Funny Stuff: "Bronze Me, Big Eye" by Al Hartley

What it is, Groove-ophiles! How 'bout some fun in the sun with Archie and Veronica courtesy Al Hartley? At least, Archie wants some fun--Veronica only wants sun! From Pep #246 (August 1970), here's "Bronze Me, Big Eye!"

Sunday Funnies: Sugar and Spike Meet "Zelda the Walking Riot!"

Sheldon Mayer's Sugar and Spike ran was published by DC Comics for about 15 years and ran 98 issues. The stories were inspired by Mayer's own children, as well as by letters and stories that were sent to him by fans. Here's an example of why this series is so loved and well remembered. From Sugar and Spike #91 (May 1970), here's "Zelda the Walking Riot!"

Sunday Funnies: Spidey-Man vs. Gnatman and Rotten

From May, 1967-February, 1969, Marvel Comics published one of the weirdest comics ever. Called Not Brand Echh, the mag was filled with parodies of the comicbooks of the era. Not only did Marvel spoof their own superheroes, but the heroes of most other comicbook companies as well. It was corny, silly, and lots of fun! Just take the following eight pages of insanity from Not Brand Echh #2 (June, 1967): "Peter Pooper vs Gnatman and Rotten" by Stan Lee and Marie Severin. Please!!

Sunday Funnies: F-Troop

Young Groove loved F-Troop. It was kinda like McHales Navy (which I also loved), but set in the West. We don't see it much today, probably 'cause it's not "pc", but what the heck! With its (semi)star-studded cast and fall down funny situations, the worst fort in the west lasted for two seasons (September, 1965-April, 1967). Dell also produced seven issues of a comicbook version of F-Troop, which ended around the same time the show ended. Here's a sample from the final issue of F-Troop, Groove-ophiles!

Sunday Funnies: The Beverly Hillbillies in "Pass the Skis, Please"

Well doggies! I'm sure y'all have heard tell of an old TV show called the Beverly Hillbillies (mebbe you've even watched it!). It was a powerful big hit, I hear tell. They still show it in what they call "re-runs". Bet ya'll didn't know that Dell Comics published 21 issues of a comicbook about Jed and his kin from 1963 to 1971 (purt near as long as the TV show was on the air!). Well, they shore did. They's purty good stories, too. Take this'un from the Beverly Hillbillies #17 (February, 1967) called "Pass the Skis, Please". It's by a fella name'a Henry Scarpelli. From the name, he don't sound much like a mountain man, but he does a hum-dinger of a job'a capturin' the feel'a th' show. Sit a spell. Take your shoes off. Y'all come back now, y'hear?

Sunday Funnies: An Archie Christmas Classic

No matter what the era, you can always depend on the folks at Archie Comics to produce some fun Christmas-themed comics. Here's an Al Hartley classic from Laugh #275 (November, 1973), "Tree-Mendous". See if this one doesn't get you in the holiday mood, Groove-ophiles!