Undercover Archie

JANUARY 1941

Part One

BLUE RIBBON COMICS #11 - PEP COMICS #13 - TOP NOTCH COMICS #13 - ZIP COMICS #12 - ZIP COMICS #13

(On Newsstands in January 1941)

January 1941 brought a lot of events in the world, as the war continued, and America's involvement did not, but of little-known importance at the time, a character appeared in an Elmer Fudd cartoon for the first time, who went by the name Bugs Bunny!

MLJ continued their pace from December, putting out six books for the month, including two issues of Zip Comics.

(on newsstands January 1941, artwork by various)

Superheroes were taking center stage and MLJ put their newest, Mr. Justice, front and center on this issues cover!

(from Blue Ribbon Comics #11 - on newsstands January 1941, artwork by Sam Cooper)

The use of scary vampires by the Comics Code was still 13 years away, but what baffles me the most about this story was the plot involving the vampire! To disrupt the trade agreement? 

Meanwhile, Rang-A-Tang, the Fox, Steve Stacey (Sky Detective), Corporal Collins, Ty-Gor, Doc Strong, Loop Logan and the Green Falcon all had their regular features!

(from Blue Ribbon Comics #11 - on newsstands January 1941, artwork by Sam Cooper)

MLJ's superstar, the Shield continues to do battle against the forces of evil!

(from Pep Comics #13 - on newsstands January 1941, artwork by Irv Novick

The Shield uses that old "I'm not looking" line with the ladies of the locker room!

Meanwhile the Comet, Press Guardian, Fu Chang, Sgt. Boyle, the Midshipman, Rocket and the Queen of Diamonds, Kayo Ward and Bentley of Scotland Yard all had their regular features!

(from Blue Ribbon Comics #11 - on newsstands January 1941, artwork by Irv Novick)

And speaking of featuring superheroes, The Black Hood hadn't kicked them out their own book yet, but he WAS doing all the heavy lifting, while the Wizard tried to remain afloat!

(from Top Notch Comics #13 - on newsstands January 1941, artwork by Al Camy)

Bob Wood gives us a little pre-horror comic look to the continuing adventures of the Firefly!

Meanwhile the Black Hood, the Wizard and Roy the Wonder Boy, Fran Frazer, Kornell, the St. Louis Kid, Wings Johnson, Bob Phantom, and Kardak all had their regular features!

(from Top Notch Comics #13 - on newsstands January 1941, artwork by Bob Wood)

Continued tomorrow!