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| I think that given digital enhancements and some little augmentation, the photographic cover for issue 22 of 'Young Romance' would serve as a very good cover for a new collection of Simon & Kirby romance comics - one which pulled fewer punches than previous collections. 'The Savage In Me!' was Joe Simon's choice of romance story for inclusion in 'The Best of Simon and Kirby', and although I did not like the quality of the reprint for that book, I was very impressed by the quality of the story itself. So it was a real treat for me to see it and read it in its original printed state, here on 'Comic Book Plus'. It's actually a war/romance crossover, set in China, which features some beautiful and intense artwork by Jack Kirby, with lovely location detailing. In fact the scenes which depict the movements of Yang-Hu's army are drawn with the authority and aplomb of a great artist who has experienced warfare himself. The character of Gary Donovan reminds me a little bit of Humphrey Bogart in 'The African Queen'. In fact there are similarities between the plot for this story and that for the aforementioned film, which came out in the following year. Dare one to suggest an influence? I think that one dares... |
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| Thanks for pointing this one out, a memorable Simon/ Kirby story.
Cheers! |
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| Additional Information |
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| Publication | June 1950 | Price: 0.10 USD | Pages: 1 | Frequency: monthly |
| Notes | This cover is a photographic version of the painted cover used on the paperback novel "Iron Man" by W.R. Burnett (Avon #212, 1949). That cover was used for Romantic Love (Avon, 1949 series) 10 (March 1952). |
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| Credits | Letters: typeset |
| Content | Genre: Romance |
| Notes | This cover is a photographic version of the painted cover used on the paperback novel "Iron Man" by W.R. Burnett (Avon #212, 1949). That cover was used for Romantic Love (Avon, 1949 series) 10 (March 1952). |
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| Comic Story | The Savage in Me! (14 pages) |
| Synopsis | Augusta and her father are missionaries in China. “River pirate” Donovan is attracted to the strait-laced Augusta, but he warns her that Chinese bandits are on their way to attack the town. He forces Dr. Hatcher and Augusta to accompany him to safety. Afterwards, Augusta becomes “Donovan’s woman forever!” |
| Content | Genre: Romance | Characters: Gary Donovan; Augusta Hatcher; Pistol Pete; Dr. Hatcher; Captain Lin |
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| Comic Story | Sister Was a Stinker (7 pages) |
| Synopsis | Bobby is the popular sister and Anne is the quiet one. Bobby is interested in Anne’s boyfriend Dane; Dane proposes marriage but Anne temporizes. Anne’s former boyfriend Lee comes back to town and Bobby hopes Anne will go back to him. However, a comparison between the two men makes Anne realize Dane is the one she loves. Bobby is left out in the cold. |
| Content | Genre: Romance | Characters: Barbara "Bobby"; Anne; Dane; Lee Nevin |
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| Text Article | Is Your Heart Lonely? (1 page) |
| Credits | Script:? [as Nancy Hale] | Letters: typeset |
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| Comic Story | Child Bride! (8 pages) |
| Synopsis | Swamp girl Melody is forced to marry Abel although she’s just a teenager. Fleeing from him, she injures her leg and is rescued by Bob. Bob protects her from Abel. Abel shoots and wounds Bob but falls in quicksand and dies. Bob will recover and Melody will marry him when she’s 18. |
| Content | Genre: Romance | Characters: Melody; Abel; Ma; Pa |
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| Text Article | Accent on Accessories (1 page) |
| Synopsis | Fashion hints. |
| Credits | Script:? [as Charmaigne] | Letters: typeset |
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| Synopsis | Marion runs away from the orphanage and gets a job as a hotel maid. She confides in fellow worker Clyde. Clyde steals some jewelry and warns Marion if she snitches on him that he’ll reveal her secret. Marion asks Nancy Hale for advice and is told “You must learn to face life’s problems squarely!” Marion tells the truth and everything will be alright. |
| Content | Genre: Romance | Characters: Nancy Hale; Marion Sawyer; Miss Arnold; Clyde Parker; Mr. Wiley; Mr. Oliver |
| Notes | Art identification by Saltarella. |
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| Comic Story | Change Your Name to Mine! (3.67 pages) |
| Synopsis | After losing jobs because of her odd last name, Gloria Glockenspell tries to have it changed legally, but the office is closing. Clerk David goes out to dinner with Gloria and sympathizes with her: he says she can legally “adopt any name you like!” He suggests “Gloria Gay.” Gloria gets a good job. David proposes, and when they fill out their marriage license application she discovers his real last name is Flugelhorn, not King. |
| Content | Genre: Romance | Characters: Gloria Glockenspell; David Flugelhorn [as David King] |
| Notes | Unknown pencils per Nick Caputo. Previous indexer credited Jack Kirby as possible artist. Current art identification by Saltarella.
Last third of page 4 is an advertisement. |
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| Comic Story | I Never See Helen Alone (7 pages) |
| Synopsis | Alex dates Helen but he can never be alone with her, since her parents and siblings are always around. He finally proposes marriage and Helen accepts. Her father says “Mother and I had the same problem! In fact we had to get married to have any privacy!” |
| Content | Genre: Romance | Characters: Helen Scott; Alex Cunningham; Mrs. Scott; Mr. Scott; Jim Scott; Judy Scott; Martha Scott |
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| The data in the additional content section is courtesy of the Grand Comics Database under a
Creative Commons Attribution License.
More details about this comic may be available in their page here |
