The Pie-Face Prince and Chauncey Chirp!

More George Carlson and his best remembered comic book creation, The Pie-Face Prince of Old Pretzelburg. Carlson always gave the young prince a healthy dose of mischief bordering on pure anarchy. Both stories today are from Jingle Jangle Comics No. 14, April 1945.

This Chauncey Chirp story is by Dave Tendlar. Like so many comic book artists of the era, Tendlar was primarily known as an animator. He animated and directed cartoons for Fleischer, Famous, Terrytoons, and Hanna-Barbera. Here we find a nice, round style with some sweet, easily-overlooked draftsmanship. Note the old fellow fishing on pages two and three.

George Carlson's Polka-Dot King!

Let's continue with our exploration of Jingle Jangle Comics No. 14, April 1945. Today's story, "The Polka-Dot King and the Cranberry-Plated Crown," is by the great George Carlson. Carlson's layouts were supernaturally fine. Page after page of the following prove that genius, from any era, always has a way of looking modern.

Here is a one-page puzzle from the same issue, drawn by Carlson. Here, too: perfect balance.

Coming next: More George Carlson featuring the artist's best known creation - The Pie-Face Prince of Old Pretzelburg!

The Steam-Heated Yule Log!

More George Carlson genius from Jingle Jangle Comics No. 42, December 1942. Santa comes tonight, boys and girls; and I know you've all been good. Merry Christmas, everyone!

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If I could give you all something . . .

The Pie-Face Prince at Christmas!

This beautifully constructed Christmas tale is all the genius of George Carlson; and it comes from Jingle Jangle Comics No. 42, December 1942. I hope you are all warm and happy this holiday season! Download THE PIE-FACE PRINCE AT CHRISTMAS!

Jingle Jangle Comics - "The Brass-Buttoned Baron" and "The Pie-Face Prince of Old Pretzelburg"

Illustrator George Carlson was best known for his work on children's books. For Jingle Jangle Comics, he created two characters: The Pie-Face Prince and the Brass-Buttoned Baron. Their stories seem a superfine mix of Winsor McCay’s Little Nemo and Carroll’s, Alice; with more than a dash of Weine’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. It is all very beautiful, yet sometimes the beauty shimmers like a fever dream. That is to say, Carlson possessed a stunning, slightly unsettling genius. This is from Jingle Jangle Comics No. 19, February 1946.

Here is some more of Carlson's vibrant brilliance. Every panel wants your attention yet urges you toward the next one.

Now for an ad from the same issue. This is simply old school, inspired page design. We will never know who the layout artist was for this. Just some pro earning a living. Beautiful, isn't it?