The Pin-Up Art of Dan DeCarlo

    (Fantagraphics, 2005)
™ and © Fantagraphics Books, Inc.

Dan DeCarlo is best known for his Archie work to most collectors. Creating such characters as Josie and the Pussycats with George Gladir and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, his mark on comic book history is unquestioned. But behind the “cute” teens he drew for 40 years were his secret work: his pin–ups. Yes, they are all buxom and shapely. Yes, some of the girls do look like Betty, Veronica, and Midge. Even Mr. Andrews shows up in a panel or two. But this is not family fare. The 200 cartoons in this collection appeared in Humorama between 1956 and 1963 and depict beauties in lingerie and questionable situations.

Historically important material? One could argue both sides, but, with DeCarlo producing cartoons along with Jack Cole, Bill Ward, Brad Anderson, and Basil Wolverton, it is a treasure trove for collectors. Captions by Editor Abe Goodman provided racy entertainment for men of the 50s and 60s, while DeCarlo and friends teased those readers with their beauties. History. Yeah. Out of date. Yeah. Is it a page–turner? You decide.

— Tim Lasiuta
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