Howdy Doody Comics

(Dell, 1950-1956)
™ and © 1952 Dell Publishing Co.

One of the most popular characters of early television, freckle-faced and buck-toothed Howdy Doody got the obligatory comics treatment courtesy of Dell, the reigning champion of kid-friendly fare. Buffalo Bob, the human co-star of the Howdy Doody TV show is nowhere in sight in the comics—this is strictly a fantasy adaptation of the life and wacky times of the smart-aleck puppet. Howdy and his equally goofy pal Dilly Dally run the gamut of adventures from science-fiction style trips to the moon to surreal excursions to the old West world of cowboys and bandits. All the stories are told in the classic Dell style, blending action and humor with spare dialogue that challenges young kids to read. Howdy Doody’s publishing schedule grew increasingly erratic through the 1950s and the book finally ended in 1957.

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