Polite Dissent

Once again, Wolfie learns the hard way not to move in on Buzzy’s girl. Poor Wolfie. Sure, he’s a jerk, but he has some of the worst luck in comics.

Or does he? I think this scenario was really a plot by Buzzy and Susie:

This PSA was found in Adventure Comics #154 as well as the other DC comics from July 1950. The ad was written by Jack Schiff, with art by Bob Oksner.

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Another DC Comics Public Service Ad teaching about science — this time the topic is “The Atom” — more specifically radiolabeling (using radioactive isotopes to mark certain chemicals, which can then be traced), since that is what most of the vignettes depict.

As usual when dealing with these science PSAs, I have some questions and concerns:
Did the Brazilian doctor use radiolabeling to find the tumor (such as a bone scan or PET scan), or did he use radiation to treat it?
By 1959, there was already a Yellow Fever vaccine available, which would probably do more to eradicate the disease than making radioactive mosquitoes (wasn’t that a SciFi SyFy movie?)
The fourth panel is what really worries me. I think they’re using radioactive fertilizer in Canada to grow mutant tobacco plants.

This PSA was found in Batman #128 as well as the other DC comics from December 1959. This ad was written by Jack Schiff. There is some debate about the identity of the artist, but most sources list Lou Cameron.

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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in one way or another — they were published 40-50 years ago, after all — there are a handful that are truly, hopelessly outdated: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.

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.

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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?”

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.

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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.

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.

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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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Time for another look at science, 1950s style, courtesy of this public service ad from 1957.

This PSA refers to the International Geophysical Year, taking place from July 1, 1957 until December 21, 1958, which was an international effort to focus on the Earth Sciences (and also includes the study of various space phenomena). Overall, at least according to Wikipedia, it was a very succesful program.

This PSA was found Adventure Comics #237, and can be found in other DC comics from June 1957. The ad was never repeated, undoubtedly because the International Geophysical Year would be long over before it could appear in print again (plus the fact that the ad was wrong about the US having the first satellite in space.) This PSA was written by Jack Schiff with art by Ruben Moreira.

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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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With Veteran’s Day tomorrow, I looked hard to find a public service ad that discussed veterans. I was truly surprised that with all the public service ads DC produced in the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s, there don’t seem to be any about veterans — or the armed forces at all. This PSA, from April 1950, was the closest thing I could find because it at least includes a scene set in a veteran’s cemetery.

The PSA’s actual theme is tolerance for all religions — which is certainly a sound concept, but I would’ve liked it better had it acknowledged religions other than Christianity and Judaism — or taken it one step further and at least mentioned other options such as atheism. But I suspect that would have been a little too progressive for a 1950s mainstream comic book.

This PSA was found Adventure Comics #151, and can be found in other DC comics from April 1950. This ad was written by Jack Schiff, with art by Al Plastino.

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With Halloween just around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time for this public service ad featuring Binky and his giant-bowtie-wearing brother Allergy (and yes, he wears his bowtie even in costume).

I’ve mentioned how often these PSAs featured pro-United Nations themes, and this is a perfect example focusing on the United Nation’s Children Fund — better known as UNICEF. This is the third DC PSA featuring UNICEF (one, two), and here’s a bonus Casper PSA thrown in for free.

This PSA is found in DC comics from December 1957. Jack Schiff, as usual, wrote this PSA, with Ruben Moreira on art. I scanned this in from a copy of Adventure Comics #243 (which features “The Super-Toys From Krypton,” where Superboy’s childhood toys are sent to Earth. Is there anything Jor-El didn’t send from Krypton — other than more people he could have saved, I mean?) There is also a black and white version that can be found in some comics (Action Comics #235, for instance).

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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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Worried about global warming? Spending sleepless nights fretting over the mass extinctions of animal and plant species not to mention the destruction of vast areas of their native habitats? Looking up at the sky everyday to check for holes in the ozone layer?

Once you read the public service ad you won’t worry any more, because you’ll realize: mankind — we’re #1!

This PSA is found in DC comics from June 1958 as well as October 1962 (Woohoo! Even better! We’re #1 twice!). As always, this public service ad was written by Jack Schiff, this time with infrequent PSA collaborator Bob Brown on art.

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It’s once again time to visit with Binky and his strangely-garbed young brother Allergy to learn something important from a public service ad. This week, Binky teaches his younger brother how to make friends.

The advice is nothing new: Talk to new people.

There is something ironic about Allergy not wanting to talk to someone “square” — has he looked in the mirror lately?

Given the usual grasp of slang of Silver Age comic book writers (and I’m looking at you in particular, Bob Haney), I suspect that by the time this PSA was published, kids had long since stopped saying “square.”

This PSA is one of DC’s double hits: PSAs that proved popular enough (or deemed important enough) to be published twice. It can be found in DC comics from both July 1957 and July 1965. This particular page was scanned in from Adventure Comics #238. As always, Jack Schiff handled the scripting of this PSA, with Bob Oksner (the artist from the Binky comic) providing the art.

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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.

This PSA is found in DC comics from January 1961. Jack Schiff handles the scripting of this ad, with Bernard Baily providing the 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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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.

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.)

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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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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.

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.

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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).

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.”

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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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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.

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.

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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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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.

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.”

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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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)

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.

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.

Theodore Roosevelt biography at WhiteHouse.gov
Theodore Roosevelt article at Wikipedia
The National Portrait Gallery/Smithsonian biography of Theodore Roosevelt
Text of Teddy Roosevelt’s Inaugural Address (March 4, 1905)

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.

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.

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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Tags: comics psa buzzy school jack schiff win mortimer

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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Tags: comics psa buzzy wolfie handicapped jack schiff win mortimer

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.)

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.

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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 multiple public 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.

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).

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.

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.

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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.

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).

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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.

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.

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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).

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.

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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…

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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!”

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.)

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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).

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.

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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.

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).

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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.

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.

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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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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.

This PSA is written by DC’s PSA guru, Jack Schiff, with art by frequent collaborator Sheldon Moldoff. It appeared on the inside front cover of DC comics from October 1964 including Adventure Comics #325, Brave and the Bold #56, Sugar and Spike #55, Superman’s Girl Friend Lois Lane #52, and Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #80.

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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?

(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.

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Tags: comics psa bob hope golden rule argument ad populum jack schiff bob oksner

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.

This PSA is by Jack Schiff (of course) and Bernard Baily.

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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).

This PSA was scanned from Action Comics #277 and is written (as always) by Jack Schiff with art by Bernard Baily.

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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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ad is usual for these DC comics PSAs, Jack Schiff wrote the script with pencils by frequent PSA collaborator Sheldon Moldoff..

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.)

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.

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).

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.

The writer of this PSA was Jack Schiff with art by Rube Grossman. It can be found in a variety of DC comics from August 1954 and August 1959, including Batman #85, Batman #125, Detective Comics #210, Detective Comics #270, Wonder Woman #68, and Wonder Woman #108.

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.

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

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.

Another DC public service ad from the 1950s. This one features two spoiled brats brothers and their poor put upon stay-at-home mother.

This PSA is from World’s Finest #100 (March 1959) and appeared in several other comics published the same month, including Batman #122 and House of Secrets #18. The script is by Jack Schiff, art by Bernard Bailey, and letters by Ira Schnapp. As with most of these DC PSAs from the 50s and 60s, the ad was underwritten by the National Social Welfare Assembly.

Click on the panel for the full-sized image

What happened to poor Rags between the two panels posted above? Click on the image to learn the whole sordid truth behind Jimmy, Mom, and Rags. And remember…Know Your Pet!

This PSA Ad was graciously provided by H, of The Comic Treadmill fame, and originally appeared in Adventure Comics #252 (DC, 1958). As with many of these old DC comics PSA ads, the script is by Jack Schiff, with pencils and inks this time by Lou Cameron.

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”?

In honor of another school year starting up again, I thought I’d post a “Kids! Stay in School!” PSA from Silver Age DC Comics.

Written by Jack Schiff with art by Shelfon Moldoff, this PSA originally appeared in DC comics from August 1962. It was repeated the next year in comics from June. This particular image was scanned in from a reading copy of Flash #137 (“Vengence of the Immortal Villain!”, June 1963).

I’m sure that like most people contemplating the immigration issue you think to yourself, “What could early-Silver Age DC comics teach me about immigration and getting along with people who are different from me?”

Ponder no longer, for today’s PSA Monday page answers that very question. From the DC Comics published in September 1957*
comes the inspiring tale “Danger: Prejudice at Work” ** by Jack Schiff (words) and Ruben Moreira (art). As with most other Silver Age PSA ads, this was sponsored by the National Social Welfare Assembly.

In the end, this magnum opus reminds us once again that there is no problem in life that cannot be solved with baseball.

**An ironic name, as the story is about play and not work.

Several people have had problems getting the full-size BEM PSA ad to pop-up like it should. I have little idea why this would be since it’s the same script I always use and it’s working for me. Maybe it’s due to a pop-up blocker?

Anway, since I don’t want anybody to miss this fine ad, I’ll post the full image here below the cut.

Read more…

Having trouble getting girls to dance with you? It could be that you’re too Brainy, Emotional, or Muscular. Girls don’t want any of that! What they want is a BEM (which surprisingly does not stand for Bug-Eyed Monster).

This helpful 1967 PSA is from Superman’s Girl Friend Lois Lane #74 (as well as Superboy #138 and The Inferior Five #2). The art is by Sheldon Moldoff working from a script by Jack Schiff.

This PSA was provided by the National Social Welfare Assembly, the same group that not only brought us the Mysterious Unnamed Doctor™ PSA, but also seemed to sponsor most of the Silver Age single page PSAs.

UPDATE: Error found and fixed. The pop-up image should now work in both IE and Firefox.