Love Journal (1951) comic books 1953

Cover by John Buscema. Stories and art by John Buscema, Mort Leav, and Bill Woolfolk. Offbeat romance comic, from pioneering female publisher Rae Herman of Orbit-Wanted, often featured early work by future comics legends. Argumentative Doreen almost ruins her romance with Tad when she meets his family, in one of two early stories (and cover) in this issue by future Marvel and Conan legend John Buscema. Buscema also drew the S.O.S. for Love story, in which Frances seeks advice from Love Journal after learning her boyfriend's brother has a secret drug habit. Evelyn knows boyfriend Charley has some dicey connections, but she never expected she'd have to testify at his murder trial. Let Me Love You; SOS for Love!; Moll!; Fightin' Irish! 36 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by John Buscema. Stories and art by John Buscema, Mort Leav, Syd Shores and Bill Woolfolk. Offbeat romance comic, from pioneering female publisher Rae Herman of Orbit-Wanted, often featured early work by future comics legends. Wealthy Brad falls for working-class Delia, but his family thinks she's after his money, in one of two early stories (and cover) in this issue by future Marvel and Conan legend John Buscema. Buscema also drew the S.O.S. for Love story, in which Eleanor seeks advice from Love Journal after Danny dumps her because of her weight. Claudia finds that Joe's time in service during the Korean War has changed him. Strangers in Love; Song of My Heart; SOS for Love!; Dear Little Monster! 36 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by John Buscema. Stories and art by John Buscema, Mort Leav, Syd Shores and Bill Woolfolk. Offbeat romance comic, from pioneering female publisher Rae Herman of Orbit-Wanted, often featured early work by future comics legends. Edith goes to work running Gerald's modeling agency and falls for him, but then learns the agency is a front for a prostitution ring, an unusual twist for a 1950s romance comic. This is one of two early stories (plus a cover) in this issue by future Marvel and Conan legend John Buscema. Buscema also drew "Love Slave!," in which Carla falls for boxing champ Ray while on vacation, forcing boyfriend David to step up. Julie seeks advice from Love Journal when her engagement to Arthur causes religious conflict for their Catholic and Lutheran families. Plus the article "How to Find a Man," sure to be amusing to modern eyes. Too Many Sweethearts!; Love Slave!; How to Find a Man; SOS Love in Distress; Trapped! 36 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.

Cover by John Buscema. Stories and art by John Buscema, Mort Leav, Sid Greene and Bill Woolfolk. Offbeat romance comic, from pioneering female publisher Rae Herman of Orbit-Wanted, often featured early work by future comics legends. Young Marian and Steve want to get married in a hurry, but when his squadron ships out, he risks going AWOL for the wedding, in an early story (and cover) by future Marvel and Conan legend John Buscema. Nancy is only interested in men who buy her expensive gifts, until she meets Bruce and learns her folly. Cissie falls for handsome Tom from the city, but she can't bear to leave the swamp she calls home - until his actions during an oil fire force her to make a decision. Also featuring a vintage ad for the book "How to Write Thrilling Love Letters." I Put a Price on Love; My Heart Couldn't Wait!; SOS Love in Distress; Swamp Girl! 36 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.10.