As my wife was helping her brother sort through some of the “stuff” that was collected at their mom’s house, there was a stack of old comics. Naturally, I was keen to read some of the oldies from the 70’s and early 80’s.
I was surprised about some of the messaging in a couple of “Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos” and Billy the Kid editions. Included:
- War is bad
- Respect your fellow soldiers
- Respect your enemy
- Respect the civilians caught in the middle
- There are happy endings, sort of, because some good people didn’t make it
And then there were the pages of advertising. Take a look!
And check out this cool video montage!
Wow, look at everything you could order. From king fu stars to nunchuku and to lots of tools so that you don’t get sand kicked in your face. The main thing missing in is Sea Monkeys!
Short messages.
Highlighting a benefit.
Easy to order.
I do not have any current comics so I don’t know what the ads would be today. I am guessing that it is all about electronics or digital stuff.
Not like the good old days.
Those old ads must have worked because they were a staple in the comics for years and years.
I wonder why they stopped including them? Well, with a bit of research there are some changing trends that are likely factors:
- Cost-savings – Printing and paper costs have risen sharply and the actual comics are now fewer pages
- Older demographics – avid readers from 70’s and early 80’s still read but no longer need those ads. Younger demos not reading those titles as much
- Some marketing genius with a MBA decided to do Farcebook ads
Take a look in your vault. Betcha there are some terrific memories and probably some cool ideas. You’ll never know unless you look back to see how you might want to look forward.
Onward!
Tim's Thursday Thoughts 