Featuring the original iterations of Popeye, Mickey Mouse and Betty Boop… Robert V. Conte’s Studio Chikara has a swell new comic-book series out — Public Domain Funnies Comics, an anthology featuring the earliest iterations of Popeye, Mickey Mouse and Betty Boop that are now freely available for modern creators to reinterpret. “Ever since my first exposure to these characters during childhood, I fantasized about creating my own stories with them,” Conte, a comics veteran, said. “Now that so many of my favorite comics and cartoons have entered the public domain in the United States, that dream has become reality.” The initial, 32-page issue features the first appearances by Mickey, Popeye, and Betty (who was originally a dog) reimagined by creators such as Milton Knight, Ken Wheaton, Richard Maurizio, Michael Grassia, Patrick Owsley, and others. Stories include adaptations of 1928’s “Plane Crazy,” 1929’s “Thimble Theatre,” and 1930’s “Dizzy Dishes,” paying tribute to Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, E.C. Segar, and Fleischer Studios, respectively, according to Conte. The issue also includes an all-new introduction by animation historian Jerry Beck. Dig this SNEAK PEEK, along with the four different covers by Maurizio and Grassia, Wheaton, Knight, and Owsley, in that order: The issue runs $6.99 and is only available through Studio Chikara. For more info, check out www.publicdomainfunnies.com or email StudioChikara1994@gmail.com. — MORE — EAT YOUR SPINACH! POPEYE Debuted on Television 70 Years Ago. Click here. — POPEYE AND HIS PAPA: A Birthday Tribute to the Great E.C. SEGAR. Click...
SUNDAY FUNNIES WITH KERRY CALLEN! By KERRY CALLEN Most of the “Super Antics” I’ve created have appeared at some point here at the 13th D. But, we found one that may have slipped through the cracks—! I drew and shared this on my social media accounts in 2016. When the Justice League movie came out in 2021, I had several people tell me they thought a specific Aquaman scene might have been inspired by it. The movie was initially directed by Zack Synder, but due to a family tragedy, the film was completed by Joss Whedon, including rewrites. The scene in question involves the JL discussing a strategy to defeat Steppenwolf, when Aquaman begins confessing his true feelings. Among other things, he says, “I don’t want to die. I’m young, there’s shit I want to do,” and then goes on to say he’s scared. It turns out he was accidentally sitting on Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth! It could just be a coincidence. Who knows? The joke is rather low hangin’ fruit. — Want more SUNDAY FUNNIES WITH KERRY CALLEN? Come back next week! Want a commission? Send an email to KerryCallenArt@gmail.com. You can also find other work at linktr.ee/kerrycallen. — MORE — DC COMICS’ 1966 ‘Brotherhood’ Survey Was Well-Meaning — and Utterly Bonkers. Click here. — That Time When QUISP Terrorized the American Countryside. Click here. — KERRY CALLEN spent much of his career as an artist and art director, developing product for Hallmark, but has also dabbled in comics for many years. As a freelancer, he creates work for a range of needs, spanning from Mad Magazine to children illustrations. He has two graphic novels available on Amazon worldwide, Halo and Sprocket: The Definitive Collection, as well as Dirtnap: Mystic...
The CIA’s ugly history…
Featuring the classic series COMBAT…
MORRISON MONDAYS!
The late Marvel stalwart was born 85 years ago…
