Arnold Magazines: Man's Exploits #1

After publishing Quality Comics, Busy Arnold began Arnold Magazines in late 1956. I'm in the process of writing up a larger article on this subject, but wanted to share some spicy scans from one of his mens' adventure magazines, Man's Exploits. These images are from issue #1 (June 1957), and the cartoons are by Bill Ward (signed "McCartney"). 

As I was finishing the Quality Companion, I was just learning more about this endeavor and it is covered briefly. My work online seeks to catalog the entire operation, which was edited by Quality’s Al Grenet and Dick Arnold. Jim Amash spoke with both of these men for Alter Ego #34 (March 2004). George Hagenauer also wrote a sidebar in that issue, “Busy Arnold’s Other Magazines,” which summarizes the genres of this era nicely. All were published either bimonthly or quarterly.

This issue was part of the largest category of magazines,  the men's adventure magazines, or "sweats": Rage for Men, Man's Exploits, Gusto, and Courage. Each of these also contained spreads with ladies posed in various states of dress on beaches, in nature, and in the boudoir.

I have to abundantly thank Frank Motler (a men’s magazine indexer) and Phil Stephensen-Payne (who runs Galactic Central). They selflessly offered their knowledge and data to me during this process. Galactic Central compiles information from many sources and includes checklists and cover images. 

[ spicy images after the break! ]

Read the work-in-progress at Cosmic Teams: Arnold Magazines: The Sweats

DCnU Quality Watch 4: Eternity! and more

ITEM #1: National Comics!

Wired has broken the news that DC Comics will publish a new title, National Comics! This was the name of the classic Quality Comics title which ran for 75 issues, from July 1940–Nov. 1949.

The original comic book is known for it's anchor character, Uncle Sam, who was relieved of cover duty by the Barker. The characters mentioned in relation to this new title include one called "Eternity" (DC's own solicitations mention the name "Kid Eternity"). The cover image confirms that this is indeed a revival of Kid Eternity. Originally, the character had no alter ego. He was named "Christopher Freeman" by E. Nelson Bridwell at DC Comics, when he was reintroduced in 1977's Shazam! #27 (Jan-Feb 1977).

The official solicitation reads:

NATIONAL COMICS: ETERNITY #1
Written by JEFF LEMIRE Art and cover by CULLY HAMNER
On sale JULY 25 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
An exciting new series of stand-alone comics that feature unique takes on classic characters! JEFF LEMIRE (ANIMAL MAN) and CULLY HAMNER (RED) bring a contemporary approach to the hero we used to know as KID ETERNITY! Can introverted medical examiner Kid Eternity solve a deadly crime in just 24 hours?

These creators are top notch! I'm looking forward to it very much. And wondering what they'll do with the cover logo ;)

ITEM #2: The Ray #3-4

This four-issue mini-series has concluded with an intriguing Quality-related teaser! Read the profile at Cosmic Teams to see how Lucien Gates came to meet this tall, commanding government agent...

ITEM #3: Blackhawks #6-7

This series is one issue from its demise, but it's doing so at breakneck speed! I'm sad this one never had a chance. It has action galore. Try to keep up by reading the profile at Cosmic Teams!

Blackhawk: The Movie Serial (1952)

It's refreshing to find one thing related to Quality Comics that is so thoroughly covered that I have nothing to add!

I recently won this issue of Serial World #11 (Summer 1977), which was all about the Blackhawk Movie Serial made in 1952, starring Kirk Alyn. The article even includes an interview with Alyn, plus a full summary of every episode.

I contacted its former publisher, Norman Kietzer, and he was so kind as to permit me to reprint it for fans online! Please visit Norman's web site at the Westerns and Serials fan club!

The article itself was pretty cleanly scanned and contained a number of great photo stills from the serial, too. I've included all of that in the online version, and uploaded the images for your perusal below.

See the photos after the jump... 

>> Read it at Cosmic Teams! BLACKHAWK: A SERIAL WORLD FILMBOOK by Eric Hoffman