Old-time radio programs — and their comics connections…
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Welcome to the second “episode” of FOUR COLOR RADIO, our new, ongoing feature by PETER BOSCH that looks at old-school radio shows and their comics connections. For more info on this fancy new series, click here! (And dig that Walt Grogan banner!) — Dan
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By PETER BOSCH
The Blue Beetle — created by Charles Wojtkoski (under the name Charles Nicholas) — made his debut on the printed page in Mystery Men Comics #1 (Aug. 1939, Fox). In his initial appearance (seen below), he was clearly a copy of the Green Hornet, including wearing a regular suit, hat, and face mask, plus he had a special car, and he pretended to be a criminal in order to infiltrate the underworld. And the name itself! Oh, come on — Green Hornet? Blue Beetle? No one was fooled.
A page from the Blue Beetle’s first comic book story, pre-costume, in Mystery Men Comics #1 (Aug, 1939, Fox). Writer: unconfirmed. Artist: Charles Nicholas.
His more familiar blue tights started to come together soon after, though, and his popularity was enough that his publisher, Victor Fox, thought he had radio potential.
The Blue Beetle made the jump May 15, 1940, and the programs were available in two 15-minute episodes per storyline, or in a half-hour segment with them combined. There were a total of 48 15-minute episodes (or 24 half-hour storylines) between May 15 and August 2, 1940.
Playing patrolman Dan Garret (which would later be spelled “Garrett”) and the Blue Beetle was Frank Lovejoy for approximately the first half of the series and then by an unidentified actor for the second half.
Page from a 1940 promotional booklet for the radio program.
It has been speculated that Lovejoy left the program because Fox, also the producer of the series, didn’t pay him (as he didn’t with many people). It was actually a good move for Lovejoy because there were to be many other roles on radio (including starring in the dramatic series, Nightbeat), plus parts on television, and acting in movies such as The Hitch-Hiker, In a Lonely Place, I Was a Communist for the FBI, and Goodbye, My Fancy. Lovejoy would also be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Victor Fox was very gung-ho on the radio series and he was determined to make The Blue Beetle a big success by publicizing it everywhere he could.
Part of a publicity campaign booklet.
An ad appearing in Fox’s line of comic book titles.
Despite Fox’s efforts, though, the series just didn’t make it and only lasted those two-and-a-half months.
All episodes are available online:
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MORE
— Introducing a New Feature… FOUR COLOR RADIO. Click here.
— FOUR COLOR RADIO Presents: Orson Welles’ THE WAR OF THE WORLDS. Click here.
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13th Dimension contributor-at-large PETER BOSCH’s first book, American TV Comic Books: 1940s-1980s – From the Small Screen to the Printed Page, was published by TwoMorrows. (You can buy it here.) A sequel, American Movie Comic Books: 1930s-1970s — From the Silver Screen to the Printed Page, is out now. (Buy it here.) Peter has written articles and conducted celebrity interviews for various magazines and newspapers. He lives in Hollywood.
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November 29, 2025
I don’t think I knew there was ever a BLUE BEETLE radio program! Thanks for the article!
November 30, 2025
Many MANY years ago at the San Diego Con a gentlemen made a presentation about the Blue Beetle radio show. I was the first one who showed up for the lecture. When time came to start the speech I looked around and I was the only audience member (I told you it was a long time ago). I told him he didn’t have to make the presentation to only me but he said he wanted to do the speech. Afterward I went up to thank him for the information. He offered to send me the complete radio series on cassettes. Very generous and the tapes were very enjoyable.
November 30, 2025
I would say to you, Randall, that the greater gift was that gift of self that he showed you. What a touching story.