Category:SPARKY

SPARKY [1965-77] from D C Thomson first appeared in 1965, and for the first four years of existence, bridged a gap aimed at young readers somewhere between BIMBO and BEANO readership. Some very early strips appeared curiously dated by 1965 standards, yet even the very early SPARKY threw up some evergreen gems, like the endearing MOONSTERS which occupied both the front and back pages at various times. SPARKY in the early carnation at least showcased a real pot-pourrii of wildly differing styles; yet seen today, it exhibits an endearing, if dated, charm that sets it apart from many other 1960s humour titles.

In February 1969, SPARKY was helmed by new editor Ian 'Chiz' Chissolm, who tore up the rulebook regarding this title, rejuvenating new life into it's sometimes stilted outlook [the early genus of SPARKY was put together by ex-'adventure' writers and editors, who perhaps 'second-guessed' what type of comic the reader of 1965-68 would enjoy], and the post-68 model changed direction completely im many respects, with much manic and inventive strips coming to the fore from '69 until around 1972, possibly SPARKY'S most creatively rewarding period. The comic would never completely shake off it's whimsical past, however, with the odd 'magical' tales like MR BUBBLES lasting well into the 1970s.