The Tiny Fists of Mortimer or Identifying a Romance Comic Book Artist
“It is not the thrill of the chase. It’s not a game. It’s your tiny ineffectual fists.”
For longtime readers of Sequential Crush, the fact that Win Mortimer is pretty much my most favorite romance artist of all time should come as no surprise. For those of you new to the blog, you should be made aware immediately -- I love Win Mortimer! His men are handsome; his ladies simultaneously sweet and sexy. Once you get the hang of it, Mortimer's work in the romance comics is actually quite easy to identify, which is partially due to the great little fists he depicted his characters as having. Here are a few examples through the years in which Mortimer's tiny fists stole the show!
Win was drawing fists way back in his Superman days! Action Comics #193 (June 1954)
Mortimer's fists were very expressive -- here we see sheer frustration from "Cindy the Salesgirl." Girls' Love Stories #136 (July 1968)
A thought bubble is complimented well by a little Mortimer fist, don't you think? "No Time for Love!" Girls' Romances #141 (June 1969)
The October 1969 issue of Secret Hearts had two Mortimer illustrated stories in it! Twice the fist -- all for 15 cents! "Not That Kind of Girl!" Secret Hearts #139 (October 1969)
"How Can I Tell Him the Truth?" Secret Hearts #139 (October 1969)
A tiny fist put to a more practical use -- ironing! "Too Beautiful to Be Loved" Girls' Romances #147 (March 1970)
Even guys need to flex their fist muscles once in a while! "Substitute Sweetheart" Heart Throbs #129 (December 1970/January 1971)
A delightful Mortimer cover, complete with fist! Falling in Love #132 (May 1972)
Mortimer incorporated a little fist action into the Marvel classic, Night Nurse! Night Nurse #1 (November 1972)
Even short two-page stories deserve the Mortimer fist treatment! "The Walk" Young Romance #198 (March/April 1974)
I count three little fists in this panel! "Love Expert" Young Love #111 (August/September 1974)
Even as romance comics were winding down, Mortimer took the time to draw an emotive fist! "Love is the Answer!" Young Love #123 (January 1977)
Though small and perhaps not noticeable on a first glance, the curled hand just adds so much and works for so many emotions. Can you see why I love Mortimer so much?! Any Mortimer fist panels you would like to share? Don't forget to check Spidey Super Stories!