Flashback to 1969: SUPER PICTURE SPECIAL

Once upon a time, in the 1960s to be precise, digest-sized British comics featuring complete stories were plentiful, particularly from Fleetway/IPC. War Picture Library, Air Ace Picture Library, the Stupendous series (featuring The Steel Claw alternating with The Spider), Lion, Valiant and Buster Picture Libraries, Top Secret... the list goes on, or used to. Today, D.C. Thomson's Commando is the sole survivor of that type of comic.

Occasionally there would be reprint collections of some of the libraries, usually containing 224 pages such as the Battle Picture Library Holiday Specials of the 1960s for a price of 2/6d (12 and a half pence). A bargain, considering the regular 68 pagers cost a shilling (5p). 

In the summer of 1969 IPC published a chunky compilation to beat them all. The Super Picture Special, with 448 pages for five bob (25p). Instead of sticking to one theme, this book covered the lot; war, sport, sci-fi, western, and humour.

The back cover.

I chanced upon this book as a kid whilst perusing the comics at the local market bookstall in 1969. Although slightly battered and second hand, it looked intriguing so I bought it for the asking price (a shilling, or perhaps just 6d if I recall correctly). Sadly I never bothered with the Picture Libraries again. I was mainly into Marvel Comics, TV21 and UK humour comics, and the digest comics seemed heavy going to me at the time, and aimed at a slightly older reader. My loss, obviously. Subsequently I've never really pursued this field of British comics and I remain shamefully ignorant as to the names of most of the superb artists who illustrated these tales. However, I'm showing the contents here today so that, hopefully, some expert on the subject may be able to identify the artists that are unknown to me. 

Whilst some strips are from the early 1960s, I believe others may date back to the late 1950s.

I can identify the humour strips, and all are reprinted from Buster weekly, but with their names changed. Alfy Alien by Nadal/Juan Rafart was originally Milkiway, and was also reprinted in Smash! weekly in 1970 as Monty Muddle. Kip Carson (also by Nadal) originally appeared as Lazy Sprockett, but was also reprinted as Hymer Loafer in Valiant and Slumberjack in the Boys World Annual! Another Nadal strip, Norman Knowall was originally Big 'Ead! and was reprinted in Smash! under that name in 1970. 

Here are the contents. What a great package of quality material...

Art by Juan Rafart

Art by Nadal

Rick Random by Ron Turner

Art by Nadal

 Those were the days!