Howard the Duck #18: "If You Knew SOOFI"

How many of you remember Anita Bryant and her Anti-Gay “Save The Children” crusade which resulted in her getting a pie in the face and inspiring Steve Gerber to create the villainous organization SOOFI (Save Our Offspring From Indecency) in HOWARD THE DUCK?

Like the Save The Children Organization, SOOFI had similar plans to “Cleanse America” of its “filth” …and targeted Howard for indecency because he was walking around without any pants on! HAHAHAHAHA

It’s a widely held belief that Gerber alluded the “person under the mask” of SOOFI Leader Supreme Soofi to be none other than Anita Bryant herself; though no real mention of Anita is mentioned, the folksinger was well known for her association with Florida Orange Juice, and the SOOFI’s round orange “Citrus Heads” (as Howard calls it) certainly hints at this, and when the Supreme SOOFI confesses to Howard that she is “a Girl from the Sunshine State”, who else could it be!?

Howard The Duck was such a GREAT comic- Steve Gerber infused the most sharp and witty satirical takes on the problems of the 70’s into Howard’s exploits!

Posted by zinkognito @ zdorama.blogspot.com

Gene Colan 1926-2011

Just heard From Mark Evanier's POV Site that Gene "The Dean" Colan has passed away.

Truly one of the GREAT Marvel Artists and one of my personal faves growing up...

One of my very, very favorite covers from The Dean.

R.I.P., Gene, You'll Be Missed!

Super-Vixens: Beverly Switzle

Up next are two beautiful gals who are (or WERE) usually associated with talking ducks a la Donald Duck, the two being Marvel’s Howard The Duck, and Frank Cho’s same-named fowl Frank in his original strip University (squared)

 First we have the gorgeous red head Beverly Switzler, your typical “Damsel in Distress”, til Howard came along and rescued her. The two began a lifelong partnership, one that was filled with many separations and diversions, but they always found themselves back together in the end!

 As conceived by Steve Gerber, Bev was supposed to be the optimistic, steadfast character (albeit a bit naïve at times) to contrast Howard’s grouchy, pessimistic outlook on life, and as such, always radiated a sunshiney aura whenever she was in the story. In fact, every reader would wonder how Howard could be such a downer when he had such a beautiful maiden as his partner!

 Originally pencilled by Frank Brunner (he of Red Sonja fame, among others), the role of penciller ultimately fell to Gene Colan, and I personally think his version to be THE version that all others must compare to!

 At some point, Beverly was semi-written out of the comic when she heroically married the evil Dr. Bong to spare Howard’s life, but Steve managed to bring her back every now and then, and years later, in the pages of THE SENSATIONAL SHE-HULK, brought her back (sort of ) for good!

Beverly Switzler

First Appearance: Howard the Duck #1

By Steve Gerber and Frank Brunner