True Fact Comics #1: The Story Of Casey Jones

Comics are like human brains, so little of their potential is utilized. I have learned so much about subjects such as history and science just by reading comics that I could never, for one moment, take seriously the lunkheads that dismiss the medium as throwaway entertainment fit only for children and adults with arrested development. Comics can make learning fun, and that's a very good thing, because learning should be fun. Right?

Here is a biography of train engineer Casey Jones from Real Fact Comics #19. (March-April 1949). GCBD lists the artist as Howard Sherman, he of Doctor Fate fame.

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Bill Plympton's "The Bugle"

Bill Plympton has become quite well-known for his frenetic animation work. His latest film, Cheatin', is making the film festival rounds and stirring up a lot of buzz. Here is an example of his comic strip prowess, originally presented in the August 1982 issue of Heavy Metal.

Jack Oleck and Wally Wood's "Has-Been"

Originally published in EC Comics' Incredible Science Fiction #31 (September-October 1955), Wally Wood masterfully illustrates Jack Oleck's fantastic tale of rockets, alien invasions, and the fleeting dreams of youth. This is the Gemstone reprint, from Incredible Science-Fiction #9 (November 1994). If you're a comic fan on a budget, all Russ Cochran's reprints are highly recommended. Comic scans are just fine, but I've found it doesn't compare to holding the actual comic in your hands! Or at least a reprint of the actual comic.