Gone But Not Forgotten: Henry Boltinoff

Back in the mid 1960’s to the early 1970’s the name of Henry Boltinoff (1914-2001) was synonymous with DC comics, and yet many comic readers of the time may not remember his work at all despite his gag strips appearing in most DC titles at some point during this time period (in fact Boltinoff drew for National/DC from the 1940’s). Boltinoff created numerous characters including Super-Turtle( above), Freddie the Frogman , Abdul the fire eater, Billy, Homer, Doctor Rockets and Doctor Floogle amongst literally 100’s of other half and full-page gag cartoons. Most of his characters bore little to no relevance to the actual comic they appeared in for example Freddie the Frogman didn’t appear in Aquaman however, "Super-Turtle" did seem to appear more regularly in Superman titles. Henry's clean line and silly stories may be dated by today’s standards, but I always enjoyed them as a kid / young teenager, and I have held on to many DC comic titles that were of little interest to me simply because they contained a Boltinoff gag strip. I hope you enjoy some of these fun gag strips from another time.

Around 1965 most of Boltinoff’s strips were discontinued and were replaced the by the “Cap’s Hobby Center” strip which was obviously aimed at tying in with some of DC’ advertisers that sold hobby kits. Later, the strip would be renamed “Cap’s Hobby Hints” where readers could earn $5 (and the original art) by sending in their hobby hints.

The excellent "Mikes Amazing World of Comics" has a fantastic selection of Henry's strips.

Favourite Comics - Sub-Mariner #35 - Part 2

As noted in my previous post featuring the first part of this tale (Sub-Mariner #34) from 1971, it would be a further 3 years before I would manage to track down this issue and finally read the conclusion to this epic story. My discovery of this issue occurred when I was accompanying my dad on a work trip to Perth (the original city in Scotland not the "new" one in Australia) . While waiting for my dad to complete his business I visited a local newsagent and was looking through their rather bland US comics collection which consisted of “cartoon” based comics (Porky Pig, Archie, Popeye, Richie Rich etc). Possibly noticing that I wasn’t interested in any of these comics the owner asked if I liked superhero comics and presented me with a bag that contained around 10 old US superhero titles that were his sons who no longer wanted them. Many of the comics were pretty tatty but a couple were in good condition ( this issue and Action 415) both of which he gave me for free (well I purchased a Picnic chocolate bar and a newspaper). Unfortunately I parted company with both of these comics at some point and only picked up another copy of Sub-Mariner #35 around 1984/5 in AKA Books and Comics (a legendary and sadly missed Glasgow comic shop).

In the story itself, as Namor, Hulk, and the Silver Surfer track down the experimental weather device (from #34) the United Nations contact the Avengers for assistance in stopping the trio. As is the norm with these types of stories the teams battle each other. As the battles rage between the trio and the Avengers, Namor's scientists fix the device's errors thereby nullifying its use as a weapon of destruction. The Avengers and United Nations then realise that the three were only trying to prevent a global disaster and not use the device to take over the world. The fighting stops and the Hulk and Surfer depart, disbanding the short-lived super team “Titans Three”. In the pages below you can see Sal Buscema’s art start to develop and evolve into the style he is best known for.

Both Sub-Mariner #34 & #35 (and Thor #193) were reprinted in “Marvel Tales - featuring Silver Surfer” ” (solo series) #1 in May 2020, well worth tracking down.

Favourite comics: Sub-Mariner #34 - Titans Three! Part 1

This is one of those comics that the march of time has not yet managed to dim my memory of when I purchased it in my local newsagents back in July 1971. Although Sub-Mariner #34 was cover dated February 1971 (and would have been on sale in the US around Nov 1970) it wasn’t until July that it reached these shores and the spinner rack of my then home town. No 11 year old comic book fan could resist that action packed Sal Buscema cover and I immediately purchased it without attempting to sneak a peek inside (my usual method of deciding whether or not to buy a comic). The downside of this issue was that it was a two part story and US comic distribution being what it was would mean that #35 would not appear in my local area for some time. But in the meantime I had an exciting comic to enjoy, a comic that has remained one of a my all-time favourites to this day.

The story itself starts when Namor becomes aware that there is a machine that can control the weather, and in order to save the Earth from possible danger he enlists the help of other heroes to help in its destruction. The story opens with the Hulk unknowingly trespassing on the fortified island of San Pablo, where he attracts the army led by its dictator "El General" . As Namor monitors the conflict, he hopes that he can convince the Hulk into aiding him in destroying a device that poses a threat to the entire world.

But before he tries to engage the Hulk, he first confronts the Silver Surfer and, after a brief fight, convinces him to help.

The Surfer and Namor then seek out the Hulk's assistance and, after a brief fight the Hulk also agrees to join Namor's quest.

The three heroes (who are never refered to as a team or "Titans Three") then end up battling El General's army, smashing apart his weapons, and defeating his military, thus allowing the people of San Pablo to revolt and oust their leader.

In the aftermath of the battle Namor, the Silver Surfer, and the Hulk fly off to deal with the menace which Namor had gathered them to fight. This story continued in Sub-Mariner #35 (cover March 1971) an issue I woudln't pick up until 1974, but thats another story for next time.

Best of British: Bonfire night - The Nervs by Ken Reid and others

Looking back, it seems totally irresponsible to have shown kids being so reckless when playing with fireworks on bonfire /Guy Fawkes night in children’s comics. After all bonfire night was an event that regularly resulted in serve injury and sometimes even in death to those taking less care than they should have when dealing with pyrotechnics and fire . Then again it was a very different time and I doubt that any of these strips encouraged children to run around with lit fireworks in their hands. The strip below from "Smash! and Pow!" #145" (cover above, dated 9 November 1968) is by the legendary Ken Reid, and features a different take on the use of fireworks in this stunningly illustrated two pager.

The "Nervs" was a strip that charted the adventures of "Fatty" (not the most PC name) a rather dim-witted boy and the internal microscopic creatures that inhabited his body. Strangely there were a few similarly strips like this in UK kids comics , but the “Nervs” was by far the funniest with poor Fatty being put through some horrendous situations. Fair to say they don't make them like Ken Reid anymore!

Below are a couple of other classic Bonfire night covers.

"Whizzer and Chips" dated 1 November 1969 - Many British comics gave away free gifts at certain holidays/events like the free Guy Fawkes mask presented here. Sadly, I give my original issue away many years ago and only picked up this copy (less the mask) last year.

"Wham!" #125 dated 5 November 1966 - The Tiddlers was a traditional type of British children's comic strip based on out-of-control school kids. This cover is by Mike Lacey in the legendary Leo Baxendale style. The Tiddlers at this time featured a lucky reader being drawn into the strip, in this case Noel from High Wycombe.

"The Beano" #1268 - dated 5 November 1966 - Cover by Dudley Watkins - This image is from the Financial Times online edition (an article on the financial side of collecting British comics).

Above an advert that appeared in kids comics in the 1960s - early 1970's for fireworks, something that would not be allowed today.