Stookie Allen

Benjamin David "Stookie" Allen was born on January 30, 1903, and passed away on January 6, 1971. He was a cartoonist who built a career on nonfiction and inspirational features. Allen is best known for creating the nationally syndicated comic strips *Heroes of Democracy* and *Keen Teens*. In the pulp magazine world, he created and drew *Argosy*'s *Men of Daring* and *Women of Daring*, as well as *Detective Fiction Weekly*'s *Illustrated Crimes*. His work appeared in titles such as *Railroad Stories*, *Famous Funnies*, *Gang Busters*, and *Star Spangled Comics*, with a period of activity from 1931 to 1951. Allen's style was straightforward and informational, suited to his focus on real-life heroes and crime stories. He often collaborated with writers and editors in the pulp and comic industries, though specific partners are not widely recorded. His legacy lies in his pioneering use of comics for educational and morale-boosting content, particularly during the mid-20th century. While he did not receive major awards that are well-documented, his contributions to the syndicated strip and pulp formats remain a footnote in the history of American cartooning.