Contests, Races and Other Competitions, Music, 1960s, Europe

Door-to-Door Maniac

Posted By: Paul - Mon Feb 08, 2010 - Comments (2)
Category: Movies, Music, Scary Criminals, 1960s