Wednesday 16 September 2009

70 Years of Marvel - 1955


Casper the Friendly Ghost had been around for a few years, when Marvel-Atlas started producing its own "tribute" title, Homer the Happy Ghost. Created by that paragon of originality, Stan Lee, Homer lasted for five years before they pulled the plug on him. Although what good pulling the plug on a ghost would do is anyone's guess.

To their credit, Harvey Comics didn't sue Marvel over Homer the Happy Ghost. Maybe they realised there was worse to come.


Elsewhere in 1955, two women were making history. Ruth Ellis was becoming the last woman to be hanged in the UK, whilst Rosa Parks was refusing to sit at the back of the bus.

At the movies, James Dean was making a name for himself in East of Eden, Alec Guinness was taking the lead in the Ladykillers, and Marilyn Monroe was fending off a man with a Seven-Year Itch. On television, British viewers (or at least those in London) could now choose between the BBC and ITV. Benny Hill was beginning a very long career on our screens, as was Dixon of Dock Green. Eamonn Andrews was being presented with his big red book, and about to become presenter of This Is Your Life. In the States, James Arness was starring in Gunsmoke, whilst Jackie Gleason was heading the cast of the Honeymooners. In music, Colonel Parker was becoming Elvis' manager, and Bill Haley was rocking around the clock.

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