More Smokey Stylin' With Munson Paddock

Continuing from yesterday, we complete the run of Smoke Carter in 1939's Speed Comics from Munson Paddock (here signed as Joe E. Martin). As noted previously, there were only six episodes, usually six pages each. The final episode only has five pages, so perhaps they knew it was on the way out.

I still like the 'smokey' style Munson used which first drew me to the strip. It's even inspired me a bit while prepping the pages. (Whether that'll go anywhere remains to be seen). So let's race along with Smoke and the fire company to face Crime With A Crawl...

"A Brand New Adventure Feature..."

I guess they did know it was the last strip.

page art by Munson Paddock from Speed Comics #s 4-6 (1940)

Dicking Around On The Long Road To Mars

I know some are wondering - will Rex and Cynde ever make it to Mars?

Take hope -

But, before they made it that far, things happened. Let's jump in nearly a year after they started their journey to Mars...
 

After travelling so long, it almost seems like they sometimes have forgotten where they're going...
 

...but eventually an emergency calls them back to Earth...
 

...and, finally, back Off To Mars once again! 

At last, the destination looms ahead...
 

Ah, well. Maybe they'll get there next time...?

And, don't ya love Golden Age Science?

Hand held nuclear bombs that can be safely used in throwing range; Anti-matter liquid that can be applied to matter without mutual destruction; seemingly dozens of planets between Earth and Mars...

..and still better science than we get from our reality-fearing fake president and his sucklers.

page art by Dick Briefer from Mystery Men Comics #s 14-17 (1940)

Getting Artistic With Dick Briefer

Like many artists back in Golden Age days, Dick Briefer worked under names other than his own. In 1939, for the Biff Bannon strip he decided (the Editor decided? I wonder sometimes on those things) to use the name Remington Brant. After just a few appearances, they decided that might be too subtle and switched to Rem Brandt.

Unfortunately, i spent half an hour trying to get Blogger to upload the images and used up my typing time. My ride should be here momentarily for a foraging run - fresh produce is much needed. So, just a couple quick notes before i must rush off.

The first tale isn't here. I'd need to do some serious reconstruction work, including re-drawing a few missing panel bits. Instead, i'll wait to see if Hamir can provide a cleaner copy of Speed Comics #1. For now, at least.

While reading through, note how Briefer is working to find his style for the strip, and evolving towards what we'll later see on Frankenstein. Also note how some of the work evokes styles we'd see 30 years later.

Dig in and have a look-see -

That was the end of Dick Briefer's run on Biff Bannon. Art Helfant picked it up 3 issues later and continued with the character for another 6 years.

Okay - it's off down the hill to find some broccoli and spinach and whatever else looks good.

page art by Dick Briefer from Speed Comics #s 2-7 and 9-11 (1939, 1940)