Redartz: Marvel and DC; the "Big Two". Known for such heavyweights as Spider-man, the X-Men, Avengers, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Both companies delved into the horror genre with titles such as "Tower of Shadows" and "House of Secrets". Both had entries in the war genre, especially DC. But what about 'funny books? Well, neither company exactly filled the spinner racks with them, generally leaving the field open for Archie, Harvey, and Gold Key (although DC did have more such books during the Silver Age). Nonetheless, Marvel and DC both dipped some ticklish toes into the humor field. Today we look at some of those...
Not Brand Echh: Yes, not technically Bronze age, but certainly deserving of mention. Probably the best of Marvel's 'attempts at humor'. When you have the likes of Kirby, Sutton, Severin, Heck, Colan, and more at the drawing table, you can anticipate some good visuals. Superhero parodies abound; but later issues had more features piercing tv, movies, music, etc.
Spoof: Debuting only a year or so after "Brechh" departed, "Spoof" kept Marie Severin busy (along with numerous others, including Archie Comic's Henry Scarpelli) doing more parodies of popular culture. Dark Shadows, All in the Family, The Partridge Family, and other 70's attractions all ended up under the Spoof scope...
Plop!: DC mined some twisted comic gold with "Plop!" Running from 1973 to 1976, it contained a wealth of humor blended with a bit of the macabre. One big attraction to this title was the covers, often showcasing the talents of comic greats Basil Wolverton and Sergio Aragones.
Arrgh!: Marvel followed DC's entry into horror humor with "Arrgh!". This rather short-lived book ran from 1974 to1975, and again gave Marie Severin some fine cover opportunites. This book had both new stories and reprints from 1950's vintage "Crazy" comics. Incidentally, those reprints had art by the likes of Bill Everett and Carl Burgos. New work was seen by Ross Andru, Jerry Grandenetti, Mike Sekowsky and others...
Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew: In the Exciting Eighties, DC tossed superheroes, satire and funny animals into a blender and came up with "Captain Carrot". Humor maven Scott Shaw! gives life to the Captain, Alley-Kat-Abra, Fastback, Yankee Poodle, Pig Iron and more. One of the best arcs was the Zoo Crew's meeting with the JLA (that is , the "Justa Lotta Animals")...
Ambush Bug: Not one single title, but several mini-series, and numerous guest appearances (usually at the expense of Superman). Kieth Giffen skewered many superhero tropes, played with DC icons, and twisted both story and art. All the while hosted, guested, or devastated by the irrepressible Ambush Bug. He even managed a team-up in DC Comics Presents. One of my favorite AB gags involved him meeting Wonder Woman disguised as Mrs. Sappho; first name Suffern. WW was not amused, but I was...
I'm personally grateful to all these titles for keeping me chuckling throughout the Bronze age. Any of these, or any other books, tickle your funny bone?
