Retro Ad of the Week: Dynamic Tension, 1940’s

I’ve always said comics are like movies or cartoons, but on paper. You have a script, drawn actors, and imagery all on one page. The only things missing are motion and sound. Other than that. it’s the exact same thing. I like to think of this classic Charles Atlas ad as exactly that – a commercial on paper. While this ad has a campy feel (possibly due to the decade it originates from), it still manages to be captivating and engaging enough for the reader. How can you beat the headline, “Hey skinny!… Yer ribs are showing!” You couldn’t sell that these days.

FUN FACT: In 1929, Charles Atlas, working with  advertising expert Charles Roman, formed Charles Atlas, Ltd. Together, they began this famous campaign, which ultimately made Atlas millions and turned him into an American icon. (Source: NNDB.com)

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