Li'l Bad Wolf in "Sorcerer's Hat" and Bucky Bug in "Bug-Collecting Giant"

A couple of brisk 8 pagers from Walt Disney Comics and Stories No. 113, February, 1950. This first one is a Li’l Bad Wolf story written, penciled and inked by Gil Turner.

No son ever loved a father more that did Li’l Wolf. His father, Zeke Wolf, loved being bad. His long, toothy snout drooled at the thought of the three little pigs, forever grinning at the thought of eating them. Li’l Wolf would not allow his father to degrade himself in evil, however, and always saved his dad from the disgrace of his own nature.

This tale of found good fortune is a fine lesson in how to tell an 8 page comic story. Bravo, Mr. Turner. Bravo, also, to Walt Kelly for the cover. All scans are from my own comic.

Have you ever wondered in an idle moment what the world looks like to a bug? Here’s your answer.

This second tale is a rhyming fable, as were all Bucky Bug stories. The art is by the great Tony Strobl, who is on most people’s short list of funny animal all-time-greats. Much like the aforementioned Kelly, Strobl could go cute without a trace of cloying sugar. I love the details Strobl brings to the bug’s world, which was the magic of these tales – a pipe for a furnace, a matchbook for a table, etc.

I also love that the bugs live so happily in Junkville, among all the junk.

Last but not least is a two-color story from the back cover. Make that certainly not least, consider the art is by Al Taliaferro.

Goofy in "The Goofy Success Story"

This one’s a masterpiece. I've lost track of the times I've laughed reading it. Each time I read it, I see something new – some little piece of genius. The script is by Vic Lockman; and the art is by Tony Strobl (pencils) and John Liggera (inks). Strobl was one of the all time great Mickey/Donald/Goofy artists. If you don’t know his work, this is prime Strobl, who also gets the cover credit.

Goof is one of my heroes. He never gets discouraged, and he never lets anything change his sunny soul for very long. Goofy always begs the question: Is intelligence a blessing or a curse? Gorsh! That’s a no brainer!

This is from Four Color No. 702, May, 1956. All scans are from my own comic. Just click the image for the big picture.

This is the back inside cover of the same issue - same artistic line-up as the main story. Feast your eyes on Liggera’s graceful inks.