Mutt & Jeff #54

This October/November 1951 issue of the long-running Bud Fisher comedy series delivers a perfectly timed gag right on its cover: the short, top-hatted Jeff stands at a music stand sawing away on an enormous upright bass, while Mutt leans out a window to reveal he doesn't actually think Jeff plays well — he just wants to annoy the neighbors. Cover artist Sheldon Mayer captures the duo's warm slapstick chemistry beautifully, squeezing a complete punchline into two speech bubbles with effortless comic timing. At just 10 cents, this is a cheerful snapshot of one of comics' most enduring odd-couple friendships.