"Dennis Vs. The U.S. Navy" by Al Wiseman and Fred Toole

I've always enjoyed the Dennis the Menace comics by Al Wiseman (art) and Fred Toole (script) much more than the actual syndicated strip these comics are adapted from. The original strip by Hank Ketcham was always, to me, kind of hit or miss. A single gag panel is not enough to convey the menace of a little rat like Dennis, whereas the comic book version gives him pages enough to build a good "slow burn" with the adults around him. This story, from the first "Best of" collection, is a great example. But it makes you really wonder about the parenting skills of the Mitchells...why would they let this kid wander off at all, least of all on a battleship?

According to the GCD, this story is reprinted from Dennis the Menace #6, from 1953.

As always, a quick check of Pappy's Golden Age Comics Blog turns up a nice batch of Al Wiseman comics...Read them HERE.

Here is "Dennis Vs. The U.S. Navy" from The Best of Dennis the Menace #1 (Summer 1959):

6 comments:


Mykal said...

Doug: This is a great post, as are all your posts (although I disgree a bit about Hank Ketcham's work - always thought he did amazing things with the single panel - but what's life with occasional diagreement?).

I love your blog because it covers the cartoonists I love more consistantly than any other comics blog, and covers their best stuff. Thanks.

And any time you want to do more Dan Gordon, it's alright with me! -- Mykal

PS: Nice banner. Your drawing, I assume? Cool.

September 13, 2009 7:24 PM


Doug said...

Thanks Mykal!

I should have elaborated...I love Ketcham's cartooning, and admire the elegance and simplicity of his linework. I just meant that, for me, the character of Dennis works better as a multi-page comic. Sometimes a character works better in a secondary medium...look at Donald Duck, for example.

I did draw the banner, thanks!

PS. I'll probably post more Dan Gordon eventually, but in the meantime check out Sherm Cohen's Cartoon Snap! blog. he has lots of Dan Gordon over there! I have a link in my sidebar somewhere.

September 13, 2009 7:39 PM


Mykal said...

Doug: I see you are following my Gold Key blog! I'm very grateful! I have been watching your blog, but no updates for a bit. Are you on hiatus? Hope all is well. -- Mykal

October 24, 2009 4:49 PM


Doug said...

No problem, Mykal! I really like the old Gold Key comics, but I don't have very many myself so I will be checking out your posts often.

I'm not really on hiatus, I just haven't had much time to scan anything lately. I'll put something new up soon, though. Thanks for asking!

October 25, 2009 10:23 PM


Gabriel said...

Just checking the state of your blog and I'm goin' ask after you but I've seen ol' pal Mykal beat me to it! Glad to know you're well! I hope your time's busy with a lot of nice stuff, at least-- From a true follower :)

And best!

October 30, 2009 2:27 PM


Doug said...

Hi, Gabriel! Thanks for checking in. I hope you are doing well, too!

I'll post something this weekend; after that I may start posting my own comics again for a bit.

Happy Halloween!

October 30, 2009 4:35 PM