Comic Strip of the Week - End of Suspense

And I'm back! I apologize for the lack of updates, but there were some personal matters to attend to. Nevertheless, I shall try to make amends for my absence by posting the resolution to the Scarlet Kills? Sunday strip I posted at the beginning of March. Thanks to y'all for your patience and this one is for you, Steven from XOWComics.com!

Comic Strip of the Week - Lest We Forget

Hope everyone had an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend, and I hope everyone took a moment to remember the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Creator Russ Stamm had great admiration for our servicemen and drew this Sunday strip honoring the military about a year before he himself was drafted. During his service and years after, he helped promote the war bond program and always encouraged saying a prayer for "our boys" - a prayer of thanks.

In Memoriam Frank Frazetta 1928 - 2010

Today marked the passing of a true legendary talent, Frank Frazetta. An illustrator extraordinaire who made an impact on nearly every aspect of media - comics, novels, magazines, movies, television, and fine art. His style was both unmistakable and unforgettable.

One of his first projects of recognition was a series of Buck Rogers covers he did for the later issues of Famous Funnies comics. The Buck Rogers strip reprints began in issues of Famous Funnies beginning with issue #3 until the end of the comic magazine with issue #218 in 1953 (Scarlet's run was from issue #81 to #167). Frazetta's covers are featured on issues #209 - 215 and it is difficult to believe that they were not enough to keep Famous Funnies from being cancelled. See for yourself below and please seek out more of his art. There are many places to do so, and one I strongly suggest is the Golden Age Comic Book Stories blog.

In Memoriam Peter O'Donnell 1920 - 2010

Last week marked the passing of writer Peter O'Donnell, creator of Modesty Blaise. One of the longest running comic strips starring a female action hero, it began in 1963 and ended in 2001. For more information about Peter O'Donnell and his work, visit ModestyBlaiseLtd.com.

Comic Strip of the Week - Iron Scarlet

Long before Marvel comics, the original "Invisible Girl" had a few different encounters with some "Iron Men," courtesy of inventor Wilbur Wilt. A while back, we featured one of his robots, Two Ton Tin and this week we spotlight his first robot, Clinkety Clank, which appeared to be a failed experiment until Scarlet found herself trapped inside the metal frame. This daily strip originally appeared in late October 1943.

Hogan's Alley - FCBD 2010

Can't make it to a local comic shop on Saturday, May 1st? No worries, you can still get free stuff!

Why so glum, chum? We're here to deliver a glimmer of cheer! Mark your calendars for this Saturday, May 1: Free Comic Book Day. Send us an e-mail ON THAT DATE with your mailing address, and we’ll send you a FREE issue of Hogan’s Alley! No obligations, no strings attached; the only thing it will cost you is several hours as you enjoy the issue. (This offer is valid for all U.S. residents, whether you’re a current subscriber or not.) Remember the one condition—we must receive your e-mail request (sent to hoganmag@gmail.com) on Free Comic Book Day (May 1), not the day before or the day after. (Before and after that date, any requests for freebies will receive only scorn and derision.)

Free stuff is always cool, but cool free stuff is even cooler! If you have not yet had a chance to read this labor of love magazine dedicated to the cartoon arts, this is the perfect time to try it out. If you like comics, you'll be glad you did!

Comic Strip of the Week - First Saturday in May

This weekend is the first Saturday in May which means the Kentucky Derby - the first event in horse racing's Triple Crown season. The sport was at its height during Scarlet's day and as this reprint in Famous Funnies #141 shows, Scarlet herself took part in a horse race, much to the dismay of the horse!


More recently, the first Saturday in May is also a day that friends of Scarlet can appreciate - it is Free Comic Book Day! This Saturday, participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away select comic books absolutely FREE to anyone who comes into their stores. Check with your local shop for their participation and rules. For more details on the books that will be available and local stores in your area, click the link below.