Polite Dissent

The second of two Superboy Christmas-themed public service ads, and definitely the weaker of the two.

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.

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.

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Since we’re in the middle of the holiday season, I thought this would be a good time for the first of two Superboy holiday-themed public service ads. As it’s Hanukkah now, this PSA is fitting because in addition to Christmas, it also mentions Hanukkah.

Now before all you “War of Christmas” soldiers get your knickers in a twist and start signing petitions and lighting up torches, bear in mind that this is the only one of three DC holiday PSAs that mentions any holiday other than Christmas (it’s also a 1953 ad, so this “war” of yours has probably been going on since long before you were born).

All the Christmas PSAs carry the same general message: the holidays are about family and charity. This PSA pulls it off the best.

This PSA was found Adventure Comics #185 as well as other DC comics from February 1953. Scripting of the PSA was carried out by Saint Nick Jack Schiff with art by Hanukkah Harry Win Mortimer.

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Another Buzzy public service ad from 1950s DC comics, this one — as the title suggests — is about choosing a career (and you want to be a social worker, right? Oh, c’mon, it’s a great job. Really. Promise. Cross my heart. please?)

If only it were as easy to convince people of your point of view in the real world as it seems to be in Buzzy’s world.

It seems rather ironic that in a public service ad in a comic book, drawing = loafing

The Adventures of Jim Halley: Career Counselor For Hire. How was this never a comic book? If Mr. District Attorney or Sue and Sally Smith, Flying Nurses can be published, then so can this.

This PSA was found Adventure Comics #188, and can be found in other DC comics from May 1953. This ad was written by prolific PSA penner Jack Schiff, with art by persistent PSA-partner Win Mortimer.

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Since today is the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin publishing his most famous work, On the Origin of Species, I thought that natural science would be the perfect subject for tonight’s public service ad.

Unsurprisingly, DC comics published no evolution themed PSAs in the ’50s and ’60s. I did manage to find some interesting science PSAs (or more correctly, SCIENCE! PSAs), speculating about the future from a 1950s perspective, but they didn’t really fit the theme I had in mind.

I also came across this Buzzy nature PSA, and I think it’ll do just fine.

As a bonus, the PSA features birds. Sure, they’re no Galapagos finches, but it’s a start.

This PSA was found Action Comics #182, and can be found in other DC comics from July 1953. This ad was written by Jack Schiff, with art by Win Mortimer.

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In this public service ad, Binky’s younger Allergy and his friends ponder the future — the far, far distant future — of 1976.

Let’s see how Allergy and his friends did in their predictions:
Moon crater tours. Nope, not there yet.
Video conferencing. Good call, though not quite as predicted.
Large bulky electronic machines. Passed it by and left it in the dust.

This PSA is found in DC comics from June 1956. The writer, as always, was Jack Schiff. Art by Win Mortimer.

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Buzzy is back, along with his girlfriend Susie and his macrocephalic friend Wolfie in this comic book public service ad. As usual, Wolfie is up to no good — though this time it’s his driving ability that is in question rather than his personal skills.

Knowing Wolfie as well as Buzzy does, why would he think getting in a car with him would be a good idea? Especially since seat belts weren’t a standard feature back in 1953.

This PSA is found in DC comics from September 1953. As with virtually all Buzzy PSAs, this page is written by Jack Schiff with art by Win Mortimer.

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A common theme of DC Comic’s public service ads in the 1950s and ’60s was support for the United Nations. This was from an era when the relationship between the US and the UN was much less contentious than it is now. I thought this was an appropriate ad because it features both Iran and the UN, which have been in the news frequently lately, albeit for vastly different reasons.

The four planes representing Iran’s “United Nations Friends” are labeled US, USSR, India, and Pakistan.

Based on when this PSA was written, I suspect the planes are spraying DDT, which — depending on your view of Rachel Carson and Silent Spring — may very well have caused more problems than it solved.

This PSA scores a hat trick and is found in DC comics from December 1950, March 1955, and November 1963. This particular ad was scanned in from Adventure Comics #202 (March 1955) This PSA was written by Jack Schiff with Win Mortimer on art.

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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.

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.

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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!

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.

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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!

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.

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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.

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.

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From 1944, this is an untitled wartime public service ad starring Batman and Robin…but mostly Alfred.

Like most PSAs from this era, this ad deals with recycling paper for the war effort.

If you’re not clear why, Alfred explains it well in the ad.

This PSA was found in Adventure Comics #91, published in April 1944.

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Buzzy — who seems to be DC comics resident stick-his-nose-in-other-people’s-business do-gooder — takes a moment to remind us all to be kind to our elders.

This is not the first time a comic book public service ad has addressed this issue.

This PSA is found in DC comics from September 1951. It was written by Jack Schiff — of course — with art by Win Mortimer.

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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?

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.

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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!

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.

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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.

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.

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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.)

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.

Another Earth Day PSA

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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!)

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.

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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.

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).

Other Patriotic PSAs (more or less):
The U.S. Constitution (straightforward PSA about the Constitution)
Airboy and the Constitution (Free Speech and schools, from Airboy )
Are You a Red Dupe? (1950s anti-communist screed)

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.

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):

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Buzzy and Wolfie show up in yet another public service ad, this one from March 1951.

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Buzzy, he was basically DC Comic’s answer to Archie, and he had his own comic from 1945 until 1951. He and his pal/rival Wolfie showed up in quite a few PSAs in other DC comics during that time — sort of a combination house ad/PSA. (It could be worse, at least Buzzy managed to steer clear of starring in over-the-top religious comics like Archie.)

This PSA was written by, of course, Jack Schiff. Art was handled by Win Mortimer, who also handled the art on some of the later Buzzy stories (and a few were written by Jack Schiff as well). This PSA was scanned from Action Comics #154 but can also be found is such comics as Detective Comics #169, Superboy #13 and Wonder Woman #46.

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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.

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.

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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.

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 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.

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.

Of all the comic book writers of the Silver Age (and even later), I don’t think anyone has ever written better technobabble than Bob Haney. His descriptions sounded impressive and were concise, yet made no sense when you actually tried to think through what was said, let alone applied conventional medical knowledge or physics.

Good technobabble is a lost art, and Haney was the best:

Oops. I accidentally published this as “private” instead of “public.” If there is any significant problem with the Wordpress blogging software, it’s the ease of making this mistake. I corrected my error, so now everyone can enjoy the brilliance of Bob Haney.

I was looking for a good “Get Out the Vote” PSA since tomorrow is election day, but this was the closest I had. Written by Jack Schiff with art by Win Mortimer, this PSA was originally published in January 1953 DC comics includeing 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).

(Now that I think about it, since most comics at the time were targeted at pre-teen and teen-age boys, there really wasn’t much need for a Remember to Vote PSA.)

Other Patriotic PSAs (more or less):
The U.S. Constitution (straightforward PSA about the Constitution.)
Airboy and the Constitution (Free Speech and schools, from the Airboy comic.)
Are You a Red Dupe? (1950s anti-communist screed.)

I figured I’d showcase a work related PSA today as it’s Labor Day (in the U.S. at least).

Taking a break from his own title, Buzzy and his pal Wolfie swing by several other DC comics in this PSA from November, 1954 (Adventure #206, Detective Comics #213, and Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #2).

Like last week, this PSA was written by Jack Schiff, though the art this time is handled by Win Mortimer.

Discussion Questions:
1. Was it a really good idea for Mr. Green to hire a kid named “Wolfie” in the first place?
2. What will this do to Wolfie and Buzzy’s friendship?
3. Did Mrs. Brown really order the sugar, or is she just taking advantage of Buzzy’s helpful nature?
4. Do you think Mr. Green filed the proper tax forms, or is he planning on paying Buzzy and Wolfie “under the table”?