Alter Ego #185 January 2024 (magazine review).

In the latest edition of ‘Alter Ego,’ the cover features six unknown characters with ‘Novelty Comics’ in the cover blurb, leading one to wonder if we are looking at novelty characters. In fact, ‘Novelty Comics’ was the name of a short-lived comic book company from the 1940s, and these characters were their leading figures. It’s intriguing to see how many creators worked there before moving to or back from Timely, where the pay was much better.

Carl Burgos, known for creating android-like characters, notably the Human Torch at Timely, also created the White Streak. Other notable creators at Novelty Comics included Bill Everett, Joe Simon, and Jack Kirby. It’s interesting to see character names like the Chameleon and Doctor Doom used at Novelty Comics as well, suggesting that no names are truly new under the sun. Not all of their characters donned superhero attire, and the publishers responded to reader preferences, leading to diverse content. Novelty Comics only lasted until 1949. Writer Mark Carlson-Ghost dedicates 44 pages to cover their history. ‘Alter Ego’ often mentions many New York comic book companies, making it always interesting to learn about the lesser-known ones.

Writer John Benson explores Harvey romance comics before and after the Comics Code, noting changes in bustlines, attire, and even depictions of kissing in their reprints. These modifications were often made cost-effectively by altering the printing plates. This provides a fascinating contrast to the way blood and gore were censored, reminding us of how other market segments were also affected.

Under the ‘Mr. Monster’ section, Ralph Reese shares the penultimate part of his experiences with Wallace Wood, including some of Wood’s unsuccessful projects. This period coincided with Wood working on ‘Sally Forth,’ with no hint of his personal challenges in his work.

This issue includes obituaries for comic book artists George Pérez (1954-2022) and Everett Lee Peck (1950-2022).

The Fawcett Collector examines Captain Midnight, a character who transitioned from wearing aviation leathers to a flying suit, battling aliens over his career in comic books and a film serial. Interestingly, his name derives from his tendency to arrive at the scene at midnight.

Although the focus on Novelty Comics dominates this issue, there’s still plenty of other material, with fewer house ads filling the pages.

GF Willmetts

December 2023

(pub: TwoMorrows Publishing. 82 page illustrated magazine. Price: $10.95 (US). ISSN: 1932-6890. Direct from them, you can get it for $10.95 (US))

check out websites: www.TwoMorrows.com and https://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=98_55&products_id=1768