Smiles #45 (Part 2)

Yesterday, we looked at Wiseman's contributions to the front and back covers of "Smiles" #45. Today, we actually open up the magazine!

And here's what we find:



The above unsigned Wiseman drawing is a beautiful example of his late 40's/early 50's, pre-"Dennis the Menace" pen & ink style. There's a joyfulness to the piece, helped along by the simplicity of the linework. And the joke works nicely, too. Well done Al!

Then we have this cartoon:


"What?" you say, "This isn't drawn by Wiseman! Are you just trying to take up valuable blog space here?"

No, this gag isn't by Wiseman. But it is by George Crenshaw, who played a supporting role throughout much of Al's career. Before "Dennis", George brought Al in to help him draw a few issues of a comic book series. Then, George worked on "Dennis" with Al in Hank Ketcham's studio. Post-"Dennis", Al drew gag cartoons for Crenshaw's "Master Agency" (and also ghosted Crenshaw's "Belvedere" comic panel from time to time).

So that's it for "Smiles" #45. And for the first week of this blog.
On Monday- Al goes to Hawaii!


Wiseman digest mags:

Charley Jones' Laugh Book Magazine:
August 1950: Part 1
March 1951: Part 1/Part 2
April 1951: Part 1/Part 2/Part 3/Part 4
June 1952: Part 1/Part 2
March 1953: Part 1/Part 2
"Pin-Up Stationery" ad: Part 1/Part 2
"The Latrine Gazette" column: Part 1

Smiles:
#45 (January, 1951): Part 1/Part 2