Unusual Back Cover ad

[Sharkey]

I know there was once a thread featuring odd back cover ads, but I did a search and couldn't find it ( note to CGC: the archive search tools could use an upgrade).

 

I was scanning a book to post in Marketplace and saw this back cover ad. It's a pre-code Atlas horror comic, Journey into Unknown Worlds #30 from August 1954. Now, I know I'm not a marketing genius, but were women the primary market for pre-code horror comic books??

 

[howardhallis]

Now, I know I'm not a marketing genius, but were women the primary market for pre-code horror comic books??

 

No, but this guy probably was:

 

 

Ed Wood in "Glenn or Glenda"

[RedRaven]

probably counting on Mom picking up the book at some point while cleaning house and noticing the add, plus a little titlation factor for the pubescent male.

[Sharkey]

probably counting on Mom picking up the book at some point while cleaning house and noticing the add, plus a little titlation factor for the pubescent male.

 

Ah, so that explains the back cover stains...

[comicdonna]

I'm sure Atlas was happy to take Ward Green's money. I personally think, they could have made a better choice than a horror comic.

[namisgr]

Not sure what the "marketing" rationale might be, but your example is not the only one. Here's another ladies ad from 1954 horror, this one Terrors of the Jungle #10:

 

[Scrooge]

Not sure what the "marketing" rationale might be, but your example is not the only one. Here's another ladies ad from 1954 horror, this one Terrors of the Jungle #10:

 

What we'd need to do is track down other books from the same publisher with the same date and see if they simply sold the ad placement for the month across the line. Not the best use of advertising $$ for the advertiser but sure as heck easier for the editor to put the issues to bed.

[backtomarvel]

maybe they figured the husband would buy it in a train station before a trip and read it while sitting across from his wife

[jimjum12]

Or that Mom might notice it right before she stuffed it in the garbage .GOD BLESS...

 

-jimbo(a friend of jesus)