Post #96

Issue #84
June 1947

Rating: 3

This makes two issues in a row for the dreaded '3' tabcom rating.The rating system works like this, I have a 5 point rating system. The Flash and Hawkman stories have a potential of +2 each, if good. Because the backup stories expectations are lower, they can achieve a +1 bonus to the issue if any of them are good enough ‘The Changeling’ cover story script, perhaps by Robert Kanigher, would have been good enough for a full 22 page blow out if it were the Silver Age. Confined to a GA 12-pager, it is too condensed to really blossom.

Lineup is:

Flash

Ghost Patrol

Rockhead McWizzard

Johnny Thunder

Hawkman – Art by Jon Chester Kozlak

Fortunately, the series is not damaged by this misfire. More Kubert is to come. Plus a new character is introduced.

Post #95

Issue #83
May 1947

Rating: 3

It has been a long while since a below average issue appeared. The stories and art are second rate for Flash Comics standards. The bait on the cover metaphorically represents what you get inside. The bait, Joe Kubert cover artist. However, when you turn to the Hawkman story, he did not draw the strip.

Not a problem, really. The next 20 issues are some of the most beloved issues of the 104 issue run.  

Post #94

Issue #82
April 1947

Rating: 5

Robert Kanigher uses the flashback technique with great success in the Flash story. Also is a reenactment of the famous issue #1 cover.

The radio ad in the Ghost Patrol is worth posting here . . . 

Post #93

Issue #81
March 1947
Rating: 5

Robert Kanigher began his writing credits to Flash Comics with both the Flash and the Hawkman strips – later the Black Canary.

The relationship between Joan and Jay acts as a marker for me. This relationship quirk is different than anything previously scene to the reader.

The Hawkman strip also uses a background story page that is new to the style. This issue begins the transition from what I describe the Golden Age of Flash Comics to the Proto-Silverage. The stories, in this issue with the Hawkman, become less about solving crimes and more adventures into the sub-conscious. The gratuitous bad guys are still there as a link to the familiar. However, the glimpse into the next generation of comic book themes begins here.

Peachy Pet and Johnny Thunder strip makes for an enjoyable filler.

Post #91

Issue #79

Jan. 1947
Rating: 5

This issue features the last appearances in the GA from the three dimwits (they will continue to appear in All-Flash thru out 1947). Their next appearance in this series is as the SA back up story from Flash Comics #117.

Kozlak’s art is used again with the Hawkman strip when the birds revolt. Johnny Thunder and Ghost Patrol are average strips for this issue. 

Post #90

Issue #78

December 1946
Rating: 5

Paul Reinman (Green Lantern) fills in with the art in this Hawkman strip. The Hawkman is the mythical mediator between the competing tribes of fire and water. The Flash gets in the mood for Halloween and wears a mask as the three dimwits make the party fun. Great house ad for DC titles on the newsstands for October 1946.

Count the kids that had Flash Comics #78 that Halloween.

Post #89

Issue #77

November 1946
Rating: 5

The inside house ad places the newsstand date for this issue as September 11^th, 1946

The Flash has a super villain to counter, the “Jumper”. Johnny Thunder has the Flash, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, and the Ghost Patrol make cameo appearances as he tries to remain relative to his editor.

Ghost Patrol is very good as well as Pedro meets a former lover – when he was alive. Hawkman uses the time honored superhero adventure technique of time travel to solve the mystery of the Curious Casket. Kubert leaves Hawkman for eight months at this point. Jon Chester Kozlak subs for a few issues.