Vivie Risto's Chilly Willy

Today we have the work of Vivie Risto, who worked for Dell/Western Publishing for approximately twenty years, beginning in the early 1940s. Not much is known about Mr. Risto (sometimes Veve or vive Risto). He was first generation American (his parents were Finnish immigrants), born in South Dakota in 1902 (real name - Oscar Wilho Risto). He died in Studio City, California in 1981. For a concise list of his work in both comic books and animation, check out the artist's entry in the Inducks database. "The Sea King's Quarrel" and "Polar Pirates," come from Four Color No. 1074, February-April 1960.

Risto is another of the many worthwhile though forgotten artists from the glorious history of Dell's Four Color. His style seems a pleasing holdover from an earlier period of cartooning and animation, perhaps late Twenties or Thirties. The cover was done by John Carey.

I couldn't let you go without this great ad from the back cover. Oh, for the days when fudge was energy food. See how "Frisky Fudgie" saves the day, all because he is bursting with energy!

Mary Jane and Sniffles & Henery Hawk

This will finish up the stories for Looney Tunes Merrie Melodies No. 125, March 1952 (for a look at the beautiful cover, check out last post). First comes a Mary Jane and Sniffles adventure, penciled and inked by super cartoonist, Al Hubbard, who was the primary artist associated with MJ&S during the 1950s. Super work from Mr. Hubbard, per usual. (ahem) Is it just me, or does the "Mr. Cloud" of this story, pouring rain from his armpits, have tremendous scary potential?

I’ve always loved the little hot-head, Henery Hawk, both in Warner cartoons ( . . . or do I hafta muss ya up?) and in the Looney Tunes comics. Dell editors wisely left Henery with much of his cartoon fiery temper intact. A big plus for the comic stories was Henerey’s oft-times nemesis, Ollie Owl. The dialogue for Ollie, as here, is often very clever and funny. Art is by Veve Risto who worked as an animator for every major studio before working for Western from 1942 to 1964.

Last but far from least is another great Dell comics B&W inside cover from the same issue.