Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies #131

This September 1952 Dell issue serves up a wonderfully mischievous cover by Ralph Heimdahl, featuring Bugs Bunny disguised inside a scarecrow costume — straw, hat, and all — looming over a carrot patch under a crescent moon, while a very disgruntled Elmer Fudd advances with his shotgun, clearly not fooled (or perhaps just about to be). The playful tension between the two rivals is captured with real charm, and the lush row of carrots at their feet makes it clear whose garden is at stake. At 52 pages for just a dime, this is a delightful snapshot of Looney Tunes comics at full stride.