113) Weighty Problem…

B.C. by Johnny Hart 7-28-1960

The B.C. comic strip posted above probably has little meaning for today’s audience, but there was a time when the measure of a man was believed to be a muscle bound physique coupled with an aggressive and bullying nature as promoted by bodybuilding guru Charles Atlas. The advertisement posted below, which was printed in a multitude of magazine many decades ago, was the inspiration for Johnny Hart’s joke. It was also the bane of skinny,  unathletic teenage boys like myself, showing a supposed ideal that was unlikely to be attained. 

When the opportunity arose to add this original comic strip art to my collection, I jumped at the chance because I identified with the B.C. character. Bodybuilding is a respectable endeavor, but the Charles Atlas type of promotion has thankfully faded from the public’s eye.

If you have any questions or comments, please email me at themythfits@gmail.com.