Joe Palooka Comics #53

Ham Fisher brings his beloved heavyweight champion Joe Palooka to the ring in this February 1951 Harvey Comics monthly, with the cover dramatizing a tensely framed television broadcast of Joe landing a sharp "POW" on a rugged opponent — the fight presented as if viewers are watching right through the screen. The cover promises "Joe's Grudge Fight with the Slashing Sailor," teasing a rivalry with some real heat behind it, while side panels hint at additional fun with Humphrey and Little Max. At just a dime, this issue packs a full card of Fisher's good-natured, hard-hitting storytelling into one satisfying package.