Following yesterday's post on the changing world of story papers and comics, I have to share this video with you. British Pathe recently started to release archival footage on their website, giving us glimpses of extremely rare clips and film items from half a century ago.
One gem is this colour footage of Dan Dare creator Frank Hampson at work in his studio. Dan Dare, for those of you who don't know, was the lead character in the greatest British comic of all - Eagle, launched in 1950, and a perfect example of the mix of comic and story paper I discussed yesterday (history).
Eagle was created in direct response to the American horror comics that so concerned parents at the time. But, even though it strived for wholesome values and education over cheap thrills and chills, it managed to do so in a way that enthralled young readers. Dan Dare's space exploits were supported by biographical comic stories on the life of Winston Churchill or the story of Jesus. Children today would be horrified if their parents bought them such a values-laden, squeaky clean comic now, but back then every issue sold out. It is a testament to the creators who truly understood how to inspire children, rather than merely entertain. They weaved the educational material and a sense of community throughout the pages without it ever seeming to pander or lecture or patronise the reader.
To view the video, click below.
Hampson's work on Dan Dare went far beyond any other creator before or since, as this video shows. This was the heyday of British comics. Can you imagine anyone putting so much care and detail into comics for children these days?
