Popular Entertainment

Elvis Presley Record

This Museum's popular entertainment collections hold some of the Smithsonian's most beloved artifacts. The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz reside here, along with the Muppet character Kermit the Frog, and props from popular television series such as M*A*S*H and All in the Family. But as in many of the Museum's collections, the best-known objects are a small part of the story.

The collection also encompasses many other artifacts of 19th- and 20th-century commercial theater, film, radio, and TV—some 50,000 sound recordings dating back to 1903; posters, publicity stills, and programs from films and performances; puppets; numerous items from World's Fairs from 1851 to 1992; and audiovisual materials on Groucho Marx, to name only a few.

Topic: Comic Books

The New Avengers No. 39

The New Avengers No. 39 features the story "Echo," written by Brian Michael Bendis, with art by David Mack.
Description
The New Avengers No. 39 features the story "Echo," written by Brian Michael Bendis, with art by David Mack. The cover features the characters of Echo and Wolverine.
The superhero team “The Avengers” were introduced by Marvel Comic's creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1963' Avengers No.1. Comprised of many of Marvel’s most popular characters, the long-running series has been adapted for animated television series and in block-buster feature films.
Derived from the original Avengers series, the The New Avengers began in 2005.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2008-05
maker
Marvel Comics
ID Number
2018.0171.15
accession number
2018.0171
catalog number
2018.0171.15

Black Panther, Vol. 1 No. 4

Black Panther is a superhero created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, who first introduced the character in Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four #52 (1966.)The alter ego of T'Challa, genius ruler of the fictional African kingdom of Wakanda, Black Panther is considered the firs
Description
Black Panther is a superhero created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, who first introduced the character in Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four #52 (1966.)
The alter ego of T'Challa, genius ruler of the fictional African kingdom of Wakanda, Black Panther is considered the first black superhero to be featured in mainstream American comics.
In 1968, he was added to the roster of Marvel Comics' super-group, The Avengers, Earth's Mightiest Heroes. After headlining stories in Jungle Action the character was given his own ongoing series in 1977. This issue from that run features a story scripted and penciled by Jack Kirby.
Black Panther remains a mainstay of Marvel Comics, appearing in comics as well as in various media properties. In film, the character has been featured within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including 2018's Black Panther.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
Associated Name
Black Panther
maker
Marvel Comics
ID Number
2018.0171.07
accession number
2018.0171
catalog number
2018.0171.07

All-Star Squadron, Vol. 3, No. 23

All-Star Squadron is a DC comics super team set in the past that features both historic DC heroes as well as new characters. This issue features the introduction of Amazing-Man, an African American superhero created by writer Roy Thomas and Jerry Ordway.
Description
All-Star Squadron is a DC comics super team set in the past that features both historic DC heroes as well as new characters. This issue features the introduction of Amazing-Man, an African American superhero created by writer Roy Thomas and Jerry Ordway. Amazing-Man, a former Olympic athlete named Will Everett, was involved in a lab accident while working as a custodian. The accident left him with the ability to absorb the properties of anything he touched. As Amazing-Man, Everett fought with the All-Star Squadron, and participated in many of the important events in American civil rights history.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983-07
maker
D. C. Comics, Inc.
ID Number
2018.0171.13
accession number
2018.0171
catalog number
2018.0171.13

Batman No. 16

Batman issue No. 16 was published by DC Comics in April and May 1943 and sold for 10 cents. The blue cover features art credited to Jerry Robinson that depicts the silhouette of a man holding a gun and shining a flashlight on Batman and Robin, with the text “Surprise!
Description
Batman issue No. 16 was published by DC Comics in April and May 1943 and sold for 10 cents. The blue cover features art credited to Jerry Robinson that depicts the silhouette of a man holding a gun and shining a flashlight on Batman and Robin, with the text “Surprise! Somebody learns the true identities of Batman & Robin! Who can he be?”
In this issue, Bruce Wayne’s butler Alfred discovers the true identities of Batman and Robin and becomes their crime fighting ally. The issue contains the stories: "The Joker Reforms," "The Grade A Crimes," "The Adventures of the Branded Tree," and "Here Comes Alfred."
Batman made his comic debut in 1939 in Detective Comics No. 27 and received his own self-titled line of comic books in 1942.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943
maker
D. C. Comics, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.014
catalog number
2013.0086.014
accession number
2013.0086

Classic Comics No. 23: Oliver Twist

This issue of Classic Comics contained an adaptation of Charles Dicken’s novel Oliver Twist, published by the Gilberton Company, Inc. in July 1945. Georgina Campbell adapted the novel, and Arnold Hicks illustrated the cover art.
Description
This issue of Classic Comics contained an adaptation of Charles Dicken’s novel Oliver Twist, published by the Gilberton Company, Inc. in July 1945. Georgina Campbell adapted the novel, and Arnold Hicks illustrated the cover art. The cover depicts the titular character Oliver surrounded by the faces of the book’s other characters.
Classic Comics was a series of comic book adaptations of literary classics published from 1941 until 1971. The series aimed to expose young people to classic literature through the more popular medium of a comic book. Classic Comics was first published by Elliott Publishing in 1941, but founder Albert Kanter spun off publishing to the Gilberton Company in 1942. In 1947 Classic Comics became Classics Illustrated. Kanter sold the company to the Frawley Corporation in 1967, who published the series until 1971.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1945
maker
Gilberton Company, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.053
catalog number
2013.0086.053
accession number
2013.0086

Super Comics No. 95

Super Comics No. 95 was published by Dell Comics in April 1946. The cover features an image of Dick Tracy and his side kick Pat Patton exploring a darkened room.
Description
Super Comics No. 95 was published by Dell Comics in April 1946. The cover features an image of Dick Tracy and his side kick Pat Patton exploring a darkened room. To the right are inset pictures of the book’s stars; Dick Tracy, Smitty, Orphan Annie, Tiny Tim, Winnie Winkle, and Harold Teen.
Super Comics was produced by Western Publishing and financed and distributed by Dell Comics from 1938 until 1949. Dell was well-known for licensing strips and characters for its comics, including Dick Tracy, Tiny Tim, Little Orphan Annie, and Gasoline Alley.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1946
maker
Dell Publishing Company, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.099
catalog number
2013.0086.099
accession number
2013.0086

Classic Comics No. 13: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

This issue of Classic Comics contained an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde that was published by the Gilberton Company, Inc. in August 1943. The cover has art by Arnold Hicks that depicts Mr. Hyde terrorizing a fleeing crowd.
Description
This issue of Classic Comics contained an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde that was published by the Gilberton Company, Inc. in August 1943. The cover has art by Arnold Hicks that depicts Mr. Hyde terrorizing a fleeing crowd. The novel was adapted by Evelyn Goodman, the issue additionally contained a biography of Stevenson with the story “Secret Under the Sea” by Dan Kushner.
Classic Comics was a series of comic book adaptations of literary classics published from 1941 until 1971. The series aimed to expose young people to classic literature through the more popular medium of a comic book. Classic Comics was first published by Elliott Publishing in 1941, but founder Albert Kanter spun off publishing to the Gilberton Company in 1942. In 1947 Classic Comics became Classics Illustrated. Kanter sold the company to the Frawley Corporation in 1967, who published the series until 1971.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1942
maker
Gilberton Company, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.043
catalog number
2013.0086.043
accession number
2013.0086

Classic Comics No. 9: Les Miserables

This issue of Classic Comics contained an adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel Les Misérables that was published by the Gilberton Company, Inc. in March 1943. The cover has art by Rolland H.
Description
This issue of Classic Comics contained an adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel Les Misérables that was published by the Gilberton Company, Inc. in March 1943. The cover has art by Rolland H. Livingstone that depicts Jean Valjean carrying a wounded Marius through Paris’ sewers as they are pursued by Javert and the French police. The adaptation from the novel was written by Evelyn Goodman, and the issue included a biography of Victor Hugo and a short story called “The Statue of Liberty: A Gift from France.”
Classic Comics was a series of comic book adaptations of literary classics published from 1941 until 1971. The series aimed to expose young people to classic literature through the more popular medium of a comic book. Classic Comics was first published by Elliott Publishing in 1941, but founder Albert Kanter spun off publishing to the Gilberton Company in 1942. In 1947 Classic Comics became Classics Illustrated. Kanter sold the company to the Frawley Corporation in 1967, who published the series until 1971.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943
referenced
Dickens, Charles
maker
Gilberton Company, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.039
catalog number
2013.0086.039
accession number
2013.0086

America’s Greatest Comics No. 3

America’s Greatest Comics issue No. 3 was published by Fawcett Publications, Inc. May through August 1942 and sold for 15 cents.
Description
America’s Greatest Comics issue No. 3 was published by Fawcett Publications, Inc. May through August 1942 and sold for 15 cents. The cover features large figures of the superheroes Captain Marvel, Bulletman and Spy Smasher rolling up their sleeves and approaching "Tokio" (Tokyo) by sea with U.S. battleships in the background.
This issue features the stories of: Captain Marvel defeating the mad scientist Sivana and his Magno-Ray; Mr. Scarlet fighting Morto the Spirit of Murder who had teamed up with Hitler, Mussolini, and Hirohito; the Spy Smasher battling the Nazi’s in occupied France; Minute-Man solving the mystery of a millionaire’s murder; and Bulletman vanquishing the million year old man of evil.
Issues of America’s Greatest Comics included several stories, each featuring a different hero, within its 100 page full color book. The superheroes featured in these comics were the most popular characters of Fawcett Publications who also appeared in other comics.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1942
maker
Fawcett Publications, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.006
catalog number
2013.0086.006
accession number
2013.0086

Batman No. 10

Batman issue No. 10 was published by DC Comics in April and May 1942 and sold for 10 cents.
Description
Batman issue No. 10 was published by DC Comics in April and May 1942 and sold for 10 cents. The cover art, credited to Jerry Robinson, depicts Batman holding a paintbrush and Robin holding a pen standing atop an artist’s board featuring an unfinished comics page.
The stories in this issue include: "The Isle that Time Forgot," "Report Card Blues," "The Princess of Plunder," and “The Sheriff of Ghost Town."
Batman made his comic debut in Detective Comics No. 27 in 1939 before receiving his own self-titled line of books in 1942.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1942
maker
D. C. Comics, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.011
catalog number
2013.0086.011
accession number
2013.0086

Classic Comics No. 25: Two Years Before the Mast

This issue of Classic Comics contained an adaptation of Richard Henry Dana, Jr.’s novel Two Years Before the Mast, published by the Gilberton Company, Inc. in October 1945.
Description
This issue of Classic Comics contained an adaptation of Richard Henry Dana, Jr.’s novel Two Years Before the Mast, published by the Gilberton Company, Inc. in October 1945. Ruth Roche adapted the novel to the comic format, Robert Hayward Webb and David Heames composed the cover art. The cover depicts sailors laboring under a ship’s rope while a captain stands by with whip in hand. Published in 1840, Two Years Before the Mast recounted Dana’s time spent as a common sailor on a merchant ship that traveled from Boston to California around Cape Horn. The book served to educate the public about the hardships of sailor’s lives. It also provided a rare description of pre-gold rush California.
Classic Comics was a series of comic book adaptations of literary classics published from 1941 until 1971. The series aimed to expose young people to classic literature through the more popular medium of a comic book. Classic Comics was first published by Elliott Publishing in 1941, but founder Albert Kanter spun off publishing to the Gilberton Company in 1942. In 1947 Classic Comics became Classics Illustrated. Kanter sold the company to the Frawley Corporation in 1967, who published the series until 1971.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1945
maker
Gilberton Company, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.055
catalog number
2013.0086.055
accession number
2013.0086

X-Men No. 32

Artist Andy Kubert's cover for this X-Men comic book features the character of Psylocke fighting the villain Spiral. Psylocke, a superhero with telepathic abilities and psionic weapons, was introduced by Marvel Comics in 1979 as Betsy Braddock, sister of Captain Britain.
Description
Artist Andy Kubert's cover for this X-Men comic book features the character of Psylocke fighting the villain Spiral. Psylocke, a superhero with telepathic abilities and psionic weapons, was introduced by Marvel Comics in 1979 as Betsy Braddock, sister of Captain Britain. She was integrated into the X-Men series 1986.
In 1989, Marvel made the controversial decision to introduce a storyline where the British Braddock exchanges bodies with that of an East Asian. Marvel Comics' X-Men were introduced by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby in 1963. The story follows a group of mutants born with superpowers led by wheelchair using telepath Professor Charles Xavier. Facing fear and prejudice for their differences, the comic has been used an allegory for topics related to race, gender and sexual identity. The X-Men first ran from 1963-1970, being reintroduced in 1975.
The X-Men have become one of Marvel's most notable franchises, introducing many of the company's most popular characters and many spin-off titles as well as movies, television programs, video games and other merchandise.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1994-05
maker
Marvel Comics
ID Number
2018.0171.09
accession number
2018.0171
catalog number
2018.0171.09

Super Magician Comics No. 11

Super Magician Comics Vol. 1 No. 11 was published by Street and Smith in March of 1943. Jack Binder illustrated the cover of the issue featuring the story "Blackstone's Magic Conquers the Fire Wizards".
Description
Super Magician Comics Vol. 1 No. 11 was published by Street and Smith in March of 1943. Jack Binder illustrated the cover of the issue featuring the story "Blackstone's Magic Conquers the Fire Wizards". Binder's cover depicts the magician Blackstone emerging from flames next to his assistant Rhoda while disarming the Fire Wizards of their swords. The issue also featured Simon Savant in “The Evil Dr. Svengall,” Desperate Ambrose Deteckativ, Supersnipe in “The Power of Magic,” and the Blackstone Jr. Magicians in “Marionettes.”
Super Magician Comics was originally published in May of 1941 under the title Super Magic Comics before changing its name for the rest of its five-year run. Super Magician Comics ran in five volumes, with most of the issues featuring fictionalized adventures of the real-life magician, the Great Blackstone (Harry Blackstone, Sr.). Walter B. Gibson (pen name Maxwell Grant) was a friend of Blackstone’s and wrote the comics to be given away at his shows. The issues sold out at newsstands as well, helping Blackstone sell more tickets and increasing the popularity of the comic. Blackstone also starred in a radio drama written by Gibson, as well as the ensuing comic books Master Magician Comics and Blackstone, the Magician Detective.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943
maker
Dell Publishing Company, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.096
catalog number
2013.0086.096
accession number
2013.0086

Batman No. 18

Batman issue No. 18 was published by DC Comics in August and September 1943. It sold for 10 cents.
Description
Batman issue No. 18 was published by DC Comics in August and September 1943. It sold for 10 cents. The yellow cover has art credited to Dick Sprang that depicts Batman and Robin running from an exploding fire cracker that knocks down cartoon caricatures of the Axis leaders Hitler, Mussolini, and Tōjō. The cover bears the caption “Insure the 4th of July! Buy War Bonds and Stamps!” Many comics of the period encouraged patriotism and participation in the war effort.
This issue contains the stories "The Secret of Hunters Inn," "Robin Studies his Lessons," The Good Samaritan Cops," and “The Crime Surgeon."
Batman made his comic debut in 1939 in Detective Comics No. 27 and received his own self-titled line of comic books in 1942.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943
referenced
Hitler, Adolph
Mussolini, Benito
Tojo, Hideki
maker
D. C. Comics, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.015
catalog number
2013.0086.015
accession number
2013.0086

More Fun Comics No. 77

More Fun Comics No. 77 was published by DC Comics in March 1942 and sold for 10 cents per copy. The cover art by George Papp features Green Arrow and Speedy battling two thugs on a rooftop, with an inset portrait in the upper left featuring the Spectre.
Description
More Fun Comics No. 77 was published by DC Comics in March 1942 and sold for 10 cents per copy. The cover art by George Papp features Green Arrow and Speedy battling two thugs on a rooftop, with an inset portrait in the upper left featuring the Spectre. This issue features Green Arrow in "Doom over Gayland;" Doctor Fate in "Art for Crimes Sake;" Radio Squad in "The Blackout Burglary;" Aquaman in "Freedom of the Seas;" Johnny Quick in "The Wizard of Weapons;" and the Spectre in "Death Rules the Elements."
This anthology comic series was published as New Fun in February 1935, More Fun in January 1936, and More Fun Comics from March 1936 until November 1947. In issue no. 108 of More Fun Comics the series phased out superheroes in order to switch to an all-humor format.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1942
maker
D. C. Comics, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.075
catalog number
2013.0086.075
accession number
2013.0086

Classic Comics No. 31: The Black Arrow

This issue of Classic Comics contained an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel The Black Arrow. Ruth Roche and Tom Scott adapted the novel for comic publication by the Gilberton Company, Inc. in October 1946. Arnold L.
Description
This issue of Classic Comics contained an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel The Black Arrow. Ruth Roche and Tom Scott adapted the novel for comic publication by the Gilberton Company, Inc. in October 1946. Arnold L. Hicke illustrated that cover that depicts the protagonist Richard Shelton and the heroine Joanna Sedley battling the forces of the sinister Sir Daniel.
Classic Comics was a series of comic book adaptations of literary classics published from 1941 until 1971. The series aimed to expose young people to classic literature through the more popular medium of a comic book. Classic Comics was first published by Elliott Publishing in 1941, but founder Albert Kanter spun off publishing to the Gilberton Company in 1942. In 1947 Classic Comics became Classics Illustrated. Kanter sold the company to the Frawley Corporation in 1967, who published the series until 1971.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1946
maker
Gilberton Company, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.059
catalog number
2013.0086.059
accession number
2013.0086

Classic Comics No. 14: Westward Ho!

This issue of Classic Comics contained an adaptation of Charles Kingsley’s novel Westward Ho! that was published by the Gilberton Company, Inc. in September 1943.
Description
This issue of Classic Comics contained an adaptation of Charles Kingsley’s novel Westward Ho! that was published by the Gilberton Company, Inc. in September 1943. The cover art by Allen Simon depicts a fight between the British protagonist Amyas Leigh and his shipmate’s again Spanish seamen. The novel was adapted as a comic book by Dan Kushner. The issue also contained a biography of Kingsley, as well as the stories: “The Railway Train” by Emily Dickinson, “Victory March” by Evelyn Goodman, and “The Cost of Carelessness” by David Butler.
Classic Comics was a series of comic book adaptations of literary classics published from 1941 until 1971. The series aimed to expose young people to classic literature through the more popular medium of a comic book. Classic Comics was first published by Elliott Publishing in 1941, but founder Albert Kanter spun off publishing to the Gilberton Company in 1942. In 1947 Classic Comics became Classics Illustrated. Kanter sold the company to the Frawley Corporation in 1967, who published the series until 1971.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1942
maker
Gilberton Company, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.044
catalog number
2013.0086.044
accession number
2013.0086

Batman No. 9

Batman issue No. 9 was published by DC Comics in February through March of 1942 and sold for 10 cents.
Description
Batman issue No. 9 was published by DC Comics in February through March of 1942 and sold for 10 cents. The black cover has art credited to Jack Burnley, and shows Batman and Robin standing in a yellow spotlight.
The stories in this issue include: "The Four Fates," "The White Whale," "The Case of the Lucky-Law Breakers," and "Christmas."
Batman made his comic debut in Detective Comics No. 27 in 1939 before receiving his own self-titled line of comic books in 1942.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1942
maker
D. C. Comics, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.010
catalog number
2013.0086.010
accession number
2013.0086

Sabre, Vol. 1, No. 5

Created by writer Don McGregor and artist Paul Gulacy, Sabre, a futuristic freedom fighter, was introduced in a 1978 graphic novel published by Eclipse Enterprises.
Description
Created by writer Don McGregor and artist Paul Gulacy, Sabre, a futuristic freedom fighter, was introduced in a 1978 graphic novel published by Eclipse Enterprises. Subtitled Slow Fade of an Endangered Species, Sabre was one of the first books to be distributed only in comic shops. From 1982-1985 the character was given his own bi-monthly publication which ran for 14 issues.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983-07
ID Number
2018.0171.04
accession number
2018.0171
catalog number
2018.0171.04

Classics Illustrated No. 44: Mysteries of Paris

This issue of Classics Illustrated contained an adaptation of Eugène Sue’s 1842 novel The Mysteries of Paris. Gilberton Publishing, Inc. published this issue of Classics Illustrated in December 1947. H. C.
Description
This issue of Classics Illustrated contained an adaptation of Eugène Sue’s 1842 novel The Mysteries of Paris. Gilberton Publishing, Inc. published this issue of Classics Illustrated in December 1947. H. C. Kiefer illustrated the cover that depicts the character of Rodolph carrying the orphan Fleur-de-Marie to the farm of Madame Georges.
Classic Comics was a series of comic book adaptations of literary classics published from 1941 until 1971. The series aimed to expose young people to classic literature through the more popular medium of a comic book. Classic Comics was first published by Elliott Publishing in 1941, but founder Albert Kanter spun off publishing to the Gilberton Company in 1942. In 1947 Classic Comics became Classics Illustrated. Kanter sold the company to the Frawley Corporation in 1967, who published the series until 1971.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1947
maker
Gilberton Company, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.106
catalog number
2013.0086.106
accession number
2013.0086

America’s Greatest Comics No. 1

America’s Greatest Comics issue No. 1 was published by Fawcett Publications, Inc. in the fall of 1941 and sold for 15 cents. The cover features the superhero characters Spy Smasher, Bullet Man, Captain Marvel, Minute-Man, and Mr.
Description
America’s Greatest Comics issue No. 1 was published by Fawcett Publications, Inc. in the fall of 1941 and sold for 15 cents. The cover features the superhero characters Spy Smasher, Bullet Man, Captain Marvel, Minute-Man, and Mr. Scarlet.
This issue features the stories of: Captain Marvel defeating the Ghost of the Deep; Bulletman and Bulletgirl taking down the thieving Invisible Man; the Minute-Man destroying the sinister Mr. Skeleton; Spy Smasher routing America Smasher; and Mr. Scarlet battling the Death Battalion.
Issues of America’s Greatest Comics included several stories, each featuring a different hero, within its 100 page full color book. The superheroes featured in these comics were the most popular characters of Fawcett Publications who also appeared in other comics.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1941
maker
Fawcett Publications, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.004
catalog number
2013.0086.004
accession number
2013.0086

More Fun Comics No. 83

More Fun Comics No. 83 was published by DC Comics in September 1942 and sold for 10 cents per copy. George Papp illustrated the cover, which depicts Green Arrow and Speedy battling a giant octopus underwater.
Description
More Fun Comics No. 83 was published by DC Comics in September 1942 and sold for 10 cents per copy. George Papp illustrated the cover, which depicts Green Arrow and Speedy battling a giant octopus underwater. The cover inset features an American flag along with the text “Keep it Flying!” This issue features Green Arrow in "The Five Arrows," Doctor Fate in "The Two Fates," Radio Squad in "The Case of the Talking Ghost," Aquaman in "Thomas Jefferson's Treasure," Johnny Quick in "Mercury Messenger Service," and the Spectre in "Leatherpusher Law."
This anthology comic series was published as New Fun in February 1935, More Fun in January 1936, and More Fun Comics from March 1936 until November 1947. In issue no. 108 of More Fun Comics the series phased out superheroes in order to switch to an all-humor format.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1942
maker
D. C. Comics, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.077
catalog number
2013.0086.077
accession number
2013.0086

Classic Comics No. 2: Ivanhoe

This issue of Classic Comics, published by the Elliot Publishing Company in December 1941, features an adaption of Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe.Classic Comics was a series of comic book adaptations of literary classics published from 1941 until 1971.
Description
This issue of Classic Comics, published by the Elliot Publishing Company in December 1941, features an adaption of Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe.
Classic Comics was a series of comic book adaptations of literary classics published from 1941 until 1971. The series aimed to expose young people to classic literature through the more popular medium of a comic book. Classic Comics was first published by Elliott Publishing in 1941, but founder Albert Kanter spun off publishing to the Gilberton Company in 1942. In 1947 Classic Comics became Classics Illustrated. Kanter sold the company to the Frawley Corporation in 1967, who published the series until 1971.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1942
maker
Gilberton Company, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.034
catalog number
2013.0086.034
accession number
2013.0086

America’s Greatest Comics No. 7

America’s Greatest Comics issue No. 7 was published by Fawcett Publications, Inc. in the spring of 1943 and sold for 15 cents.
Description
America’s Greatest Comics issue No. 7 was published by Fawcett Publications, Inc. in the spring of 1943 and sold for 15 cents. The cover features the superhero Captain Marvel showing a young boy a model of a futuristic city.
This issue features the stories of: Captain Marvel foiling Dr. Ratte’s plot for a secret Nazi invasion using Ratte’s transporter invention; Commando Yank battling the Nazis in Holland; Mr. Scarlet busting a gang of diamond smugglers; Minute-Man stealing priceless art from Joseph Goebbels and selling it for War Bonds; Balbo the Boy Magician stopping Nazi spies from stealing a secret formula for explosives; and Bulletman and Bulletgirl defeating Jascha Vodka and a burglary scheme at a theatre.
Issues of America’s Greatest Comics included several stories, each featuring a different hero, within its 100 page full color book. The superheroes featured in these comics were the most popular characters of Fawcett Publications who also appeared in other comics.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943
maker
Fawcett Publications, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.008
catalog number
2013.0086.008
accession number
2013.0086

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.