Marilyn #9 July 1960

In "Mr Tough and Miss Lazy," Janice trades her city life for a month at Juniper Grange, a rugged training center where she’s thrust into hiking, climbing, and outdoor survival under the stern eye of her no-nonsense instructor. Torn between her growing independence and her feelings for Terry back home, she discovers just how much she’s been avoiding the real challenges of life—and love.

In "Her Big Day," a playful leap year twist flips the script when the guys form a club to dodge proposals from girls—only to find their plans upended when the girls stop going out with them altogether. Written with a light touch and crisp typeset letters, this three-page romance spins a charming, lighthearted tale of courtship and surprise.

In "My Heart in Santa Lucia," Avis is torn between love and betrayal when Roger confesses he’s a spy—only to vanish. When she delivers his ruby locket to the British Consul, she learns the truth: Roger was working for them all along. A newspaper headline claiming he’s alive forces her to reconsider everything.

In "null," Tab’s well-meaning effort to impress his date on a picnic takes a turn when he ends up lugging all her gear—only to learn she never brought any food. The story captures a quiet, bittersweet moment of miscommunication with a touch of humor, all in a single page of early romance comics.

Jo and Mel’s relationship hits a rough patch when Mel’s string of short-lived jobs frustrates Freda and her dad. After a heated argument, Mel walks out, leaving Freda to wonder if she made a mistake. Months later, she starts dating someone new—only to hear her dad remark that Mel has finally settled down, working steadily at a contracting firm.