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.

ARATAZ SPLEH EHT RAW TROFFE!

Many comic characters during World War II pitched in to help the cause of freedom, and Zatara was no exception. In this nifty tale from Action Comics #57 ( Feb. 1943, DC), the magician goes treasure hunting to raise money for "tanks and planes and guns," oh my! The fetching art by Joe Sulman shows an appreciation for the Al Capp style, a claim that is backed up in this 1977 newspaper article. WON GNIDAER NIGEB!

Bonus! Here's a 1943 USO Show featuring Bob Hope, Betty Hutton, Lana Turner (grilling a porterhouse steak!), and Judy Garland.