Li'l Genius #40

Jon D'Agostino's cover for this September 1962 Charlton title says it all about our pint-sized inventor's approach to problem-solving: rather than climb onto a rooftop to install a TV antenna, Li'l Genius has recruited a very patient elephant as his living stepladder, perching atop the big fellow with a toolbox while the elephant obliges by holding the television set in its trunk. It's the kind of cheerful, absurdist suburban sight gag that made this series a delight, and at 12 cents it was an easy sell for any kid who ever wished their household projects came with a pachyderm.