Love Diary #34

The cover of this September 1964 Charlton romance issue tells a heartbreaking story at a glance: a dark-haired woman and a red-headed man share a close, tender moment — completely unaware that a stylish woman in a red coat and hat, holding a gift, has just walked in on them. A diary entry framed at the bottom sets the emotional stakes perfectly, promising a story called "The Saddest Present of All." Dick Giordano's cover art captures the drama with expressive faces and crisp period detail, making this 12-cent gem a lovely snapshot of early-'60s romance comics at their most emotionally charged.