Bugs, Elmer and Sam.

 

cover art by Ralph Heimdahl

Anytime I write about one of the Dell/Gold Key comic books based on the Looney Tunes characters, I'm struck by the difference in tone from the cartoons on which they are based. The comic books had less anarchy and more story structure than the cartoon often contained. The comics often toy around with the character dynamics as well. For instance, in these comics, Bugs and Elmer Fudd are often friends rather than adversaries. Heck I once reviewed an issue in which Yosemite Sam was palling around with Bugs. 

A story from Bugs Bunny #43 (June-July 1955), for instance, opens with Bugs and Elmer on a boating trip together. Written by Carl Fallberg and drawn by the great Tony Strobl, "The Irate Pirate," even has Bugs eventually making a sacrifice to ensure Elmer's safety. 

While boating, the two friends take a swim, but their boat drifts away. When they find it again, it's been "adopted" by the dread pirate Yosemite Sam. After some slapstick antics, Sam forces Bugs and Elmer to sail to Nowhere Island.

Before they get to the island, Bugs has prepared a fake treasure map, which leads to Sam forcing the friends to accompany him on a treasure hunt. Sam's plan, of course, is for Bugs and Elmer to do the hard work while he keeps all the loot.

More slapstick antics ensue. When a fog rolls in, Bugs has a chance to escape. But that would mean abandoning the hapless Elmer. Bugs may sometimes be a stinker, but he's not that rotten.

Instead, he prepares a booby-trapped treasure chest, which knocks down Sam long enough for Bugs and Elmer to escape the island using a cannon-powered boat.

It's a fun story that catches the personalities of the characters--at least in broad strokes. The world of Looney Tunes comics is indeed more structured, with dangers encountered actually seeming... well, dangerous. Cartoon character immunity to harm seems to be less guaranteed than it was in the animated shorts, allowing writers such as Fallberg to mix some fun adventure in with the slapstick.

Next week, we'll march to war with the best-lookin' gal in the French Resistance-- Mlle. Marie.