Friday, March 7, 2014

Pecos Bill






A song from the 1948 Disney film, Melody Time. The cartoonist who actually drew the cover is uncredited. Any of you cartoon history folks want to take a guess who this artist might be?

Toni Gonzaga Sings Bacharach

Thursday, March 6, 2014

The Comix Files: Edward Bolman


































Bolman and I corresponded mostly from 1985-1993, and sporadically since then. He was a regular in City Limits Gazette and was even interviewed. We met several times in the 1980s once he stayed here in McCleary! His work is incredible and more complex than meets the eye.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

An Apple Blossom Wedding




It looks like the standards for sheet music covers had declined by 1947, when Nick drew this cover.

Marx Brothers fans might recognize Kenny Baker as the straight man in At the Circus

Favorite Movie Quotes: The Living Daylights

"I take it this is not a social call, 007."

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

The Drifters Sing Bacharach

The Comix Files: Bruce Bolinger





Nicktown, Pennsylvania cartoonist Bruce Bolinger was a subscriber to City Limits Gazette in the early 1990s. He contributed a great logo that was topical at the time-- the US Postal Service wanted the public to vote on whether to have a stamp with young or old Elvis.

Bruce also agreed to be interviewed. In both contributions he supplied CLG with beautiful originals inked on Denril.

Through a series of events one could not make up, I received a cold call in this era from one of my cartoonist heroes from the 1960s Mad days, Don Martin, due to Bruce's doing. We had a very strange and funny conversation. His wife Norma got on the line as well. Too long to explain here, but maybe I'll make it part of a stand-up routine next time I'm invited to speak at a comix deal. 

Anyway, it was an honor to have a cartoonist as accomplished and talented as Bolinger on board CLG to give the joint some class.



In a Shanty in Old Shanty Town





From 1932, with a nice line drawing cover by Harris. Note the electric power lines.

Also a fun ad on the back cover.

Petula Clark Sings Bacharach


Still going strong!