R.I.P. DR. FREDRIC WERTHAM

While it was recognized here, I don't think much of the industry actually mourned over the death of Dr. Frederic Wertham, scourge of the comic books. This clip is from COMICS SCENE (March 1982).

In the same issue is this obit for the passing of the immortal Wallace Wood.

FRANKEN-NEUMAN!

We all know that EC's Bill Gaines stuck it to the Comics Code Authority when he converted the controversial humor comic, MAD, into a full-size magazine. Circulation gradually became enormous and with the addition of their mascot, Alfred E. Neuman, it got even crazier. Neuman spoofed and parodied his way on nearly every cover of MAD during its initial 550 issue run.

The creative folks at Jimmy Flintstone's model kit company will take Alfie's image one step further when they release two resin busts with him as two famous monsters later this month.

The Alfred E. Franky tribute bust stands 4 1/4" H x 3" W x 2 1/4" D. Since it is technically a model kit, it requires some assembly, including trimming off some flashing. It also arrives unpainted, so you'll need some skills with that as well.

The Alfred E. Drac tribute bust stands 4 1/4" H x 3 1/4" W x 2 1/4" D and the same requirements apply.

Each sells for $21.99 and you can pick them up on eBay.

AN URGENT MESSAGE

 

You've no doubt heard the news about Diamond Comics Distributor's recent bankruptcy. As a result, they've left dozens of independent book, comic, magazine, hobby and collectible companies UNPAID to the tune of millions of dollars. This type of crooked business activity seems to be fast-becoming the new normal -- make a ton of money, irresponsibly spend it or stash it, then declare bankruptcy and leave it to the banks and/or the government to sort out the mess. Unfortunately, that doesn't do anything in the short term for publishers who depend on regular and timely payments to stay in business themselves; there's already been a few who've had to call it quits already

That said, there's one company on the list that has been near and dear to me for decades, TwoMorrows Publishing. They too, have been hit with receivables that are not forthcoming anytime soon, if at all. Somehow, they'll need to recoup those losses in order to keep producing their extremely high-quality products (see letter below).

So, I'm urging you to support this essential establishment that has preserved the legacy of comic and pop culture history and has provided so much pleasure to readers by taking a look below at just a small sample of what they have to offer. Then, visit their website and help out by making a purchase, large or small, whether it be print or digital. For example, you can buy an immediate PDF download of the first two issues of CRYPTOLOGY for only 5 bucks each.

And since I've joined the writing staff of Peter Normanton's CRYPTOLOGY, this is not only urgent for TwoMorrows, it's become personal for me, too.

On behalf of TwoMorrows, many thanks.

Browse the TwoMorrows website HERE.