The Steranko History of Comics #2

Jan 1972 · Supergraphics · 6.00 USD

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In "How It Happened (More or Less)," C. C. Beck—writing, drawing, inking, and lettering every page—tells the legendary tale of how Captain Marvel came to be, as the fictional publisher Forcemeat tasks B. P. and Beck with crafting the world’s greatest cartoon character. The story unfolds with a behind-the-scenes look at the birth of an icon, rendered in Beck’s unmistakable style, while Jim Steranko’s dynamic cover captures the moment’s electric energy.

Contains 2 stories

How It Happened (More or Less)

1 pp · Humor, Satire-Parody

C. C. [C. C. Beck]B. P. [Bill Parker]W. H. Forcemeatreaders

In a wry nod to comic book origins, publisher W. H. Forcemeat summons B. P. and C. C. with a simple mandate: invent the world’s greatest cartoon character. What follows is a satirical take on the birth of a legend, as the duo crafts Captain Marvel in a burst of inspired (and absurd) collaboration.

The Strange Case of Mrs. Paraffin

7 pp · Detective-Mystery, Superhero

Mrs. Paraffin (death)Dr. Waxel Paraffin (death)unnamed judge, unnamed court witnessunnamed attorneyunnamed police officerParaffin's cat (death)nurse matron

In "The Strange Case of Mrs. Paraffin," a chilling courtroom drama unfolds as the accused woman confesses to murdering her husband, Dr. Waxel Paraffin, but her confession is met with disbelief—especially when the method of death involves a chemical that dissolved him entirely. With the cat and nurse matron also dead, and no clear motive beyond the strange circumstances, the truth behind the crime remains as elusive as the remains of the victim.