Indicia title is "FRANCIS, THE FAMOUS TALKING MULE, No. 991." Code number is FRANCIS O.S. #991-595. Copyright 1959 by David Stern. On-sale date from 1959 Books and Pamphlets, Copyright Office, Library of Congress.
Cover
1 page
Feature
Francis, the Famous Talking Mule
Letters
typeset
Genre
Humor
Characters
Francis, the Talking Mule; Peter Stirling
Pencils
David Gantz
Inks
David Gantz
First Line
Get a move on!
Notes
Pencils and inks credits for this sequence from Alberto Becattini (May 14, 2007).
Comic Story
At the Library (1 page)
Synopsis
Francis follows Pete into the library, though no animals are allowed inside.
Feature
Francis
Genre
Humor
Characters
Francis, the Talking Mule; Peter Stirling
Pencils
David Gantz
Inks
David Gantz
First Line
Francis, I'll get a book and be right out!
Notes
Inside front cover; black and white. Pencils and inks credits for this sequence from Alberto Becattini (May 14, 2007).
Comic Story
Follow that Chariot (14 pages)
Synopsis
Francis goes to Rome to play a part in a chariot race in a new "Ben Hur" movie, but the director is not very happy to have him.
Feature
Francis
Genre
Humor
Characters
Francis, the Talking Mule; Peter Stirling; De Pill; Rock Head
Pencils
David Gantz
Inks
David Gantz
Notes
Pencils and inks credits for this sequence from Alberto Becattini (May 14, 2007).
Comic Story
You're In the Army Now (8 pages)
Synopsis
Upset when a general says that mules are obsolete for Army work, Francis manages to get the general to set up a contest between a mule and a tank.
Feature
Francis
Genre
Humor
Characters
Francis, the Talking Mule; Peter Stirling
Pencils
David Gantz
Inks
David Gantz
Notes
Story continues in Sequence 4. Pencils and inks credits for this sequence from Alberto Becattini (May 14, 2007).
Comic Story
Don't Spy on Me (10 pages)
Synopsis
Pete and Francis are now garbage collectors in the Army. A pair of spies pose as officers to use Francis to carry concealed tape recorders to record military secrets.
Feature
Francis
Genre
Humor
Characters
Francis, the Talking Mule; Peter Stirling; Comrade X (voice)
Pencils
David Gantz
Inks
David Gantz
Notes
Story continues from Sequence 3. The last panel is Dell's "A Pledge to Parents." Pencils and inks credits for this sequence from Alberto Becattini (May 14, 2007).
Comic Story
The Ventriloquist (1 page)
Synopsis
After Francis eats some apples at a grocery store and talks, the owner thinks another customer (not Pete) is a ventriloquist.
Feature
Francis
Genre
Humor
Characters
Francis, the Talking Mule; Peter Stirling
Pencils
David Gantz
Inks
David Gantz
First Line
Francis, wait here!
Notes
Inside back cover; black and white. Pencils and inks credits for this sequence from Alberto Becattini (May 14, 2007).
Comic Story
Thirsty (1 page)
Synopsis
Francis tries to get a drink of water, but all the fountains are off-limits to mules. The exception is the one at the Democratic Club.
Feature
Francis
Genre
Humor
Characters
Francis, the Talking Mule; Peter Stirling
Pencils
David Gantz
Inks
David Gantz
First Line
Tweet!!
Notes
Back cover; pantomime story. Pencils and inks credits for this sequence from Alberto Becattini (May 14, 2007).
Mission: Our mission is to present free of charge, and to the widest audience, popular cultural works of the past. These are offered as a contribution to education and lifelong learning. They reflect the attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs of different times. We do not endorse these views, which may contain content offensive to modern users.
Disclaimer: We aim to house only Public Domain content. If you suspect that any of our material may be infringing copyright, please use our contact page to let us know. So we can investigate further. Utilizing our downloadable content, is strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Coming Soon!
