Capitalizing (if not downright infringing) upon the popularity of "Casper the Friendly Ghost", Charlton Comics introduced "Timmy the Timid Ghost" in 1956. Casper had been in Paramount cartoons since 1945 and Harvey comics since 1952; 4 years before Charlton decided to throw its sheet into the ring. This November 1970 issue was nearly at the end of Timmy's afterlife; the comic was cancelled in 1971, though it made a brief 3-issue reprint reappearance in 1985.
Despite sporting an upswept curl and a bold red "T" on his chest to dispel any confusion with his rival, the similarities far outweighed the differences. Timmy even had a bowler-derby-wearing "Spooky"-clone friend named "Max".
I'm not sure what Timmy had to worry about here. He could fly, so he wouldn't fall in the lake, plus he was already dead.
There was even the stereotypical local witch. This one named "Wilma".
Wait a minute... You mean this story was just a crummy lesson in not littering?! Son of a...
Wait a minute... The dynamite never exploded. C'mon, people, continuity!
Oh no you don't, Timmy. When you steal Casper's patented "Tee Hee", you've gone too far.
Not content to just infringe upon Harvey Comics, Charleton decides to up the game with Popeye, Mickey Mouse and Sherlock Holmes references.
By the way, the answer key is incorrect for 3. It reads "Daniel Boone". Daniel Boone never wore a coonskin cap as shown. This was a misconception propagated by the fact Fess Parker played both Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett for Disney. Davy Crockett was known for wearing a coonskin cap and is the correct answer.
Kind of a weak pin-up, Charlton.
I wish we had another ghost like ourselves. Or at least a little devil, possibly named "Hot Substance".
I'm not sure if this implies humans and ghosts live in harmony in Timmy's world, but this clearly human mover is completely unfazed by Timmy and Max or even the possibility that he's working in a completely haunted and/or cryptid neighborhood.
Women. Amiright?
Don't be a Timid Timmy. Venture on over to the Countdown to Halloween and do your Trick or Treating before it's too late!
This is hilarious! I've never heard of Timmy before. Charlton had no shame whatsoever.
ReplyDeleteNope, not a bit.
DeleteWow - I nailed the famous names page!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Lady M!
DeleteWait a minute. Did you guess Davy Crockett or Daniel Boone for the raccoon cap? Daniel Boon never wore one, it's a misconception propagated by the fact that Fess Park played both characters for Disney. Davy Crockett, however, did wear the cap shown in the drawing.
DeleteI said Davy Crockett as we still have the coonskin cap my daughter used in 6th grade to portray him when we live in Texas. So I got that one wrong but I guess I got it right.
Deleteit never occurred to me how much cartoon ghosts were bound by the laws of physics. they are non-corporeal, but they can touch, move, lift, and be crushed by physical things, cast shadows, and are even affected by temperature! they are weightless, but they can fall through thin ice. craziness. honestly, with these types of comics, i liked the ads for all the fun junk the best.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the ads were always a fascination for me too, particularly the throw your voice, make money and of course x-ray specs. https://youtu.be/7oxvobUA-QA
Deletehaha, i knew what the clip was before i even clicked the link.
Delete"what? WHAT??"
Poor dirty Dan did not stand a chance. I'm not sure I knew about this I'm going to do some digging of my own, This is cool thanks!!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Bob. Glad you enjoyed.
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