Li'l Genius #24

This December 1959 Charlton charmer puts Li'l Genius front and center in full football mode — decked out in his number 7 jersey and oversized helmet, he's just unleashed a mighty kick that sends the pigskin spinning through a makeshift backyard goalpost, daisies and all. Frank Johnson's cover art captures the kid's determined energy with a lovely cartoon snap, and the promise of free prizes inside makes this one even harder to put down. A cheerful slice of late-'50s fun from one of Charlton's most endearing characters.