Patsy and Hedy #22

Al Jaffee's cover for this December 1953 Atlas romance title captures the delicious social tension of a party scene: Patsy and Hedy sit side by side on a couch, arms crossed and expressions guarded, while onlookers outside the window gossip about whether the two rivals are actually inseparable. The speech bubbles crackle with that irresistible mix of rivalry and reluctant friendship that made this series such a fun read in its day. At a dime a copy, Patsy and Hedy #22 is a charming snapshot of mid-century teen comedy comics done with real wit and style.