While almost all of DC Comics’ public service ads show their age in one way or another — they were published 40-50 years ago, after all — there are a handful that are truly, hopelessly outdated:
And now we can add one more to the list: a PSA that celebrates adding the 49th star to the American flag.
To be fair, it does mention that “next year” Hawaii will become the 50th state, and it gives a nice quick history of the flag. Still, there’s something a little depressing about this PSA in that it was written knowing it would be irrelevant in a year.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was found in Adventure Comics #266 as well as the other DC comics from November 1959. This ad was written by the king-of-PSAs Jack Schiff, with art by Bernard Baily.
Marge: Grandpa, why are there only 49 stars on that flag? Grandpa: It’ll be a cold day in hell before I recognize Missourah!
Since it’s the first week of a new year, tonight I’m posting a comic book public service ad concerning New Year’s resolutions. Actually, the PSA deals with safety (at least the “don’t leave things on the ground/floor” aspect of safety) and Johnny’s New Year’s resolution is just used to frame the lesson.
Discussion Questions: 1. Where in the U.S. would Johnny be raking up leaves in January? 2. Do resolutions not count unless you write them down? 3. Where is the other skate? 4. Is the soap actually a sloppy attempt on Johnny’s life by his much derided “Sis?”
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was found in Action Comics #298 as well as the other DC comics from March 1963. A black and white ad appeared in some of the comics. This ad was written by Jack Schiff, with art by Sheldon Moldoff.
There’s a little (very little) snow on the ground here in southern Illinois, so I thought I’d go for a snow-themed PSA this week.
Peter Porkchops — one of DC Comics premier “funny animal” characters from the 1950s (and later a super-hero in Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew) — is back for another public service ad. This time, he’s teaching the readers to stand up for what’s right, even if it’s unpopular (a good choice for a PSA topic actually).
Wolfie seems to be a common name among antagonists in DC humor comics.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was found in Action Comics #203 as well as the other DC comics from April 1954. This ad was written — as always — by Jack Schiff, with art this time by Rube Grossman.
I haven’t read too many Superboy stories, but does he come across as smug and condescending in the comics as he does in these PSAs?
For those of you paying attention last week, this week has even more instances of Superboy’s cape mysteriously flying out behind him and seeming to defy gravity. I think I have to go with the Kryptonian flatulence theory.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was found Adventure Comics #160 as well as other DC comics from January 1951. Just like last week (and pretty much every Superboy PSA), the script is by Jack Schiff with art by Win Mortimer.
Here’s an ad from Action Comics #70 (March 1944) where Superman exhorts his readers to send a dime to help win the fight against infantile paralysis (i.e. polio). This is back when the March of Dimes lived up to its name, and collected dimes to fund polio research.
Click on the image for the full ad
As a added bonus, if you sent your dime in to Superman, you were automatically enrolled in the Supermen of America Club and scored some serious swag including a membership card, certificate, and secret decoder. Best of all, you received an autographed picture of Superman, signed “Clark Kent (Superman)” — which pretty much defeats the whole concept of the secret identity.
Giving credit where credit is due, endemic polio was eradicated from the United States starting with the introduction of the Salk and Sabin polio vaccines in the 1950s — research that was partially funded by the March of Dimes.
Today’s comic book public service ad is “Get a Grip on Your Gripes,” or as I like to call it: Junior High Psychotherapy.
Fred is angry because he lost his race at the track meet the day before. Now, he’s taking it out on those around him. Luckily his friend Joe steps in and commiserates with him about his loss and encourages him to do better next time, right? Wrong! Joe steps in and tells Fred to suck it up — it’s his own fault he lost, and to stop taking it out on other people. Sure, there’s some validity in what Joe is saying, but would it hurt to show a little sympathy? This is a comic book after all, and we all know what happens to people like Fred: they become super-villains.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA is found in DC comics from January 1961. Jack Schiff handles the scripting of this ad, with Bernard Baily providing the art.
Binky, his brother Allergy, and their dog Sport are back in this public service ad about dental care for both pets and people (though it seems Sports has changed from a black and white coat to a tawny color since last week)
I like the way Sport has his own toothbrush in the bathroom next to everyone else’s — yet still has to eat in a different room than the rest of the family.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA is found in DC comics from March 1956. Like last week’s PSA, this ad was written by Jack Schiff with art by Win Mortimer. I found this copy was scanned in Adventure Comics #222.
Because you demanded it, I’m going to end the summer’s public service ads with two weeks of PSAs featuring Binky’s younger brother Allergy, in all his huge bow-tied glory. And not just any Allergy PSAs, but two ads concerning Allergy and his pet dog (though, ironically, allergies to dogs is never mentioned).
This week, Binky and Allergy reveal that they are completely clueless about pets, which makes you wonder why their parents let them have one in the first place. They probably should have started them out with fish, a hamster, or a turtle. For example, based on the sixth panel, I’m wondering if they ever fed the dog before they had that chat with their neighbor. No wonder Sport doesn’t like them!
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA is found in DC comics from October 1953. Like nearly all DC PSAs, it was written by Jack Schiff. Art was handled by Win Mortimer, who did most of the Binky PSAs. This copy was scanned in from Adventure Comics #193.
With summer vacation winding down and families taking a last ditch vacation before school starts up again, I thought a public service ad about camping would be appropriate. This PSA is fairly straightforward: Binky takes his unfortunately named brother Allergy and some of his friends on a camping trip and takes the time to teach them how to do it right.
There is something wonderfully poetic about a boy named Allergy destroying wildflowers.
This is the first PSA I can recall with a typo: I suspect Binky means to say “First Aid” in the final panel and not just “First.”
For a classic vacation PSA, check out How NOT to Enjoy a Vacation! It features a talking dog, what more could you want?
Ever notice how the title to every DC PSA ends in an exclamation point, whether it warrants it or not? It makes me think everyone at DC involved in making the PSAs was always very excited!
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA is found in the DC comics of May 1955, including Adventure Comics #212, where this was scanned in from. This strip was written by Jack Schiff with art by Win Mortimer.
Superboy makes an interesting point in this public service ad. He states that to know the culture of the United States, you also need to know the cultures of all the immigrants who have come here. A fair point, but I think it would be impossible to be familiar with every single culture that contributes to our melting pot.
For those of whose knowledge of Sweden is limited to ABBA, Köttbullar are the proper name for what we call Swedish meatballs.
I also think that Apache Chief might disagree with some of Superboy’s comments in the last panel.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA is found in DC comics from both June 1951 and December 1954. It was written by Jack Schiff, the king of PSAs, with art by frequent collaborator Win Mortimer.
I know this is supposed to be an uplifting public service ad, along the lines of “You didn’t make the team, but you can still contribute!” — but the cynic in me sees it as advice to youngsters to give up their dreams and settle if they don’t succeed at first. Or if you want to be really, really cynical, the ad is basically saying, “Sorry the girl of your dreams is going to marry someone else, but you can still be the photographer at the wedding!”
When Fred grows to become a bitter disillusioned sportswriter, with a divorce and an ulcer by the age of 35, we’ll all know why.
Other thoughts: It would have been nice for the coach to tell Fred that he didn’t make the team before he went out and bought the uniform, including those spiffy striped undershirts. Of course, Fred should have actually practiced during the off season, instead of just reading about baseball.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was written by “King of the PSAs” Jack Schiff, with art by Bernard Baily. It can be found in DC comics from June 1959. This particular copy was scanned from Adventure Comics #261 (which has a couple of good stories in it, including Lois Lane first meeting Superboy, and Aquaman winning the day by telepathically commanding a water buffalo — get it: a water buffalo.)
Just a few days past Independence Day, so I thought America — and in particular, democracy — would be a good theme for this week’s public service ad. Luckily, Peter Porkchops and his friends were able to oblige with this PSA from August 1951.
Peter seems a little unclear on the differences between a democracy and a republic, and he manages to work checks and balances into his confusion, too. At least his heart’s in the right place — rather than some other pigs I know.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA can be found in various DC comics from August of 1951. It was written by Jack Schiff, with art — I believe — by Otto Feuer.
With the 2009 Tour de France starting this weekend, I thought it would be the perfect time for this bike themed public service ad from 1960. There’s not much too it: a few take home points and then a quick quiz. Can you pass? (I missed one, but I blame the art — I thought the kid on the bike was intentionally trying to run over the pedestrians).
Click on the image for the full ad
As usual, this PSA was written by Jack Schiff. Pencils and inks were by Bernard Baily. This PSA was found in DC comics of September 1960, including Adventure Comics #276. And for the record, the winner of the 1960 Tour de France was Gastone Nencini, the “Lion of Mugello.”
With today being the first day of summer, I thought it would be a good time for a summer-themed public service ad. Here we have Binky, one of DC comic’s humorous teen characters from the ’50s, showing us how to have a good summer week. Actually, Binky barely shows up — his friend Pete is the star, and Pete shows us how not to spend a summer week.
And what’s with Pete’s blond friend? Why was he always hanging out with such a sad sack? And why was he always wearing red?
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was written by Jack Schiff. Pencils and inks were by Win Mortimer, though Bob Oksner, Binky’s usual artist, contributed the image on the title. This PSA was found in DC comics of August 1953 including Action Comics #183 (I’m sure you remember it, it’s the one where Luthor comes up with a scheme to kill Superman), the source of this ad. It was a popular enough PSA that it was reprinted and can also be found in DC comics from October 1956.
‘Remember how I mentioned that there were two New Teen Titansanti-drug PSA comics from the ’80s? It turns out I was wrong: there were three.
Jesse, trying to emulate his older brother Dave, has started to use drugs. After he shares some angel dust-laced marijuana with his friends, he heads off to an anti-drug rally his parents are making him attend. The Teen Titans (minus Robin, who is once again replaced by generic hero “The Protector”) are speaking at the rally — no, not Speedy, he’s probably back at Titan’s Tower getting high.
When the Teen Titans tell the audience that drugs are bad, and his parents chime in to support the Titans, Jesse throws a tantrum and runs out of the meeting in a huff. Beast Boy tails him, just to make sure he doesn’t get into any trouble and — wouldn’t you know it — there’s a tall cliff in the middle of town that Jesse almost tumbles over. Beast Boy turns into a rhinoceros and stops him from falling off the edge. At just that moment, the drugs Jesse’s been taking cause severe stomach pains, and Jesse falls off the cliff despite the presence of a green pachyderm. Luckily, Raven’s soul-self swoops by and saves him, but not before her empathic powers absorb the hallucinatory effects of the drugs and Raven begins to Freak Out. The other Titans are able to subdue her and they cart her off to the hospital. Seeing the effects of the drugs on Raven, Jesse swears never to use drugs again.
The Teen Titans now turn their attention to Jesse’s supplier: his older brother Dave. They track him down to an old abandoned shack at the end of town (where despite begging his supplier for a hit the page before, he’s now handing out drugs to half a dozen kids – for free). A brief skirmish ensues and Dave escapes , but that was really the plan all along. The Titans now follow him to his supplier. A bigger skirmish follows and the Teen Titans are able to capture the entire drug dealing gang. Furthermore, both Jesse and Dave have sworn off drugs for good.
Like the previous Teen Titan anti-drug comics, this one starts with a letter from Nancy Reagan. Several pages of confidence building and decision making exercises are included at the end of the comic. Unlike previous comics, this one is sponsored by IBM, so I’m not clear why Robin was replaced by the Protector, as I understood that was due to Nabisco/Keebler rivalries. The story is by Marv Wolfman and Joey Cavalieri with capable pencils by Adrian Gonzales.
In this Public Service Ad from 1952, Superman gives a bicyclist and a couple of motorists a stern talking to. Yep — that’s about it. Not exactly the most exciting PSA ever. No wonder it was never repeated like some of the better ads.
So remember, Superman says “Check and Double Check” — and if you don’t, he’ll fly in and give you a lecture. I mean it. No kidding. So let that be a lesson to you. So help me, I’ll turn this car around right now!
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was written, as always, by Jack Schiff. Art chores were handled by the talented Win Mortimer. This PSA was found in DC Comics from August 1952 including Adventure Comics #179 (you know, the issue where Superboy has a wacky adventure), the source of this ad.
Mike mentioned the Popeye and Environmental Careers comic a few days ago, but it’s not the only career PSA comic featuring the spinach loving sailor. In fact, King Features published fifteen different “Career Educational Comics” in the early ’70s. Sadly, the only one I own is Popeye and Public Service Careers, so that’s going to be this week’s public service comic.
Popeye and Public Service Careers features Popeye and Olive Oyl (both strangely eloquent, if not downright loquacious) telling readers about different careers available for them. The comic is clearly written for the high school student planning for their future. The educational requirements, from high school diploma to an advanced degree, are spelled out explicitly for each career, as are the benefits including vacation, pay, insurance, and retirement. As you would expect from a comic from 1972, there is more than a little implicit sexism in the comic (for example, no female firefighters or college professors, and no male nurses or elementary school teachers).
It’s a hefty comic, 32 pages, that goes into detail on an impressive variety of “public service careers.” It’s a long list of occupations (and I’d argue that calling a few of them “public service” is really stretching the term): police officers, firemen, sanitation workers, civil service workers, public health nurses, sanitarians (environmental engineers, food inspectors, etc), public utility workers, elementary school teachers, secondary school teacher, college professors, librarians, postal workers, lawyers (no, really — lawyers are “public service”), clergymen, city managers, and members of the military.
In 1995, Warner Brothers and the American Red Cross published a disaster preparedness educational comic featuring the Warner brothers (and sister) called Animaniacs: Welcome to Emergency World. The “emergency World” of the title is an amusement park ride the brothers (and sister) persuade the unfortunate Dr. Scratchansniff to take them on. The ride tours a variety of disaster sites, with the Warner brothers (and sister) providing commentary along the way. As is to be expected, poor Dr. Scratchansniff takes the brunt of the ride, and anything than go wrong, does go wrong — to him at least.
This is a good PSA comic, if a little busy at times. The Warner brothers (and sister) as well as Dr. Scratchansniff are well-written and perfectly in character. There are no stupid characters here: everyone knows what to do and not to do — there is no ONISGS. The writing is humorous, though not as funny as your average Animaniacs episode — still, that makes this comic far funnier than any other PSA comic.
Topics covered include stranger danger, seatbelts, winter storms, thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and fire. Nowadays, this would be a twelve-issue limited series.
A straight forward public service ad this week, reminding us all to eat a good breakfast every day. I really can’t argue with this: breakfast is an extremely important meal.
I do wonder if Danny skipped lunch too, or I’d think he’d have energy for basketball practice since it generally takes place after school.
I’d also not impressed by Miss Jones’ teaching skills — maybe she skipped breakfast too.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was written by Jack Schiff, with art by Win Mortimer. This PSA was found in various March 1954 editions of DC comics, including Adventure Comics #198, where this ad was obtained.
Another in the series of “stay in school” public service ads, one of the most common themes seen in the DC PSA campaign of the late ‘40s, ‘50s, and early ‘60s. Unlike later PSAs, where Buzzy is counseling other characters to stay in school, in this case it is Buzzy himself who wants to drop out.
This is probably because the ad is an early PSA, and the first featuring Buzzy that I am aware of.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was written by Jack Schiff. I’ve seen the art attributed to both Bob Oksner and Graham Place. It looks more like Place’s art to me, particularly when you look at the hands, but this is well before my time and I’m no expert. This PSA was found in DC Comics from October 1949 such as Action Comics #137, where I found this ad.
Dennis the Menace Takes a Poke at Poison was published in 1961 by the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (which split in 1979 to form the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services). In a mere sixteen pages, Dennis and the rest of the Mitchell family cover a variety of poison-related topics, including — but not limited to — children’s medicine, pet medicine, spoiled lunchmeat, toxic wild berries, bug bombs, and weed killers.
Dennis learns not to give human medications to dogs, not to take medication without his parent’s approval, not to eat wild fruits and berries, and to be careful when using insecticides and herbicides. Mr. Wilson learns that Dennis is a threat to society and danger to his very life (though I suspect he already knew that). Sadly, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell don’t seem to learn much and continue with their pattern of irresponsible parenting. Ruff learns nothing, because, frankly, he’s a dog.
Dennis the Menace Takes a Poke at Poison’s greatest hits:
A revised version of the comic was published in 1981, but I only have a copy of the original.
With Earth Day in just a few days, this is the perfect time for a nature-themed Public Service Ad. That this ad contains cad-supreme Wolfie is just a bonus. (Plus it features bats. Lots and lots of bats.)
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was written by Jack Schiff, with art by the guy who always draws Buzzy PSAs, artist Win Mortimer. This PSA was found in Adventure Comics #158, but can be found in other DC comics from November 1950.
VERB was a campaign that the CDC ran from 2002 to 2006 to encourage kids age 9-13 to become more physically active. As part of this campaign, they ran a number of comic book public service ads — most of which were less than impressive.
Overall, VERB was a good campaign with a laudable goal. It had many different components, and the ads in the comics were only one tiny part of the program. That being said, I wish their comic book PSAs had been better (and I also wish the official CDC website on VERB would stop using the word “tween.” It’s an annoying enough word as it is — it doesn’t need government sanction).
Ostensibly, this is a public service ad touting the benefits of volunteering, but clearly there are several deeper messages that are even more important:
Don’t spread gossip about your friend’s boyfriend. Don’t listen to your gossiping friends. Don’t accuse your boyfriend of cheating without proof. Don’t date a guy who wears a tie with his sweater. Don’t date someone with less personality than a computer.
Click on the image for the full ad
As usual, Jack Schiff wrote this PSA, with pencils by famed Superman artist Curt Swan. This ad can be found in May 1957 issues of DC Comics. Swan didn’t do the art for many PSAs, the only other one I’ve found so far was a Superman PSA from 1960, “Lend a Friendly Hand.”
While I’ve published more public service ads starring Buzzy, DC’s other teen leading man Binky appeared in his share too. This one is about compromising to make things happy at home.
Seems to me that Mom and Pop screwed up, and are using fancy footwork to cover up their mistakes and suggest it’s the kids’ fault. Way to go Mom and Pop! (Once I would have meant that sarcastically, but now as a parent myself I simply stand in awe of their skillful maneuvering).
Binky’s younger brother Allergy has had the wool pulled over his eyes if he thinks his family constitutes a democracy. Another point to Mom and Pop.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was written by Jack Schiff and had art by Bob Oksner, Binky’s regular artist. I came across it in Action Comics #144, but it can be found in other DC comics from May 1950. It was also reprinted as the January 1954 PSA.
I’m enjoying my last day of vacation, so I thought I’d dig out this classic DC public service ad I first posted a few years ago: “How Not to Enjoy a Vacation.”
There’s really not much I can ad to the dog’s narration, so just pay attention to what he’s saying.
Click on the image for the full PSA ad
This ad was first published in October 1957, then was republished in August 1963. The script — as always — is byJack Schiff, with Ruben Moreira on the art this time.
Another Buzzy public service ad, and another “Stay in School” lesson. It’s a common topic in old DC PSAs, though admittedly an important one. This one is better than most; I appreciate the “Don’t Quit When You’re Discouraged” message — I know I’ve fallen prey to that more than once.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was written by Jack Schiff with art by prolific Buzzy PSA artist Win Mortimer. This PSA was found in Action Comics #167, but can be found in other DC comics from October 1954.
This public service ad from 1952 offers a great example of how much the language has changed in subtle ways over the past 50 years. In this ad, the term welfare wagon is used in a positive light, meaning “helping others within the community.” Nowadays, the term is still in use, with several connotations, none of them particularly positive.
In the book Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America, the author proposes that this PSA has “Superman himself endorse a program of national social welfare.” I think that’s reading a bit much into the ad. To me, while Superman seems to be advocating some form of community welfare, it is a combination system of both private and government programs (he refers to “taxes” suggesting a governmental approach; but the hospital is having a fund drive, which suggests non-governmental funding), and one more locally based than national is scope. Overall, I think Superman is just proposing that “neighbors help neighbors”, whatever the system.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was written by Jack Schiff with art by Win Mortimer. This ad could be found in DC comics from Jun 1952 including Batman #71, Superboy #20, and Action Comics #187, the source of this scan.
From Action Comics #175 (December 1952) comes this Superman public service ad about UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund), one of the more common subjects of PSAs not only in DC comics, but those of other publishers as well.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
Thanks to this ad, I think I’ve developed a new phobia: Superman flying down and exposing all of my little white lies. I can see it now, walking down the street with the Polite-Wife, and thinking I’ve just dodged a conversational landmine when suddenly Superman swoops in with a, “That’s not quite true Scott, in reality, you didn’t even notice that your wife got a new haircut.” Gee thanks, Superman. Can I just charge the flowers and dinner to you?
This public service ad ran in a variety of December 1952 DC comics. The script was written by DC’s PSA-king Jack Schiff with art by frequent collaborator Win Mortimer.
Several common themes resurfaced time and again in DC Comics’ PSA ads. I’ve already mentioned the “stay-in-school” theme as well as the “United Nations” one. A third common theme is the “kids act while adults complain” theme. In these ads, the adults whine and moan and complain, but don’t actually take constructive steps; the kids, on the other hand, always decide to “act for the good of the community” by the end of the page. Today’s ad, “Know Your Community,” is a perfect example of this kind of PSA.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was written by Jack Schiff with art by Win Mortimer, who not only drew all the Buzzy PSAs, but the Binky ones as well. This ad could be found in a variety of December 1953 DC Comics including Action Comics #187, the source of this scan.
This was a free comic produced by DC Comics and Schering in 1999. Although generally well written and illustrated, the underlying concept makes this a very bad comic.
A rare white orchid is on display at the black-tie dinner at the Gotham City Botanical Gardens and Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Tim Drake (Robin) are there to keep an eye on it. The reason? Poison Ivy has recently broken out of prison and this is just the kind of plant she likes to steal. Sure enough, she shows up and Batman and Robin spring into action. Unfortunately Robin is so sedated from his over-the-counter allergy medication that he lets Poison Ivy escape with the orchid.
When Batman and Batgirl head out to track down Poison Ivy and the orchid, Robin wants to come along, but Batman grounds him because of his antihistamine-related grogginess. Robin starts to sulk, but Alfred sends him to his doctor who prescribes him a non-sedating antihistamine (Claritin, of course — this was published when it was a prescription-only drug). Thanks to his new medication, Robin is able to conquer his hay fever and avoid sedating side effects; he joins the battle just in time to redeem himself by capturing Poison Ivy and rescue the orchid.
As giveaway comics go, the story by Christopher Priest is quite well done and Joe Staton handles the art well. What keeps it from being a good comic is the fact that Batman is selling drugs. Batman. Is. Selling. Drugs. Look, I don’t mind using super-heroes on occasion to sell something: subscription, Hostess snack cakes, Underoos, etc. I understand that bills have to be paid. But I draw the line at using super-heroes to sell drugs, even ones as innocuous as Claritin. There are some lines that just should not be crossed.
As Superboy points out, winter is here (at least in the northern hemisphere), and so everyone’s thoughts turn to shoelaces. Well, that’s what Superboy suggests anyway — read the full PSA to discover why.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA appeared in various DC comics in January 1952 including Action Comics #168, World’s Finest #56, and Wonder Woman #51. The script is by PSA-meister Jack Schiff, with art by the prolific Win Mortimer.
With things getting a little hectic and stressful as Christmas nears, I thought it was time for a little levity (very little, I’m afraid) in the form of a funny animal public service ad.
Peter Porkchops was one of DC Comics’ most popular funny animal characters. He first appeared in Leading Comics, and then headed up his own title for 62 issues. Gone, but not forgotten, Peter resurfaced in Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew where he became the super-hero Pig Iron.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA is from June 1953, during the height of Peter’s popularity. This particular copy was found in Action Comics #181. It was written by Jack Schiff with art by Otto Feuer, who is credited with creating Peter Porkchops.
Buzzy’s back for another public service ad, and this time he’s imposing his sense of style and decorum on other students, willing or not. There will be no individuality while Buzzy is around!
Seriously, would you take fashion advice from a guy in a bowtie? (My theory: had Buzzy not intervened, Bob would have gone on to create the original grunge rock sound and made millions of dollars. Instead, he wound up penning songs for Pat Boone. Thanks for nothing, Buzzy!)
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was written by Jack Schiff with art by Win Mortimer, who seemed to be the team of choice for the Buzzy PSAs. This ad could be found in a variety of February 1952 DC Comics including Action Comics #165, Batman #69, and Superboy #18.
It all starts when Captain America receives a note from Keith, a member of his Teen Brigade. Keith plays on his high school baseball team and is concerned about the team’s star pitcher Mitch. Recently, Mitch has started performing poorly, wheezing, and acting very anxious. Keith also tells Cap that he saw a strange man on a street corner giving something to Mitch, but Mitch wouldn’t tell him what it was. Keith is worried about Mitch and asks Captain America to check it out, especially with the big state championship game coming up.
After getting the note, Captain America decides to head down to the championship game. Mitch is pitching, but he’s not doing well. The opponents are getting hit after hit. Shaken up, Mitch loses control and beans the next batter, knocking him out. This nearly starts a riot, but Captain America is there to sort things out. After it becomes evident that Mitch has been using illegal drugs, Captain America decides that he needs to talk to him. Scared, Mitch flees from the scene, and while running through town encounters the dealer who sold him the drugs in the first place. The dealer offers him more, but Mitch slugs him. Of course, he then runs into a bunch of guys from the other team and the obligatory fight-scene-that-needs-to-be-broken-up-by-the-starring-hero occurs. In the end, Mitch learns his lesson and swears never to do drugs again.
All in all, a decent PSA comics, not even counting the aliens. Didn’t I mention the aliens? See, the whole thing was actually a plot by aliens who want to overthrow the Earth. These aliens have been watching us for some time and are concerned that humans have too much spirit and determination and would put up too much of a resistance to invasion. The alien leader thinks drug addiction might be a good way to subdue the humans, and to test his theory he chooses four random people and tries to get them addicted to drugs. Mitch was the first of these four. And Mitch’s drug dealer — an alien in disguise. So you see that Mitch’s rejection of drugs not only saved his own life, but the lives of everyone else on Earth as well (though the other three experimental subjects are never mentioned — I guess they were saving them for the sequels).
Captain America Goes to War Against Drugs was published by Marvel Comics in 1990, with cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was written by Peter David, with interior pencils by Sal Velluto and cover pencils by Jazzy John himself.
It seems that whenever I visit a comic book convention, I always manage to stumble across a few public service comics I haven’t seen before. Wizard World Texas was no exception and I managed to find a few good ones. For starters, here is Supergirl (or American Honda Presents DC Comics’ Supergirl, In Cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Safety Belt Campaign). While not horrible, it’s not a particular good PSA — the fact that four writers are listed is always a dead giveaway. There’s about six pages of story stretched out to 28 pages. The message is somewhat muddled too, as the person who is supposed to be “learning a lesson” seems to be having a better time than everyone else.
Because she is in California dealing with an earthquake, Linda Danvers (a.k.a. Supergirl) has to cancel her date with movie aficionado Steve Gordon. Since Steve already bought the tickets, he decides to go with another girl — his younger sister. As they leave for the movie, his sister chides him to put on his seatbelt, but he declines, telling her that he “drives much better without it.” Those are dangerous words to speak when you’re in a PSA comic, and sure enough, Steve’s car is broadsided by a drunk driver. His little sister — who was wearing her seatbelt — only suffered minor injuries, but Steve took a bad blow to the head and has fallen into a coma.
Hearing the news, Linda rushes to the hospital and is dismayed when she realizes how badly Steve has been hurt. Doing what any normal person would do when she finds a loved one injured, she runs off to Superman’s Fortress of Solitude and uses some of the alien machinery there to access Steve’s mind in an attempt to bring him out of the coma.
First she finds herself in a scene that best described as a cross between the Road Warrior and the Iditarod. Steve is dreaming that he is a post-apocalyptic word and must drive his souped-up ski-car across the frozen tundra to get fuel for his town. Along the way, he needs to steer clear of the evil marauders who want to steal the fuel. Once again, he neglects to put on his seatbelt and is injured when the marauders slam a (futuristic) bulldozer into his car. In the real world, Steve’s coma worsens.
Now Steve imagines himself in an Indiana Jones scenario, but when his jeep is crushed by a Nazi truck — and he is once again not wearing his seatbelt — his medical condition takes another turn for the worse. His next dream is a classic noir setting, with Steve playing the part of a Sam Spade-like private eye. This time, he remembers to buckle his seatbelt, so is barely injured when the bald villain rams his car. Having learned his lesson, Steve wakes from his coma, none the worse for wear.
In celebration of Veterans Day, here is a public service announcement from General Henry “Hap” Arnold — then leader of the United States Army Air Forces, and later to become one of the proponents and leaders of an independent United States Air Force. It’s a great ad because it stresses the importance of education and intelligence in leading the military, if not the nation itself — concepts which seem to have become unimportant, if not outright derided, of late.
Since tomorrow is election day, I thought this would be a perfect public service ad for the week. I know I’ve run it before — last election day, if memory serves — but I felt it was apropos for tomorrow, especially since one candidate in particular seems a little unclear on that whole first amendment/free speech issue.
Click on the image for the full PSA
Written by Jack Schiff with art by Win Mortimer, this PSA was originally published in January 1953 DC comics including Action Comics #176, Wonder Woman #57, and World’s Finest #62. As was the case with many DC comics PSAs, it was later republished in July 1960 in a such comics as Detective Comics #281, Superboy #82, and Superman’s Girl Friend Lois Lane #18 (where this copy is from).
Today marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of America’s most badass president, Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt. And what better way to commemorate the day than with a DC Comics public service ad about the man himself?
This PSA appeared in a variety of DC’s November 1957 comics, including Action Comics #234 (the source of this scan), Adventure Comics #242, World’s Finest #91, and Wonder Woman #94.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
The script for this PSA was by Jack Schiff, with pencils by Ruben Moreira. Unlike some other patriotic PSAs, this one was only published that one month — probably because it specifically mentions celebrating the centennial of Roosevelt’s birthday, which would limit its use in later years.
With both Halloween and United Nations Day just around the corner, this seemed the perfect time to let Superman teach us about “Pennies for UNICEF!” In this public service ad, Superman flies a couple of American children around the world just so that they can see where the money they collect is going.
After “Stay in School,” I think the United Nations was the second most common topic among DC comics PSAs. Of course, they were written in an era when the United States had more power and prestige in the UN, and, frankly, held the institution in higher esteem. I doubt you’d see a similar PSA written today.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
Does UNICEF still collect pennies at Halloween? We get plenty of trick-or-treaters but I haven’t seen one of the orange collection boxes in years.
This public service ad was popular enough to run twice, in the DC comics of 1962 and 1966. This particular copy was scanned in from The Brave and the Bold #45 (December 1962). The script was written by Jack Schiff with art by Sheldon Moldoff.
Buzzy’s back for another public service ad, and if that isn’t enough to get you excited, it’s also another of the “Gee, isn’t school swell” DC comics was so fond of putting out in the 1950s and ’60s.
Click on the image for the full ad
This PSA was written by Jack Schiff. Art once again by Win Mortimer, who as far as I can tell, drew all the Buzzy PSAs. This PSA was found in Action Comics #209, but can be found in other DC comics from October 1955 including Batman #97 (featuring “The Ballad of Batman and Robin”*), and Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #8 (starring “Jimmy Olsen, Crooner” — maybe there’s a pattern here?).
* The words to the Ballad of Batman and Robin (at least according to the cover):
None known from / where they come / nor when, / but they strike / like lightning / at evil men! / Batman and Robin!
Today’s Public Service Ad features a quiz about good behavior, so let’s see what you’ve learned from all the past PSAs I’ve featured here. (Hint: Try thinking like you were born in 1950.)
Click on the image to the right for the full ad, quiz, and answers.
The quiz has the answers printed upside down, but if that’s too difficult for you, here they are, printed right-side up (but no peeking until you’ve taken the quiz).
Just like last week, this PSA was written by Jack Schiff with art by Bernard Baily. It was popular enough to be printed twice, first in the DC Comics of May 1960, then again five years later in May 1965. This particular PSA was scanned from Action Comics #264.
Not satisfied with the official answers? Me neither. Here’s some alternative answers that I came up with:
The man in the gabardine suit is a spy. Be careful, his bow tie is really a camera.
The boys have strayed too close to the old Johnson place. Don’t they know it’s haunted? Run away!
A good getaway driver never leaves until all his accomplices are safely in the car.
Those candy bars are nothing but empty calories.
The Batusi is a more appropriate dance for the school hallways
Kids dropping out of high school must have been a big problem in the 1950s and 60s (or at least DC Comics editorial thought it was a big problem — at least among their readers) because there were multiplepublic service ads on the topic. Today, we add one more to the list with this PSA from November 1960: Keep Learning — the Key to Success.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad
This PSA was written by Jack Schiff with art by Bernard Baily. It could be found in such titles as Adventure Comics #278, House of Mystery #104, Superman’s Girl Friend Lois Lane #21, Wonder Woman #118, World’s Finest #113, and Action Comics #270 (where I found this particular example).
I recall another earlier PSA by the same author that also discussed “The Key to Success” — but learning was never mentioned. So which is it, Schiff? What is the real Key to Success?
Here’s a nicely dated educational page from 1963 (more specifically, it is from the inside back cover of Dr. Kildare #4).
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
Things I learned from this PSA:
Apparently, an obstetrician’s main job is to tell a woman that she’s pregnant. Caring for her during pregnancy and delivering the baby are only secondary.
Obstetricians are required to have chemistry sets in their office.
Pediatricians are so good that they can diagnose a diaper rash without even removing the diaper and looking. OK, that may not be all that hard with a good history, but at least look at the area in question to see what type of diaper rash it is.
I’m pretty sure most pediatricians I know would point out that they treat more than just “babies and small children.”
Today, we stress prevention as much as treatment in primary care, which includes pediatrics. The wording of the second panel hearkens back to the day when the doctor was there to treat sick patients, nothing else. At least the third panel suggests preventative care — though seems to ignore the concept of patient confidentiality.
It’s nice to see a comic book doctor actually using a head mirror correctly.
Finally, as a Family Physician, I’d like to point out that we are trained for all three panels here — it doesn’t take an obstetrician or pediatrician. (Admittedly, this was published six years before Family Medicine became a recognized specialty.)
In memory of vacations past, this week’s public service ad celebrates the great state of Hawaii. This ad appeared in various DC comics published in April 1960, less than a year after Hawaii became a state (and you’ll notice that its population has more than doubled since then).
I just wish my high school had a beach that came all the way up to the football field. Though on second thought, given that I attended high school in the St Louis area, any beach would have had to be on the Mississippi River…and “beach” and “Mississippi River” are two concepts that do not go well together.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
This PSA was once again scripted by Jack Schiff, with art by by Bernard Baily. This copy comes from The Brave and the Bold #29.
I have nothing to add to this, other than to report that the Boys Town National Hotline is still going strong and is a good resource for troubles teens and their parents. The number remains 1-800-448-3000.
This image was scanned from New Warriors #33 (March, 1993)
Extolling the virtues of the United Nations was a common theme of DC Comics’ Silver Age public service ads; the subject came up quite a bit (and I’ve only reproduced a handful of them, there’s plenty more). Here’s one from December 1958 titled “Sharing — The United Nations Way!”
The subtitle almost makes the ad sound exciting (“A true story from the files of the International Labor Organization”), but don’t let that fool you — a best seller it’s not.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
Like many of the United Nations public service ads, this one strikes me as a little condescending — but admittedly it’s not as bad as some others. On the other hand, unlike several other United Nations public service ads, this one was never re-used — so maybe I’m not the only one who dislikes it.
This PSA was scripted by prolific PSA writer Jack Schiff, with art by this time by the George Roussos. This copy comes from The Brave and the Bold #21(starring the Silent Knight and Viking Prince — no Batman team-ups yet).
It’s that time again — time to look at another of the public service ads from the bizarre“Verb”adcampaign that ran in various comics over the past few years. The aim of the campaign was laudable: get kids outside and active — but the ads themselves are where it all falls apart — they’re either bad, surreal, or both. This one falls more in the surreal category.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad
Fore some reason, this ad always makes me think of the awesome Happy Fun Ball.
As they hand you a citation for illegal fireworks possession, just remember “The Policeman is Your Friend.”
(I’ve got nothing against policeman; I respect the job they’re doing. However, I am annoyed at some of my idiot sown-the-street neighbors who continue to shoot off bottle rockets all night long. First, Independence Day was three days ago. Second, they’re illegal in this state. Third, you’re waking up the baby. And fourth, I’m sick and tired of finding dozens of spent bottle rockets littering the neighborhood’s yards every morning).
Back to the PSA — I am wondering how Timmy managed to get himself locked in the grocery store. A town with residents like that certainly needs a nice — and patient — policeman.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad
This public service ad was provided to me by H, who found it in Adventure Comics #347. It can be found in other DC comics from August 1966 as well. The script is by Jack Schiff (like always) with art by Sheldon Moldoff.
A better title for this public service ad may be “It’s Fun to Lecture Younger Kids While Watching Them Work.” Way to go Ted, you could at least lend a hand.
I also have serious doubts about whether that field will ever be good for playing ball. There’s trees still growing there, not to mention hillocks. It’s not a ball field — it’s an obstacle course (but then again, that could be exactly what the kids are looking for).
Click on the image to the right for the full ad
As usual for DC comics PSAs, the script is by Jack Schiff assisted by frequent artistic collaborator Bernard Baily. This ad appeared in various October 1959 comics, including The Brave and the Bold #26 — featuring the original Suicide Squad — where this I scanned this.
(And for those of you who aren’t sure what War Stamps were, they were basically mini-War Bonds with a price of 25¢ marketed at children. Fill a special album with 75 of them, and you could turn it in for a $25 War Bond that would mature in 10 years).
Although this public service ad was originally written in 1959, we can already see the formation of several of the various modern geek cliques: the modders, the cosplayers, and the copyright infringers. Little did Jack Schiff know how prescient he was being when he scripted this simple PSA about all the good stuff at your local library…
Click on the image to the right for the full ad
The art this time is by Bernard Baily, a frequent collaborator with Schiff on PSAs. This ad can be found in various DC comics from February 1959 as well as January 1966. I guess DC figured it was good enough for a second showing. This particular ad is from Adventure Comics #340 and was provided by H if The Comic Treadmill.
The title of this PSA from September 1966 pretty much sums up the entire ad, and anything I say about would really be superfluous, so just go ahead and click on the image to the right to read “Get Hip to Old Folks!”
(OK, one comment: that Canada Goose looks more like a duck with a bad dye job than an actual goose. And goslings don’t have adult plumage; they’re yellow. But he’s right about the fact that they’re mean.)
Once again, this PSA was written by Jack Schiff with art by Sheldon Moldoff. It appeared in various September 1966 issues of DC comics, including Adventure Comics #348 (the source of this scan), Detective Comics #355, Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane, and World’s Finest #160.
This ad was provided by H from The Comic Treadmill, who has been generous enough to supply me with a multitude of PSA scans over the past few years. (And for H’s take on Adventure Comics #348, check out his recent post on the comic.)
With summer nearly upon us, and camping season already here, I thought it would be a good time for this PSA ad from August 1964
“Prescription Against Accidents” tells us the story of Bob and his hapless scoutmaster Mr. Joby as Mr Joby does his best to keep Bob from killing himself. In the end though, it is Mr. Joby who is done in, yet another victim of irony.
As usual for DC, this PSA was written by Jack Schiff. Art was provided by Sheldon Moldoff. It appeared in various August 1964 issue of DC comics, including Brave and Bold #55 (the source of this scan), Detective Comics #330, Doom Patrol #89, and Metal Men #9.
I like the way the writer wanted to make sure the reader knew that Rx = “Prescription” by including the footnote. Since nothing in the actual story suggests any sort of prescription, I’m guessing Schiff just wanted a catchy title, or ran out of space for a longer one.
A different look for today’s PSA: it’s not your standard story-with-a-moral, but instead a quick, almost cartoony, look at scientific discoveries and the technologies that result from it. It also ends on a medical note, and I’m all for that, so remember: “Take advantage of the latest in science — get a regular physical exam and immunization against polio, tetanus, and other diseases.”
Of course, the “regular physical exam” hasn’t really changed in the past twenty or thirty years, so it’s hardly cutting edge science, but I guess it’s the thought that counts.
Click on the image above for the full ad.
Despite the change in style, the Grand Comic Database still cerdits Jack Schiff, DC’s prolific PSA writer, with the script. The art is thought to be by either Morris Waldinger or Tommy Nicolosi. This PSA appeared in the February 1962 issues of DC comics.
This is a nicely dated PSA from 1960. While the message remains good, the examples — or at least the illustration of the examples — clearly show the era this PSA is from.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
While this ad was clearly written for kids, I think it reads as much as a warning about lax parenting; an alternate title would be “How Are Your Parenting Skills?” Mom shares a large part of the blame for every example of Jimmy’s misbehavior. He’s an eight year-old boy, he has the attention span of a gnat. He needs much more hands on parenting. She saw Jimmy “hot-rodding” with the shopping cart — why didn’t she stop him? Where was she when he was messing up the magazines or racing down the escalator. Her opening sentence shows the entire problem — she agrees to give Jimmy a reward despite his poor behavior. What’s he really learned in this day of shopping? He’s learned that Mom will still buy him a soda even when he’s a terror.
This PSA was written by Jack Schiff with art by Bernard Baily. It appeared in various October 1960 issue of DC comics, including Brave and Bold #32 (the source of this scan), Batman #135, Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #48, Wonder Woman #117, and — of course — Sugar & Spike #31.
Not a reference to a Depeche Mode song — but maybe the song is based on this 1961 public service ad that deals with treating all races as equal. This isn’t the first PSA with the title “People are People,” that honor belongs to a far superior Superman PSA that conveys pretty much the same theme and was published nearly a decade earlier in 1953 (and in my review of that PSA, I made the same sad Depeche Mode joke).
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
Unlike the Superman PSA, this one ties into the United Nations, a theme that would crop up commonly in DC PSAs of this era.
As usual for these PSAs, this PSA is written by Jack Schiff. Art chores are handled by Lou Cameron this time around.
Since it’s the opening day of the baseball season, I thought it would be a good idea to start with a baseball-related PSA.
This ad comes from Supergirl #5 (June 1973) and is an anti-drug PSA from the makers of Huskie shoes. (Of course, in today’s climate, this ad still applies, only this time it’s referring to steroids or HGH). It’s one of the few PSAs I’ve seen that is part of an actual company-sponsored advertisement as opposed to the ususal “public service” ad.
In this PSA, Superman (who sure seems to eavesdrop on kids’ conversations an awful lot), shows two children the error of their way (and apparently the lesson is not to treat refugee children as equals, but instead to pity them).
Wonder if Superman had to get the kid’s parent’s permission to fly them to refugee camps overseas, or if he just grabbed them and took off? Seems there’s a kidnapping charge or two there.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
Unlike many of DC’s PSAs which they re-ran every few years, this one only appeared in the August 1960 edition of DC comics. I assume this is because of the reference to the “World Refugee Year” which ran from July 1959 – June 1960 (it helps to remember that the cover dates for comics are for several months later than when they actually were sold, thus the August 1960 issues were still published during the World Refugee Year, though just barely).
More information on World Refugee Year, primarily from a philatelist point of view.
This PSA was once again written by prolific PSA writer Jack Schiff, with art by this time by the legendary Curt Swan. This copy comes from The Brave and the Bold #31).
In the pre-internet and pre-infomercial era, “Be Your Own Boss” meant something more than an ad for a hucksterish work-at-home gig of questionable value. In the case of this 196- PSA, it refers to developing time management skills. No website to check, enrollment fee to pay, or infomercial to watch. Well, there is a know-it-all older brother to listen to, but that’s the worst there is.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
This PSA is by DC’s PSA king Jack Schiff, with art by Bernard Baily. There are apparently both black and white and colored versions of the ad, but the only one I have a copy of (scanned from Brave and the Bold #30) is the black and white version. It can be found in various June 1960 comics including Action Comics #265, Batman #132, Sugar & Spike #29, and World’s Finest #110.
Despite being a small town, Smallville seems to have a surprising number of big city amenities. For instance, this PSA features the Smallville Teen-Age Club, which unfortunately catches fire. Luckily, Superboy is there to put out the fire — as well as lecture the teen-agers about fires.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
Being cynical, if were one of the teens, I’d be a little suspicious of Superboy. There’s mysterious fire damage and Superboy — with his heat vision — just happens to be there? That has Kryptonian-related arson written all over it.
Hey cats, dig the crazy use of teen slang: “Let the whole town get hep to the rules”
Why are there quotation marks around “junk” and why are they keeping it in closets (when everyone knows junk belongs in the trunk)?
Fed up with always being overshadowed by fellow DC comics hipster Buzzy, Binky finally makes an appearance in a PSA — though he’s basically a passive observer, with Tim and nameless-grocery-delivery-boy getting the attention.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
This is at least the second PSA with a “stay in school” theme (the other was “Not Wanted: High School Dropouts“). I guess DC Comics and the National Social Welfare Assembly felt that this was a major problem among comic book readers in the ’50s and ’60s.
This particular PSA is from The Brave and the Bold #20, though it can be found in other DC comics from October 1958. It’s actually the second go around of this PSA, which first appeared in some October 1951 comics. It was printed yet a third time, in November 1966 comics. 15 years off a single PSA — that’s not too shabby. As usual, the script is by Jack Schiff (of course), with Win Mortimer on pencils and inks.
A nice PSA parody from Scott Kurtz and PvP featuring “The Chessmaster”, Brent Sienna’s character from the super-hero RPG “Ubermensch”.
Click on the image for the full version of the PSA
As much as I enjoy the day to day PvP strip, I’ve always felt that Kurtz’s best work are his longer-form stories. These were originally published in the Dork Storm edition of the PvP comic, and I believe they have been since reprinted in at least one trade paperback (PvP: The Dork Ages). The Christmas story is classic, and the super-hero story this PSA is taken from is equally clever, especially Skull as the most succesful super-villain ever.
This PSA is from PvP #2 (May 2001, Dork Storm). Art and words by Scott Kurtz.
With the U.S. Navy scheduled to shoot down an errant satellite later this week, I thought this would be a good time for a space-related PSA. This Captain America/Young Astronaut Council ad is from the back pages of Captain American #307, an otherwise forgettable issue featuring Nomad and Madcap.
The Young Astronaut Council was formed in 1984 to get children interested in space and science. According to their article on Wikipedia, they are “the largest youth aerospace organization in the world” (though I’m not sure that’s a title with a lot of competition). As far as I can know, the Young Astronaut Council is still in operation today, though you couldn’t tell it from their website, which I seem to be unable to access.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
For another relevant PSA, check out this one from Airboy #22 (May 1987) which takes an unkind look at the SDI program (”Strategic Defense Initiative” — i.e. the “Star Wars” program — a plan to shoot incoming enemy ballistic missiles out of the sky).
A single page PSA ad from Spider-Man and Power Pack warning about the dangers of sexual abuse. Not only is it a standalone PSA, but it also serves as an ad for the Spider-Man/Power Pack comic book I’ve discussed in length a fewtimes before.
This ad was found in Captain American #307 (July 1985), but was pretty ubiquitous in Marvel comics of the mid 1980s.
Another of the “Verb — It’s What You Do” PSAs that are meant to encourage kids to become active. One of the least inspired PSA campaigns of recent memory, though both major comic companies did join in. Marvel Comics at least had new art for their Verb PSAs; DC, on the other hand, just took a stock image and slapped a few captions on it. At least this Teen Titans one is better than the Justice League one.
Click on the image above for the full ad.
I do wonder about the captions though. Robin, Cyborg, and Beast Boy all have captions that suggest they want to play with others. That’s good and fits the tone of the PSA campaign. Starfire’s caption is much more violent — she wants to destroy “opponents.” And I’m not sure how Raven’s “making new rules” is conducive to either good game play or friendship (”Raven, you can’t just skip over Boardwalk!” “Yes I can, I just mystically created a rule that says so!”)
Sure, there have been comic book PSAs featuring stars before, such as Bob Hope. But never has there been a PSA guest star as special as this one, Paulette Breen — Miss American Teenager, circa 1964, who apparently spent her teenage years stalking the streets in her tiara looking for smokers to berate and belittle.
Miss Breen went on to win Miss Illinois USA in 1971. This was followed by a role on All My Children, then spots on Happy Days, Quincy, and (comic book connection!) Wonder Woman. She also appears in at least one MST3K worthy movie, Parts: The Clonus Horror.
The Miss American Teenager pageant seems to have disappeared around the same time that Palisades Amusement Park closed. For a look at another Miss American Teenager appearance in DC Comics, check out this post from Lady That’s My Skull.
It turns out that Marvel wasn’t the only comic book company running the “Verb – It’s What You Do” public service campaign — DC had their own versions of the PSA, and — hard as it is to believe — they make the Marvel ads (starring Wolverine and Nightcrawler) look good by comparison. This ad is one of the lamest PSAs I’ve come across yet.
All they did was take a stock Justice League pose and add a few captions. And not a caption for every hero either, just a few. Apparently only Green Lantern, Batman, and Flash care if you get off your duff, the other four really couldn’t care less. Way to phone in the public service message, DC.
If the embedded video doesn’t appear, check it out here.
A change of pace today: a super-hero video PSA. From 1972, here is Yvonne Craig as Batgirl in a public service announcement for equal pay for women. It should come as no surprise that the U.S. Department of Labor (Wage & Hour Division) sponsored this ad. What may come as a surprise is that this PSA was produced 4 years after the Batman television show ended.
There is a slightly different, shorter version of the PSA also available on YouTube (thankfully, the picture quality is much better in this one).
In addition to Yvonne Craig as Batgirl, Burt Ward reprises his role as Robin and William Dozier narrates. Batman is played not by Adam West but by Dick Gautier (probably best known for playing Hymie the Robot on Get Smart, and — for all my Transformers loving readers — the voice of Rodimus Prime from the third season of Transformers).
In addition to his many movies, television specials, and USO shows, Bob Hope apparently took the time to stop high school bullies as well.
Of course, Bob’s basically committing an argument ad populum fallacy here (an “argument from popularity”, stating that if many people believe something, it must be true!), but since when have logical fallacies stopped a good public service ad?
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
(It’s not that the Golden Rule isn’t an important idea — it is — it’s just going to take more than Bob Hope and his list of four religions to convince me that it’s a “universal law.” I’d also like to point out that the Golden Rule isn’t exclusive to the religious — I’d like to think of it as a basic tenet of human morality.)
This PSA was originally included in April 1964 DC Comics (including The Adventures of Bob Hope #86) and then made an encore appearance in April 1967 comics. The script is by Bob Schiff (of course), with pencils and inks by Bob Oksner.
One of my favorite aspects of reading Wildstorm’s Welcome to Tranquility has been the “classic” back-up comics and ads the writer and artist throw in. They are always drawn in the style of the time, so the Western comic that is supposed to be from the 1960s is drawn, inked, and colored to look just like a 1960s Western comic — and the psychedelically pastel colored Scooby Doo pastiche is uncannily similar to the real thing. These stories are thrown in mostly for fun, but also to fill the readers in on the characters’ back stories, as well as to give the characters a palpable sense of history, as Tranquility is a town populated by retired super-heroes and villains.
The recent Welcome to Tranquility #11 throws in a cartoon style PSA starring Minxy Millions, at the time “America’s Youngest Flyer,” an all but senile aviatrix in the comic’s current time line.
Click on the image for a larger version of the ad
Welcome to Tranquility #11 is written by Gail Simone with art by Neil Googe. All those Ks are driving me krazy and giving me konniptions, not to mention a kluster headak.
Since UNICEF is best known for collecting money during Halloween (in the United States, at least), it really makes perfect sense for them to have a ghost as a spokesman.
A Casper the Friendly Ghost PSA about brushing your teeth and visiting your “friendly” dentist. It also features Wendy, the Good Little Witch, as well as two random passerby kids, a happy tooth, and some anthropomorphic toiletries (so the floss is alive but not the toothbrush? It’s a little creepy when you think about it…take the toothpaste, is he going to say, “Kid, I want you to squeeze my innards onto that toothbrush and then clean your teeth. Do it every day, repeatedly. And don’t worry, when I’m empty, just throw me out in the trash with the empty cat food cans!”) Plus there’s the plaque monster painting the tooth yellow(?).
All in all, I think I prefer Crest Team, who defended Toothopolis against the Cavity Creeps…
I know I’ve shown this PSA before, but it’s the perfect fit for Thanksgiving and I just can’t pass it up.
From Superboy #88 (and several other April 1961 DC Comics) comes “A Salute To Our American Indians!” This alternating informative and condescending PSA is a clear product of an earlier age. Personally, I like the Indians-as-North-American-Welcome-Wagon in the second panel; it’s about as historically inaccurate as you can get and still pretend to be educational.
Click on the image for the full PSA
This PSA is by Jack Schiff (of course) and Bernard Baily.
If you talk about medicine and the history of medicine long enough, certain names are going to be mentioned: Galen, Osler, Harvey, and of course, Hippocrates. Hippocrates was the premier physician of Ancient Greek and is considered by many to be the “Father of Medicine.” The Hippocratic Oath is named after him (and was allegedly written by him).
Click on the Image for the Full-Sized PSA
Hippocrates had a great many followers and it’s often hard to tell which stories and sayings are rightfully attributed to him, or were really penned by one of his followers. This brief PSA on Hippocrates from Ben Casey #2 (Dell Comics, 1962) casts an uncritical eye on the legend of Hippocrates and should be taken with a grain of salt. The Wikipedia article on Hippocrates provides a more accurate account of his actual history.
From the June 1961 issues of assorted DC comics comes this PSA which reminds us — just like the title says — that parents have rights too.
Looking more closely, it’s not that the parents have given up any rights — it’s more that their kids are being brats. So is this a warning PSA for kids, or a cautionary one for parents? You decide (personally, I’m leaning toward the latter).
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This PSA was scanned from Action Comics #277 and is written (as always) by Jack Schiff with art by Bernard Baily.
It may be a few days early, but this seemed the perfect time for this PSA from Adventure Comics #297 (June, 1962) which celebrates United Nations Day, October 24th, the day in 1948 when the United Nations charter became official. According to the U.N., each member nation is supposed to celebrate United Nations Day as a public holiday. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be working a full day on Wednesday with nary a holiday in sight until Veteran’s Day. So much for United Nations Day as a public holiday — in the U.S.A. at least.
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(I don’t know about anyone else, but I detect a little bit of Western World smugness in this celebration of children…or maybe I’m just being overly cynical.)
This PSA was written by Jack Schiff with art by Bernard Bailey. It was sent my way by the industrious H over at The Comic Treadmill.
A history of smallpox and smallpox vaccination from the pages of Ben Casey #2 (click on the image for the full page). It’s not exactly a current history of the disease as you’ll notice when you read the last paragraph — but it was current back in 1963, when this issue of Ben Casey was published. Technically, I guess smallpox could still be considered a “lurking menace” (but for different reasons now: biological weapon versus natural disease) — for the record, there hasn’t been a naturally occurring case of the disease since 1977 (and because I know somebody’s going to ask, there has been at least once case from a lab accident in the late ’70s. There have been some more recent vaccination-related infections, but the virus used for vaccination is vaccinia, a different virus than smallpox (variola)).
This PSA comes from various April 1965 issues of DC comics and asks what you would do if you saw a hit and run driver.
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A good question, but sadly DC left off the part of the story where Ed and Joe are found shot execution style in the back of an alley. Or maybe that’s the Ed Brubaker version of this PSA. The John Ostrander version would feature the injured man — or his wife — swearing vengeance and hunting down the hit and run driver.
The Chris Claremont version would be full of dialogue and tie into the previous six years worth of PSAs.
The Geoff Johns version would feature the return of an obscure Silver Age character — and lots of dismemberments and decapitations.
Judd Winick would somehow manage to fit a lecture about tolerance into the PSA, before killing off a female character.
Mark Millar’s version would consist mainly of set pieces with a slight amount of exposition and plot in between.
Brian Bendis’s version would take at least sixteen pages. “Ed” “Yeah?” “Hey, Ed” “Yeah what, Joe?” “Didja – didja see that?” “The car?” “Yeah, the car” “What about it?” “Did it-” “Yeah, it did” “You sure?” “Yeah.” By the time they finished their conversation, the victim would be dead and the driver across the state line.
And of course, there’s the Kevin Smith version, which would end abruptly after 2 panels with the rest of the page left blank.
As always, the PSA (the original version) was written by Jack Schiff. Art is by frequent PSA collaborator Sheldon Moldoff.
Another classic from DC Comics, this PSA advises us to talk our conflicts out instead of fight about them…
…only it’s not really a particularly effective PSA, is it?
The principal seems to be suggesting that they can fight anywhere else, just as long as it’s not on school property.
The principal tells them to “find another way” to solve their conflict, but then doesn’t give any guidance as to what that method should be. Arm wrestling? 9mm Berettas? Drag racing? Dance Dance Revolution?
Bert’s Dad is little better, spouting off about international peace, but not really giving any useful advice.
It’s sad that a high school student has no idea how to resolve conflicts other than fighting, but then given the underwhelming abilities of his principal and his father, that’s no surprise.
Just in time for Labor Day, here is Superboy: Job Counselor. It’s actually a pretty good PSA, suggesting that people find a career involving what they enjoy. College is mentioned, as are various trades. No sexism either — you’ll notice there’s only one woman shown, but she’s the only character actually going to college.
I do wonder why Superboy is cruising the employment agencies, though.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
This PSA comes from the August/September 1950 issues of various DC comics including Action Comics #147, Batman #60, and World’s Finest #47. As always, the PSA was written by Jack Schiff. Art is by frequent PSA collaborator Win Mortimer.
Another great DC comics PSA, this one comes from various August 1958 titles, including Adventure Comics #251, Batman #117, Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #30, Wonder Woman #100, and of course, Sugar and Spike #17.
I think it’s safe to say that this PSA is just dripping with subtext…
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
As with most DC PSAs, this one was written by Jack Schiff. Pencils were provided by Lou Cameron.
“How well do you know your American Heritage?” asks this PSA quiz from Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #105 (October 1970). There are some easy questions on the quiz, but a couple of hard ones as well — I only scored a 4/5, and I consider American History one of my better subjects.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
Once again, this PSA was written by Jack Schiff with pencils by Bernard Baily.
From Superman’s Girl Friend Lois Lane #53 comes this PSA reminding us that “Honesty is the best policy.” It also reminds me that 43 years ago, five dollars would by three movie tickets and snacks — nowadays it wouldn’t buy a single ticket, let alone any snacks at the movie theater. Finally, the ad reminds me that Dr. Brown needs to be a lot more careful with patient information and not just share it with passing schoolboys.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
Ad is usual for these DC comics PSAs, Jack Schiff wrote the script with pencils by frequent PSA collaborator Sheldon Moldoff..
A great patriotic PSA advertisement from World War II found in the pages of Uncle Sam Quarterly #4 (Quality Comics, Autumn 1942).
Who knew eating candy (“rich with wholesome dextrose!”) could be so patriotic?
Click on the image above (or click here ) for the full ad.
I love how these old World War II ads evoke a nation and a war effort so different than what see today (or really since WWII). I wonder how accurate these depictions really are…
Thanks to my friend Bob for digging up this ad for me.
Wonder Woman stars in the public service ad from March, 1950, stressing the importance of being “healthy” to students everywhere.
And just what is her secret Amazonian plan for health? Brushing your teeth, plenty of sleep, exercise, and healthful foods. (I really can’t complain about any of these suggestions, though I would probably throw in “take a bath or shower” as well. Frankly, if more people followed her last two recommendations, there’d be a lot less need for physicians.)
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
Wonder Woman’s acting a little creepy and stalker-ish in this ad, showing up at Dick’s house during breakfast. Of course, Dick looks like he needs all the help he can get: “What is this, a magic potion?” No, it’s breakfast cereal, you idiot!
This ad was written by PSA-meister Jack Schiff with art by Irwin Hasen.
In the late 1980s, a common series of television PSA ads featured Vince and Larry, the Crash Test Dummies. They proved to be popular characters and eventually spawned several series of toys as well a television series and even a video game. They actually had their own comic book series for a while (Wikipedia says it was published by Archie Harvey, while the GCD names Archie as the publisher*).
At the height of their television ad fame, they also appeared in a series of comic book PSA, two of which are featured here. Say “Hello” to Vince and Larry, but remember…leave the crashing to them.
Click on either image for the full ad.
(Of course, there is also the overwrought Canadian rock band The Crash Test Dummies, who — other than the name — share nothing with Vince and Larry. I will give them credit for being the only band ever to use the name “Solomon Grundy” in a commercially-released song, even if they did get the reference wrong.)
*UPDATE: ComicBase/Atomic Avenue agree with Wikipedia and list Harvey as the publisher. Atomic Avenue also provides some cover scans, and they do clearly show the Harvey jack-in-the-box.
In 1990, the adult son of one of the Warner Brothers executives who worked with DC Comics was senselessly murdered. In response, DC published Batman: Seduction of the Gun, a comic with a strong anti-gun tone, and with the added bonus of the proceeds going to a charitable educational foundation.
In Gotham City, a drug-for-guns deal is going down. The police and Batman bust up the deal, but the main criminals — members of the NZN gang — escape. To capture the gang, Batman masquerades as a gun dealer while Robin enrolls in an inner-city high to protect the dealer’s daughter from gang reprisal. The Batman aspect of the story is a fairly typical Batman adventure with subterfuge, fights, and narrow escapes from death. The Robin part I found a little over the top, with Robin attending a school where over 95% of the students are armed, and gun fights in the hallways between classes are daily experiences. Admittedly, I didn’t attend an inner city high school, but this strikes me as more than a little unbelievable. Both stories converge in the end, but things don’t work out as well as Batman — and Robin — had hoped.
Overall, it’s a well done story and a PSA comic that actually appears to be in continuity. For the most part, it doesn’t hit the reader over the head with its message, though there is a page or two of talking heads looking directly at the reader and lecturing. We also learn way too much about the wounds that killed Thomas and Martha Wayne (“The bullet…struck the left lung and then the heart through the right ventricle, ruptured the superior vena cava and the aorta. The bullets struck back left ribs and flattened out, breaking the ribs…I remember a lot of blood. The hearts continued pumping for a bit.”). The story by John Ostrander contains the intense action-filled plot with a touch of pathos he seems to favor (and it works for him, his scripts hit a lot more than they miss). The Vince Giarrano art is a satisfying cross between Graham Nolan and Neal Adams. There are places where the art is particularly explicit and disturbing — bullet wounds, for instance — but I suspect that was the intended effect.
Online, I’ve seen this comic described as “pro-gun-control”, but I don’t think that’s really the case. I can certainly see where people might get that impression, particularly as the proceeds from the book went to an educational gun-control foundation, but in the last panels of the comic, Bruce Wayne tells Tim Drake that gun control is not the best option (“No law passed can change the human heart or open up a mind that is closed. We must give up the guns in our hearts and minds first.”). The story certainly takes a strong stand against the proliferation of handguns, but gun control is not specifically mentioned. To me, the comic seems more anti-guns-in-school, anti-gang, and anti-Saturday-Night-special than explicitly anti-gun or pro-gun-control, though I may be splitting hairs.
This straight-forward Spider-Man PSA comes from the The Amazing Spider-Man: Riot at Robotworld comic. It’s a simple message: “Anybody — including you — can be an engineer. Here are the classes you’ll need and here are some addresses you can write for more information.”
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
I particularly like the part where Ana says “You’ll need to take lots of English so you can learn to communicate clearly,” because that doesn’t sound like any of the engineers I know. They’re all very enthusiastic about explaining their ideas, just not particularly clear or concise.
A helpful PSA comes by way of Adventure Comics #254, which teaches us how not to get lost in the woods. Well OK, it teaches us how to find north using the North Star — which isn’t quite the same thing as not being lost because it’s certainly possible to know where north is, yet still be lost –but at least it’s a step in the right direction (and a great deal more useful than most PSAs).
The PSA also mentions the star Vega, which ties into my post last week on Countdown #48 (All this talk about Vega reminds me of an old Star Trek pop-up book I had growing up: Star Trek – The Prisoner of Vega. It was years ago, but from what I recall, the story followed the old sci-fi trope of a planet ruled by women who held men as slaves. And there were Klingons involved somehow too. A quick Google search informs me that this is a “hard to find” Star Trek book, though there seem to be an awful lot for sale for such a hard to find book).
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This PSA was written by prolific PSA scribe Jack Schiff with Lou Cameron doing the art. It comes courtesy of the ever helpful H over at the Comic Treadmill.
It’s Memorial Day here in the United States, a holiday which has come to have two meanings. Traditionally and most important, it is a day set aside in memory of everyone who has died in service to our nation. Realistically, it also marks the more or less “official” start of summer, with most schools out and pools open. In the spirit of this second meaning of Memorial Day, I present this DC comics PSA from 1954 (with repeat appearance in 1959): Tips on Summer Fun. The characters are from the Peter Porkchops comic, which ran for 62 issues starting in 1949.
Given recent events, I thought it was a good time to take a look at another American Heart Association PSA, this one celebrating its volunteers.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
The American Heart Association has a long history of comic book PSAs, from small single-frame ads hidden among the advertisements to larger full page ads. They’re always black and white, but usually quite eye-catching and memorable. Other notable American Heart Association PSAs include: The Big Heart Commissioner Gordon’s Heart Attack
This coming Saturday marks the 187th birthday of Florence Nightingale. Known as “The Lady With the Lamp,” Nightingale was one of the founders of modern nursing. To celebrate her birthday, I dug out this comic book PSA about her from Ben Casey #3 (Dell, 1962).
With the NFL draft just completed, it’s the perfect time to take a look at just what makes a good football player. This PSA from Superman’s Girl Friend Lois Lane #38 — “Touchdown for Picasso!” — addresses that very topic.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
There are some nice touches in this PSA. I love the look of utter disbelief and revulsion when Stan finds out that his football hero may indeed be a “sissy.” And sure, it appears that Stan’s in acceptance by that last panel — but look at all that twitching he’s doing, that’s simply not healthy. (I’m thinking you can probably read a lot more into this strip now than the creators intended when it was published in 1963.)
As with most of DC’s Silver Age public service ads, the words are by Jack Schiff. The art this time is by Sheldon Moldoff
Don’t think of this as a day late — think of it as 17 years and a day late!
In case you missed it, yesterday was Earth Day, so here’s an Earth Day PSA from Flash #39.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
This is rather lame for a full page PSA. You think that DC could at least tell the reader a little about what Earth Day means, or how Earth Day should be celebrated, or at least give a little information. Instead, they give a picture of the Earth and Superman (and it looks like John Byrne art) and give you an address to write for more information. This was pre-internet, so you’d have to use dead trees to write off for more information, and get dead trees in return — which kind of defeats the whole purpose, doesn’t it?
Another Monday and that means another PSA — and this week’s ad once again contains words of wisdom from our teenage pal Buzzy. Not only that, but it features the return of Buzzy’s macrocephalic friend Wolfie.
Click on the image to the right for the full ad.
This PSA appeared in a handful of DC comics from September 1954 including Adventure Comics #204, Batman #86, Detective Comics #211, Superboy #35, World’s Finest #72 and the debut issue of Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen. Like most Buzzy PSAs, the script was by Jack Schiff with Win Mortimer on the art.
On today’s Monday PSA, we have a mystery: who swiped the kids’ money?
Was it Jim? What secrets lurk within that sweater vest?
Is it the kid in the striped shirt? Will he grow up to be the Goon?
Is it the Jughead wannabe? Did anyone really wear those hats?
Will it be one of the other two members of the club? Are they the Andrew Ridgeley and Art Garfunkel of this PSA?
Maybe it was Buzzy? Why is he hanging around the clubhouse if he’s not a member? And what’s with the bow tie?
How about the mysterious “Uncle Ned”? Did he really just give Jim $5?
Click on the image above for the full ad.
These mysteries and many more will be answered* if you dare read “Buzzy says ‘Be Sure of Your Facts!’”
*More or less. Some things will always remain a mystery, like sweater vests and Jughead hats. Personally, I think Jim was a little too forgiving. He should have at least kept the popcorn for himself.
While almost all of DC Comics’ public service ads show their age in one way or another — they were published 40-50 years ago, after all — there are a handful that are truly, hopelessly outdated:
More PSAs
I haven’t read too many Superboy stories, but does he come across as smug and condescending in the comics as he does in these PSAs?
Jesse, trying to emulate his older brother Dave, has started to use drugs. After he shares some angel dust-laced marijuana with his friends, he heads off to an anti-drug rally his parents are making him attend. The Teen Titans (minus Robin, who is once again replaced by generic hero “The Protector”) are speaking at the rally — no, not Speedy, he’s probably back at Titan’s Tower getting high. 
Dennis the Menace Takes a Poke at Poison was published in 1961 by the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (which split in 1979 to form the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services). In a mere sixteen pages, Dennis and the rest of the Mitchell family cover a variety of poison-related topics, including — but not limited to — children’s medicine, pet medicine, spoiled lunchmeat, toxic wild berries, bug bombs, and weed killers.
Dennis learns not to give human medications to dogs, not to take medication without his parent’s approval, not to eat wild fruits and berries, and to be careful when using insecticides and herbicides.
, the author proposes that this PSA has “Superman himself endorse a program of national social welfare.” I think that’s reading a bit much into the ad. To me, while Superman seems to be advocating some form of community welfare, it is a combination system of both private and government programs (he refers to “taxes” suggesting a governmental approach; but the hospital is having a fund drive, which suggests non-governmental funding), and one more locally based than national is scope. Overall, I think Superman is just proposing that “neighbors help neighbors”, whatever the system.
A rare white orchid is on display at the black-tie dinner at the Gotham City Botanical Gardens and Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Tim Drake (Robin) are there to keep an eye on it. The reason? Poison Ivy has recently broken out of prison and this is just the kind of plant she likes to steal. Sure enough, she shows up and Batman and Robin spring into action. Unfortunately Robin is so sedated from his over-the-counter allergy medication that he lets Poison Ivy escape with the orchid.
It all starts when Captain America receives a note from Keith, a member of his Teen Brigade. Keith plays on his high school baseball team and is concerned about the team’s star pitcher Mitch. Recently, Mitch has started performing poorly, wheezing, and acting very anxious. Keith also tells Cap that he saw a strange man on a street corner giving something to Mitch, but Mitch wouldn’t tell him what it was. Keith is worried about Mitch and asks Captain America to check it out, especially with the big state championship game coming up.
It seems that whenever I visit a comic book convention, I always manage to stumble across a few public service comics I haven’t seen before. Wizard World Texas was no exception and I managed to find a few good ones. For starters, here is Supergirl (or American Honda Presents DC Comics’ Supergirl, In Cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Safety Belt Campaign). While not horrible, it’s not a particular good PSA — the fact that four writers are listed is always a dead giveaway. There’s about six pages of story stretched out to 28 pages. The message is somewhat muddled too, as the person who is supposed to be “learning a lesson” seems to be having a better time than everyone else.
Hearing the news, Linda rushes to the hospital and is dismayed when she realizes how badly Steve has been hurt. Doing what any normal person would do when she finds a loved one injured, she runs off to Superman’s Fortress of Solitude and uses some of the alien machinery there to access Steve’s mind in an attempt to bring him out of the coma.
Hey cats, dig the crazy use of teen slang: “Let the whole town get hep to the rules”
In 1990, the adult son of one of the Warner Brothers executives who worked with DC Comics was senselessly murdered. In response, DC published 
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