Post by G on Jul 23, 2009 14:59:00 GMT -5
I've been pondering the history of Charlton a bit more lately. It seems after concerning myself with the beginning and ending of Charlton, I now have turned my attention to wondering just when did Charlton have it's greatest times? I mean, this company was around for approximately 40 years and had literally hundreds of titles and thousands of issues along the way. It always seems to me to remember this outfit as a week operation, but if that was truly the case, they wouldn't have lasted nearly as long as they did. They was a formidable competitor at least once or twice in their history. I'm just wondering when? When I think about it, I tend to think of 3 time frames as possible contenders. I'm just not sure which was the peak.
The mid-late 1950s: Just like most of comics back then, Horror and Sci-Fi ruled and Charlton was also fully engaged in these genres. In fact, this is when Steve Ditko got started and started making a name for himself. You know, I still find it amazing because Ditko is considered a comic's Legend, but he always stayed loyal to Charlton right up to the very end. And it's hard for me to argue, but I think sometimes Ditko did his greatest work with Charlton rather than Marvel. Was this the high water mark for Charlton?
The mid to late 1960s: Charlton followed suit with the Super-Hero craze of the 60s and produced a few of their own during this time. Most notably would be Blue Beetle, Captain Atom, The Question, Judo Master and the Peacemaker. Some of these characters still live on in the DC Universe. Ditko continued to put out quality material and a few other artists of note where also putting in some time at the Charlton camp. I especially remember some Aparo, Cockrum and Boyette to name a few. True, these were few and far between and relative unknowns at the time. However, the fact remains these artists were getting portfolio work done for better careers later through Charlton. As far as a hero lineup, although short lived, I'd have to feel like it was one of the strongest. But was this the peak era at Charlton?
The early to mid 70's: In my opinion, this may have featured the most diverse collection of Charlton titles which included heroes (such Yang and E-Man) as well as numerous horror and comedy titles and also an abundance of TV related titles not to mention throughout all of these included periods Charlton had a long history of War related titles. Sometimes I feel like this was Charlton's one last push to be relevant in the Comics Market. They also had some of their best talent including being the company that put young phenom John Bryne on the map. Sutton and Staton was also making a name for themselves. But obviously money was becoming more and more of an issue because although the paper quality was always a notch below the competition, this is when the paper quality really started showing poorly. It was always just a tad below the others before. Now it was remarkably lower in paper quality making higher grade comics of Fine or better a tough find.
One thing seems sure. About the time Charlton lost Bryne towards the late 70s, Charlton became instantly weaker than it ever had been and began its downward death spiral including selling off rights to Heroes. I feel any Charlton from about 1979 - 1984 is some of the worst material you can get from them and also by far the worst quality of paper. I'm not sure how many titles were even putting out original material at this point or was it almost all strictly reprints? It seemed by the early 80s, Charlton was wheezing on life support.
Ironically, I find their last year of existence of around 1985-1986 as a period of higher quality and more desirable material. Covers were glossier and interior paper had the highest quality in probably a decade during their last year. I find I highly desire any and all 75 cent cover price Charlton comics for their last hurrah efforts. It's almost too bad that they were finally put out of their misery during this time. But looking at Charlton as a whole, it makes me wonder where did they peak? Where was they an operation that may have turned their fortunes to a better future had they made some right choices during this time? At some point, this company must have peaked. Just exactly where was it?
The mid-late 1950s: Just like most of comics back then, Horror and Sci-Fi ruled and Charlton was also fully engaged in these genres. In fact, this is when Steve Ditko got started and started making a name for himself. You know, I still find it amazing because Ditko is considered a comic's Legend, but he always stayed loyal to Charlton right up to the very end. And it's hard for me to argue, but I think sometimes Ditko did his greatest work with Charlton rather than Marvel. Was this the high water mark for Charlton?
The mid to late 1960s: Charlton followed suit with the Super-Hero craze of the 60s and produced a few of their own during this time. Most notably would be Blue Beetle, Captain Atom, The Question, Judo Master and the Peacemaker. Some of these characters still live on in the DC Universe. Ditko continued to put out quality material and a few other artists of note where also putting in some time at the Charlton camp. I especially remember some Aparo, Cockrum and Boyette to name a few. True, these were few and far between and relative unknowns at the time. However, the fact remains these artists were getting portfolio work done for better careers later through Charlton. As far as a hero lineup, although short lived, I'd have to feel like it was one of the strongest. But was this the peak era at Charlton?
The early to mid 70's: In my opinion, this may have featured the most diverse collection of Charlton titles which included heroes (such Yang and E-Man) as well as numerous horror and comedy titles and also an abundance of TV related titles not to mention throughout all of these included periods Charlton had a long history of War related titles. Sometimes I feel like this was Charlton's one last push to be relevant in the Comics Market. They also had some of their best talent including being the company that put young phenom John Bryne on the map. Sutton and Staton was also making a name for themselves. But obviously money was becoming more and more of an issue because although the paper quality was always a notch below the competition, this is when the paper quality really started showing poorly. It was always just a tad below the others before. Now it was remarkably lower in paper quality making higher grade comics of Fine or better a tough find.
One thing seems sure. About the time Charlton lost Bryne towards the late 70s, Charlton became instantly weaker than it ever had been and began its downward death spiral including selling off rights to Heroes. I feel any Charlton from about 1979 - 1984 is some of the worst material you can get from them and also by far the worst quality of paper. I'm not sure how many titles were even putting out original material at this point or was it almost all strictly reprints? It seemed by the early 80s, Charlton was wheezing on life support.
Ironically, I find their last year of existence of around 1985-1986 as a period of higher quality and more desirable material. Covers were glossier and interior paper had the highest quality in probably a decade during their last year. I find I highly desire any and all 75 cent cover price Charlton comics for their last hurrah efforts. It's almost too bad that they were finally put out of their misery during this time. But looking at Charlton as a whole, it makes me wonder where did they peak? Where was they an operation that may have turned their fortunes to a better future had they made some right choices during this time? At some point, this company must have peaked. Just exactly where was it?
