Romantic Story #128

Charlton's Romantic Story #128 (July 1973) delivers heartfelt drama at just twenty cents, with Art Cappello's cover setting the tension immediately: a alarmed blonde woman recoils as a dark, silhouetted male figure looms behind her against a swirling, psychedelic backdrop — her thought bubble crying "Mal will never marry me now!" leaves little doubt that the story titled "A Shadow from the Past…" is steeped in romantic peril. Also inside, Charles Nicholas and Wayne Howard bring their own emotional storytelling to "We: Beautiful People," rounding out an issue that blends romance and anxiety in classic Charlton fashion. There's even a Find-a-Word puzzle tucked in for good measure — a charming bonus that captures the friendly, accessible spirit of early-'70s romance comics.