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Reviews and commentary by Tony Isabella
"America's Most Beloved Comic-Book Writer & Columnist"
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TONY'S ONLINE TIPS
for Wednesday, June 9, 2010
I wrote this EVERETT TRUE on January 28, 1986, the evening of the day on which Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart a little more than a minute after it was launched. Drawn by Gary Dumm, it ran in the March 7 edition of Comics Buyer's Guide.
I never kept track of such things, but I'm fairly certain the cartoon garnered more response, all of it favorable, than any other of my Everett True cartoons. I even got notes of praise from CBG readers who absolutely hated me, the kind of readers who demanded I be fired and replaced with a conservative columnist.
Little Everett, the kid in this cartoon, is the son of Everett True. I created him and, later, a teenage daughter, because I knew they would be useful as I faced the challenge of writing cartoons week in and week out. The waffle-scar on the side of his head is, of course, a tribute to Archie.
Like Harvey and Star Comics, Archie Comics inspired a number of Everett True cartoons. Here are a few of those...
Pencilled by Ed Wesolowski and inked by Gary Dumm, the above cartoon ran in the July 26, 1985 issue of CBG.
Another Wesolowski/Dumm collaboration, this cartoon was first published in the August 23, 1985 issue of CBG.
Sainted Wife Barb used to watched the TV series Dynasty just as regularly as her work schedule allowed. Sometimes, because I'm a loving husband, I would watch it with her. That was half of the inspiration for this Gary Dumm-drawn cartoon; the other half being my love of the sometimes corny gags that appeared on Archie Comics covers. It ran in the May 2, 1986 issue of CBG.
Working with Tom Batiuk on Funky Winkerbean and Crankshaft, as well as studying newspaper strips with an eye towards creating one of my own, I've come to the conclusion that no one loves corny gags more than cartoonists. I recognize this in myself and provide as proof thereof the above cartoon from the April 26, 1985 edition of Comics Buyer's Guide.
Thanks for spending a part of your day with me. I'll be back Monday with more stuff.
Tony Isabella
<< 06/08/2010 | 06/09/2010 | 06/14/2010 >>
Discuss this column with me at my Message Board. Also, read Heroes and Villains: Real and Imagined.
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THE "TONY" SCALE
ZERO: Burn your money before buying any comic receiving this rating. It doesn't *necessarily* mean there's absolutely nothing of value here - though it *could* - but whatever value it might possess shrinks into insignificance before its overall awfulness.
ONE: Buy something else. Maybe I found something which wasn't completely dreadful in the item, but not enough for me to recommend it when there are better comics available. I only want what's best for you, my children.
TWO: Basic judgment call. I found some value, but not enough to recommend it. My review should give you enough info to decide if you want to take a chance on it. Are you feeling lucky today, punk? Well, are you?
THREE: This denotes something I find perfectly respectable. There are better books out there, but I wouldn't regret buying this item. Based on my review, you should be able to determine if it's of interest to you. Let the Force guide you.
FOUR: I recommend anything earning this rating. Unless you don't like the genre, subject matter, or past work of the creators, I believe you'll enjoy this item. Isn't it uncanny how I can look right into your soul that way?
FIVE: Anything getting this rating is among the best comicdom has to offer. You should buy/read this, even if the genre/subject matter doesn't appeal to you. It's for your own good. Me, I live for comics and books this good...but not in a pathetic "Comic-Book Guy" sort of way.
Please send material you would like me to review to:
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