Judge, 1923-09-29 · page 9 of 36
Judge — September 29, 1923 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Ad-Conscious" by Dean J. Barry This satirical story mocks Americans' obsession with branded consumer products and advertising. The narrative follows a man named Jones through his morning routine, where nearly every action is tied to a specific advertised product—from "Woodgate's Chummy Cream" shaving soap to "Ambition's Ablest" life guard soap to a "Giraffe" cigarette. The joke is that Jones's entire identity and sense of accomplishment is constructed through consumption and brand loyalty. His satisfaction comes not from genuine personal merit but from using the "right" products. The top cartoon of "President Coolidge takes a quiet little ride in the park" likely parallels this theme—even the president cannot escape the public spectacle and media attention (advertisements) of modern life. The story satirizes 1920s consumer culture and the emerging power of advertising to shape behavior and self-perception.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
sen | Ries | Leslie. Tocaer. President Coolidge takes a quiet little ride in the park. ‘AD-CONSCIOUS” by Dean J. Barry “A Step toward Success.” his favorite restaurant he ys Good Morning,”’ shoes were newly fitted with kushion- leisurely disposed of a bow! filled with Apovsen from a refreshing sleep by cided against taking a streetcar down- Kured he SV the welcome chime of his Big Dan, town, electing instead to walk, since his Arriving “The Clock that. s Jones hopped briskly into his bathrobe and thence to the bathroom, spurred by the pleasurable anticipation of a satisfying shave with “Woodgate’s __9 Chummy Cream,” “Imparts that Vitaliz [yoo ing Then adjusting his Jewel safety ; y Stroke an Inspira- tion,” he concluded the now joyful morning rite. By this time, his’ bath leing ready, he generously applied a cake of life guard soap, “Ambition’s Ablest ‘lly,” resulting in that heathful glow so tly to be desired. Filled with. ex- ion he proceeded to don his klose- wove underwear and trim-fit hose, flakes, “The Better Brain lowed by a cup of coffee ukes Keen Minds.” Since several blocks distant, mple time to smoke a Giraffe nature Builder, substitute. the off : . he found the boss Yet = Jones's surprisewas considerably tempered by the knowledge that his own early arrival would doubtless be noted and thereby redound to his personal credit. oung ure's Fiercest Foes,” topping it off with a While’ pondering upon this pleasant v y pressed suit "of kollege-kut clothes, Drawn by J. C. Lackey. conjecture, the bell rang, summoning him “Observe the Type who Wears Them.” Officer Beetle—Hey, you! Can't to the boss's presence. His pulse quick- As the hour was still early, Jones de- you read? (Continued on page 10) 7 comicbooks.com