"The Brownies" by Don Gunn!

Good afternoon, Kids! So nice to visit with you all again!

Today, let’s go for a hayride with the Brownies, curtesy of artist, Don Gunn!

The Brownies, in case anyone was wondering, where characters (imaginary little sprites) created by Canadian artist, Palmer Cox in 1887. Dell Comics picked up the theme, and Mr. Don Gunn was the principal artist (among others) that handled their stories throughout the fifties. His work on this title was always wonderful and was influenced by the great Walt Kelly.

Mr. Gunn’s work here is appropriately rich and lush ala Kelly. Don Gunn was one of the great Four Color/Dell craftsman and professionals that did an absolute ton of work through the ‘40s and ‘50s. All his work strikes me as eye candy! Oh, he did this luscious cover as well. Enjoy!! This comes from Four Color - The Brownies No. 398 (May-1952).

Coming up next, I believe it's high time to visit again some work by one of Harvey's greatest artists, Warren Kremer!

I will see you all again very soon. Until then, I hope you are all warm, safe, and happy!

--Your friend, Mykal

Bugs and Co. via Don Gunn

This Bugs Bunny story comes from Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies No. 71, September 1947; and features the artwork of Don Gunn who, like so many of this era, began his professional life as an animator (Disney, 30s and early 40s). Very nice.

FOUR COLOR No. 423, September 1952

"Rhubarb" is Dell's Four Color adaptation of the 1951 screwball comedy of the same name; directed by Arthur Lubin and starring Ray Miland and Jan Sterling. This striking (and slightly unsettling) cover will have to go uncredited. Download THIS POST!

The story art is all Don Gunn, an assistant animator with Disney in the 1930s and 1940s. Like so many of his generation, Gunn turned to comics when big studio animation dried up and blew away in the late 1940s. Most of his work was for Western Publishing, and most of that Disney characters. Mr. Gunn passed away in 1972.

I like this story a great deal because it shows Gunn not having to work within the round softness of the Disney style. Gunn certainly isn't a household name and that's what I love about him. Lovely stuff upcoming.