Four Color #556

In "Penny in a Sidewalk Grate," a 1954 Four Color comic, siblings Jeannie and Johnnie attempt to dodge Mrs. McMeany’s endless errands—only to find themselves stranded when a dropped penny vanishes into a sidewalk grate. Written and illustrated by Bill MacLean, this quiet, character-driven tale captures the small-scale drama of childhood mischief and unintended consequences, all rendered in the crisp, expressive style that defined his work. The cover by Bill MacLean perfectly captures the moment’s tension, with the kids frozen in dismay over the missing coin.