No, you haven’t been sniffing glue! This week’s ODDBALL COMIC is an issue of ARCHIE’S MADHOUSE with a great cover-gag about the “monster model” fad of the Swingin’ Sixties drawn by TALES CALCULATED TO DRIVE YOU BATS’ brilliant co-creator Orlando Busino! Plus, tons of pop-cultural stories, articles, gags and an early tale of “Sabrina The Teen Witch”, with the whole magilla hosted by Archie Comics’ forgotten superhero, Captain Sprocket! Plus, a pants-less golfing lesson for a sexual “hole-in-one”! But what’s the story on the incredible coincidence between this cover and a concurrent similar-but-entirely-different one for MAD magazine?
[fieldinserts][issuetitle]Title: [subissuetitle]Archie's Madhouse[subissuetitle]
[issuetitle][issue]Issue: [subissue]No. 36[subissue]
[issue][publicationdate]Date: [subpublicationdate]October, 1964[subpublicationdate]
[publicationdate][publisher]Publisher: [subpublisher]Archie Comic Publications, Inc.[subpublisher]
[publisher][coverartists]Cover Artist(s): [subcoverartists]Orlando Busino[subcoverartists]
[coverartists][introtext]No, you haven’t been sniffing glue! This week’s ODDBALL COMIC is an issue of ARCHIE’S MADHOUSE with a great cover-gag about the “monster model” fad of the Swingin’ Sixties drawn by TALES CALCULATED TO DRIVE YOU BATS’ brilliant co-creator Orlando Busino! Plus, tons of pop-cultural stories, articles, gags and an early tale of “Sabrina The Teen Witch”,
with the whole magilla hosted by Archie Comics’ forgotten superhero,
Captain Sprocket! Plus, a pants-less golfing lesson for a sexual “hole-in-one”!
But what’s the story on the incredible coincidence between this cover
and a concurrent similar-but-entirely-different one for MAD magazine?[introtext]
[fieldinserts] Let’s compare cartoonist Orlando Busino’s cover for this issue of ARCHIE’S MADHOUSE to that of painter Norman Mingo’s cover for MAD No. 89 (September, 1964). Of course, that MAD cover resulted in -- or, more likely, been an intentional plug for -- 1965’s “Alfred E. Newman” plastic model “wacky action kit” from Aurora. Although the cover-dates of each periodical indicate that any “swiping” was simply impossible -- after all, they hit newsstands only a month apart -- it’s fascinating to see how the gag is played entirely differently. While the core of the reversal-gag -- “human model kits for monsters” -- is the same in both examples, the MAD cover focuses on the Frankenstein monster’s expression of utter concentration while assembling his “Alfred E. Neuman” kit, while the ARCHIE’S MADHOUSE cover shows a cast of terrific Busino-designed monsters, revolted by the image of a “human model”. Considering the date -- Orlando Busino quit working for Archie after TALES CALCULATED TO DRIVE YOU BATS No. 3 (March, 1062), this may even be a cover originally intended for BATS! (It’s also interesting to note that, although its cover exploits the then-current monster model fad, there’s not a single monster-centric gag or story in the contents of this issue of ARCHIE’S MADHOUSE.)
Its first issue -- cover-dated Oct. – Nov., 1952 -- EC's TALES CALCULATED TO DRIVE YOU MAD (soon to be known simply as MAD) was a humor/satire comic book series that became incredibly influential within a year or so of its initial appearance. In fact, it spawned dozens of four-color imitations published by most of the comic book companies in existence at the time. Although not especially quick to jump on the MAD bandwagon, Archie Comics eventually responded to the trend, launching ARCHIE'S MADHOUSE -- also published under the title MADHOUSE MA-AD -- in September, 1959. (Ajax/Farrell had already published a satirical comic titled MADHOUSE in 1954 and 1957.) Please notice how the cover-logo separates "Madhouse" into two words, probably to further promote the concept that this comic is somehow connected with the "real" MAD, although this isn't done with any consistency within the interior pages of this comic itself.. Although the early issues of ARCHIE'S MADHOUSE featured the typical antics of Archie and his Riverdale pals 'n' gals, the comic began to resemble MAD magazine, full of articles and gag-strips that only occasionally featured Archie's gang. (Please note that Archie and his friends are shoehorned into this issue as "presenters" of most of the articles therein, somewhat like wholesome versions of such "horror hosts" as EC's “Old Witch”, “the Vault-Keeper” and “the Crypt-Keeper”). ARCHIE'S MADHOUSE provided the perfect vehicle to present short (and intentionally juvenile) parodies of whatever fads and crazes were currently popular with teen-agers: monster movies, science fiction, westerns, rock 'n' roll groups, television series, superheroes, spies, TV commercials, hippies, beatniks, etc. Of course, all of these were rendered with the squeaky-clean veneer associated that was typical of Archie's line of titles. Allowing ARCHIE'S MADHOUSE to skew much younger than MAD's teenage and adult audience.
The first issue of ARCHIE'S MADHOUSE (or "MAD HOUSE", depending upon the issue) was cover-dated September, 1959 and the final issue was No 66, cover-dated February, 1969. Following that, the series changed its title to MADHOUSE MA-AD JOKES from issue No. 67 (April, 1969) through No. 70, then MADHOUSE MA-AD FREAK OUT from issue No. 71 through 72 (January, 1970). After that, the title became MADHOUSE GLADS from Issue No. 73 (May, 1970) through No. 94 (August. 1974) – but skipping No. 78 through No. 92! Finally, the title shifted to MAD HOUSE and the genre to horror with its 95th issue (September, 1974). The final issue of MAD HOUSE was No. 130, cover-dated October, 1982. There were also eleven different annuals published under the umbrella of Archie's "Madhouse" titles, as well as a single digest reprint collection.
In 1957, when Universal released a package of 52 of its classic monster and horror movies to local television stations under the title “Shock Theater”, the Frankenstein Monster, Dracula, the Wolf Man and other creepy creatures gained an entirely new young audience. In turn, this phenomenon spawned publisher James Warren’s and editor Forrest J Ackerman’s FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND -- the first issue of which was cover-dated February, 1958 -- a black-and-white magazine aimed directly at the new generation of monster fans. As monster mania swept across adolescent America, the Aurora Plastics Corp. took a risk to capitalize on this fad and issued the world’s first “monster model” kit -- Universal’s “Frankenstein” -- as portrayed by Boris Karloff, priced at a mere 98¢. (Of course, since glue and paint weren’t included, hobby shop and toy store owners usually made a nice profit on each kit sold.) This was quickly followed with ready-to-assemble kits of “Dracula” and “the Wolfman,” also stars of their own Universal film series. Before long, Aurora’s line of monster models included “The Creature From The Black Lagoon”, “The Mummy”, “Dr. Jekyll as Mr. Hyde”, “King Kong”, “Godzilla”, “The Hunchback Of Notre Dame”, “The Bride Of Frankenstein”, “The Phantom Of The Opera”, “The Witch”, “The Forgotten Prisoner Of Castlemare” (created by the fiendish folks at FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND), “The Munsters”, “The Addams Family’s House”, “Rodan”, “Ghidorah”, “Big Frankie” (a huge, “superdeformed” version of Frankenstein’s Monster) and many more, including two kits containing elements to “customize” their standard-issue monsters and even a guillotine kit. Aurora’s success inspired other model kit manufacturers to create their own lines of monsters, including Revell’s hot-rod-driving “Finks”, led by “Rat Fink” (created by custom car genius Ed “Big Daddy” Roth), Hawk’s similarly automotive “Weird-Ohs” (designed by model kit box illustrator Bill Campbell), Monogram’s “Fred Flypogger” (created by future Grateful Dead artist Stanley “Mouse!” Moskowitz) and even Lindberg. These hot rod-themed monster kids influenced Aurora Plastics, Inc., who then expanded their line to include “Frankenstein’s Flivver”, “Dracula’s Dragster”, “Wolfman’s Wagon”, “Mummy’s Chariot“, “Godzilla’s Go Kart” and “King Kong’s Thronester”. A series of “Aurora Monster Scenes” -- featuring Warren Publications’ “Vampirella” -- followed later, but were not nearly as successful, attracting criticism from various parents’ groups for its replication of various medieval torture devices and a designated female “victim” to use ‘em on. The monster model fad remained strong through 1966 or so, then resurfaced in the 1990s in the form of authorized reissued “classic” kits and limited edition (usually unauthorized) “garage kits”; the craze, though significantly subdued, still exists, with a number of magazines and conventions devoted to monster model kits.
Cartoonist Orlando Francis Busino was born on October 10, 1926 in Binghamton, New York. With Bob Kane and Will Eisner among his artistic influences, Orlando set his sights on becoming a cartoonist when he was nine years old. He graduated from Iowa State University (where he received a B.A. in fine arts) and also studied at New York City’s School Of Visual Arts. Orlando’s gag cartoons have appeared in many “slick” magazines, including ARGOSY, BOYS’ LIFE (his “Gus”, a strip about a lovable mutt, ran in the Boy Scout publication starting in 1971), GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, LADIES HOME JOURNAL. McCALLS, READERS DIGEST, SATURDAY EVENING POST and TRUE. He’s drawn advertising for Union Carbide. In 1981, Ardor Publishing Co. issued two paperback collections of “Gus” -- GUS: GOOD BOY and OH, GUS! Orlando also lettered the syndicated newspaper comic strip GIL THORP. Orlando’s output for comic books is slim but extremely memorable. After working with writer George Gladir on various covers and features for ARCHIE’S MADHOUSE, he co-created the company’s TALES CALCULATED TO DRIVE YOU BATS (both 1961 - 1962), but unfortunately, after three spectacularly-drawn issues, quit due to a dispute with Archie management. Orlando received the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Division Award for Magazine Gag Cartooning in 1965, 1967 and 1968. Orlando Busino has lived in Ridgefield, Connecticut since 1961. Orlando and his cartoonist friend Jerry (TRUDY) Marcus enjoys doing drawing demonstrations at many schools and libraries in the area. Reflecting upon his life as a cartoonist, Orlando has said, “"I've enjoyed it all the way. Cartooning is not something you go into unless you enjoy it."
At age nine, writer George Gladir won a Mickey Mouse sweater in a contest in MICKEY MOUSE MAGAZINE. A few years later, he had the winning entry in a "Buffalo Bob" cartoon contest that appeared in TIP TOP COMICS. Winning a dollar was nice, but even more significant to George was seeing his drawing and name in print in a comic book. In 1943, at the age of seventeen, while attending Cooper Union Institute in the evening, George landed an apprentice-type job at Eisner and Iger; Will Eisner was away in the service at the time. But within a few months, he enlisted in the Army and served as a combat infantryman in France and Germany during which time George was a POW for sixteen days. George didn't get back to the comic book field for many years. Following his discharge from the Army, he went to NYU on the GI Bill of Rights, majoring in History and English. After graduation there was another stint in the Army, this time as a Psychological Warfare Officer in Germany. While in the service he could still feel the lure of cartooning tugging at him. George sold a number a gag cartoons to various publications-including several cartoon ideas to the NEW YORKER. Upon his second discharge he took a job at a bank and enrolled in a night course at New York's Cartoonists and Illustrator's School (changed later to the School of Visual Arts). Two of George's classmates were Bob Weber, later to create the hilarious MOOSE strip for King Features, and Orlando Busino, who became a top-selling gag cartoonist for major magazines like THE SATURDAY EVENING POST. Years later, George and Orlando would co-create the classic Oddball monster parody comic, TALES CALCULATED TO DRIVE YOU BATS! (1961). After leaving C&I, George submitted gag cartoons to various magazines for several years. In1959, a cartoonist friend of George's told him that Archie Comics was looking for a writer. He started submitting one-page gags for ARCHIE'S JOKE BOOK, and George quickly found his niche at Archie and has been writing for the publisher ever since, for forty-seven years and counting. In 1961, George also started working for CRACKED magazine a humor magazine in the tradition of MAD. George wrote over 2,000 pages for the magazine, collaborating with such talented cartoonists as John Severin and Don Orehek. Always exploring new creative possibilities, in 1991, George sold a series ‚– drawn by cartoonist Tetsuya Ohyama -- with the title "Is That True?" ("Honto Ko Na?"), a humorous feature on an American's misconceptions about life in Japan, to Kodansha, a major Japanese publisher. This feature ran for 69 episodes over four years. George's experiences in Japan also inspired a new fantasy-adventure series for Rorschach Entertainment, CINDY AND HER OBASAN, co-created with the great Stan Goldberg; the first issue was published in October, 2006. Still quite busy, concocting new characters and stories, George lives in Carlsbad, California with his wife Mary.
Cartoonist Joseph “Joe” Edwards (1921 - 2/8/2007), inspired by the work of Will Eisner and Walt Disney, studied at Rome Academy and the Hastings Animation School, then began working on comic books in 1937, working in the “Demby Studios” shop, an outfit that “packaged” comic books for various publishers. Joe also drew funny animal features for Dell and Eastern Color Printing (“Victor The Vegetarian Vulture” and “Friendly Fox”) and in 1942, began working for his lifelong employer, MLJ/Radio Comics, AKA Archie Comics. Joe’s “Bumble The Bee-tective”, “Cubby The Bear” and “Squoimy The Woim” all appeared as back-up features in ARCHIE COMICS No. 1. Joe also drew “Chimpy”, “Judge Owl’s Fables” and “It Shouldn’t Happen To A Dog” for MLJ/Radio Comics. During World War II, Joe was stationed in Naples, Italy; there, the soldier illustrated various U.S. Army training manuals. As the publisher enjoyed great success with “Archie”, Joe turned to writing and drawing strips about humorous humans. Foremost among these was Joe’s creation, “Li’l Jinx”, who first appeared in the pages of PEP COMICS No. 62 (July, 1947) as a replacement for “The Black Hood”, a superhero feature. A “kid strip” that preceded cartoonist Hank Ketcham’s DENNIS THE MENACE syndicated newspaper comic strip by four years. “Li’l Jinx” Holliday -- so named because she was born on Halloween, a birth-date she shared with Joe’s son -- usually starred in Joe’s specialty, one-page “filler” gag-strips, although in 1956 she also received her own short-lived title, as well as a handful of “specials”. Although Li’l Jinx was never officially named as such, she lived in Archie’s home town of “Riverdale” and made a few appearances in various “Archie” stories. Later, Joe created “Shrimpy” a PEANUTS-like feature that appeared in various “Archie” titles. He also worked on “Super Duck” and “Captain Sprocket”, “Professor Transistor” and “Wilbur”, among other ongoing Archie characters. For decades, Joe also wrote, drew and inked an amazing amount of one-page gag-strips featuring Archie Andrews and his “pals ‘n’ gals”. Joe’s work often appeared in the pages of ARCHIE’S JOKE BOOK, ARCHIE’S MADHOUSE and TALES CALCULATED TO DRIVE YOU BATS. In 1980, Joe created LEISURE ACRES, a strip for the newspaper of “Retirement Village”. In 1987, Joe worked on Marvel’s HEATHCLIFF, part of the publisher’s short-lived “Star Comics” line aimed at younger readers. Joe also did work in advertising, designing children’s apparel and magazine gag cartoons. Joe was also a member of the “Berndt Toast Gang”, the Long Island chapter of the National Cartoonists Society.
Included in this issue of ARCHIE’S MADHOUSE are the following stories, features and advertisements:
ODDBALL FACTOID – “Hap Holliday”, the father of Joe Edwards’ most famous creation, “Li’l Jinx”, was once revealed to be a collector of so-called “Golden Age” comic books!
New Next Week: ODDBALL COMIC #1,226 -- MAY 26, 2008 -- KONA, MONARCH OF MONSTER ISLE has fought dozens of dinosaurs, giant insects, super-sharks, huge spiders, radioactive saber-tooth tigers, monstrous mutants and even a colossal kitty-cat! But nothing has prepared the white-haired Cro -Magnon caveman for his trip to Atlantis, where he battles some of the weirdest funnybook foes ever seen! Yes, it’s another issue of one of ODDBALL COMICS’ all-time favorite series, featuring psychedelic dialog and mind-blowing art by the great Sam (“USS Stevens”) Glanzman!