This is What it Sounds Like When Boys Cry

In our culture, men have overwhelmingly been taught not to cry. Shedding tears or showing emotion other than stalwart resolve is seen as weakness and frowned upon. Now, when it comes to the romance comics we immediately think of tearful young women, right? But believe it or not, romance comics depicted guys crying occasionally... and here are a few panels to prove it!

Women are always right. Usually. Most of the time. Well, I am anyway. Just ask my fiancé. I'm sure he'll agree. Maybe? "Reach for Happiness" Episode 24 Secret Hearts #133 (January 1969) Pencils: Jay Scott Pike

Is Ellen cruel or just "too old" as the story title implies? "Too Old for Love!" Falling in Love #122 (April 1971) Pencils: Art Saaf, Inks: Vince Colletta

I thought that said "butter tears" there for a sec and got excited. Think of all the baking experiments! "Let's Fall in Love" Girls' Romances #103 (September 1964) Pencils and Inks: Bernard Sachs

I got nothing, here. This one actually gives me the sads "Make Me Your Wife!" Young Love #58 (November/December 1966) Pencils: Mike Sekowsky, Inks: Bernard Sachs

Oh heavens, no, Rafe! You are much too handsome to be weeping! "Everything Nice" Just Married #79 (September 1971) Pencils: José Luis García-López

Not only did guys sometimes cry in the romance comics, they also read romance comics! We know about this demographic because quite a few young men wrote into romance comics to express their romantic anguish to the columnists. If you'd like to read more of the advice that was dished out to the boys, you should definitely back my current Kickstarter campaign for my book, How to Go Steady: Timeless Dating Advice, Wisdom, and Lessons from Vintage Romance Comics. There's a whole chapter in the book devoted to love lessons for guys!

There are only 3 days left to back, so you don't want to miss out! Thank you so much to everyone who has backed already. I can't do it without you!!!

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