Girls' Love Stories #162

Girls' Love Stories #162 (On Sale: August 5, 1971), has a cover by Winslow Mortimer.

We begin with "Honeymoon for Three" drawn by Jay Scott Pike and Vince Colletta. Chuck agrees to marry Sally but he is not happy that he also has to raise Billy, her orphaned nephew.

Next up is "Which Girl Am I?" drawn by both Gene Colan and Dick Giordano and reprinted from Young Love #52 (1965). Tomboy Judi gets a makeover, but now she looks just like movie star Didi Taylor and thinks that everyone just wants to meet her because of the resemblance.

That brings us to "The Hard Way" drawn by Winslow Mortimer and Vince Colletta. After Jay breaks up with Liza she has a hard time moving on and treats her next boyfriend badly.

Next, we have "Castle of Love" drawn by Bill Draut and reprinted from Falling in Love #86 (1966). Nolan Grant tries to solve the mystery of "Sleeping Beauty," a girl named Eileen who has cut herself off from the world because of a past heartbreak.

We end with "This Is Our Moment" drawn by John Romita and reprinted from Secret Hearts #109 (1966). Katie always takes advantage of her younger sister Jane but Jane ends up getting the guy they both want.

Edited by Dorothy Woolfolk.

DC 100-Page Super Spectacular #5

DC 100-Page Super Spectacular #5 (On Sale: July 1, 1971), has a Love Stories cover by Bob Oksner. In this second issue of the comic, they had still not figured out they needed wrap-around covers.

This is a strange book. Unlike most of these We start with a new Table of Contents drawn by Tony DeZuniga and an actual new story, "How Do I Know When I'm Really in Love?" by Robert Kanigher and Winslow Mortimer.

Next up is "My Shameful Past" written by Robert Kanigher, with page one drawn by Jay Scott Pike and the rest of the story by Artie Saaf and Vince Colletta and reprinted from Young Love #60 (1967).

That is followed by another reprint: "My Sister Stole My Man" by Robert Kanigher and John Romita and reprinted from Girls' Love Stories #91 (1962).

Next up is a text feature, "How I Met My Boyfriend" with illustrations by John Rosenberger. In this ongoing contest, readers submit stories of their first meeting with their boyfriends.

The next tale is "The Other Girl" by Robert Kanigher and Bernard Sachs and reprinted from Girls' Romances #70 (1960).

They sneak in another bit of new material with "The Wrong Kind of Love" by Robert Kanigher, Ric Estrada, and Wally Wood.

Next up is television model Wendy Winthrop in "Made for Love" a two-part tale written by Jack Miller, with the first part drawn by Jay Scott Pike and the second part drawn by Pike and inked by Bob Oksner and reprinted from Girls' Romances #99 and #100 (1964).

We are back to the editor's Robert Kanigher obsession with "I Didn't Want His Love" by Robert Kanigher and Norman Nodel. I'm not sure how this story came about since it is only one of two stories Nodel (born Nochem Yeshaya in 1922 ) did for DC. His other piece is from the British Classics Illustrated comic book, an issue which the American publishers of Classics Illustrated decided not to publish and was sold instead to DC. This saw print as Showcase #43 (1963) featuring Doctor No. With this purchase, DC held the rights to a James Bond comic for ten years.  In 1972, as their rights were close to expiring, Jack Kirby and Alex Toth were contacted, but DC ultimately decided against it, feeling unsure about the future of the characters as Sean Connery made what he stated would be his last appearance as 007, in Diamonds Are Forever. Finally, something interesting about this book. This story was reprinted from Girls' Romances #130 (1968).

Our next reprint is "Good-Bye, Lover" by Robert Kanigher, Mort Drucker, and Bob Lander and reprinted from Girls' Romances #20 1953). Lander worked as an inker at DC from 1951 through 1953.

Next up is "Happy Ending" by Robert Kanigher, Mike Sekowsky, and Bernard Sachs. This is obviously an old story but may have never seen print before.

We end with a one-pager drawn by Mort Drucker entitled "Where Is Love?"

The entire book was reprinted in DC 100-Page Super Spectacular: Love Stories Replica Edition #5 (2001).

Edited by Dorothy Woolfolk.

Girls' Love Stories #161

Girls' Love Stories #161 (On Sale: June 24, 1971), has a cover by Bob Oksner.

We begin this issue with "Take Me As I Am" drawn by John Rosenberger. Kathy wants to change her boyfriend Wayne after her friend Sharon points out some of his flaws, and she nearly loses him for good.

Next up is "The Magic of Love" drawn by Werner Roth and reprinted from Secret Hearts #58 (1959). Hank just happened to be the first guy Cathy met in her new town. Nothing special, but they found the most interesting places...romantic places. If only she were with the right guy. It's when she meets the "right guy" that she finds the "magic" wasn't in the places, but with the "right guy."

That is followed by "Port of Hope" drawn by Frank Bolle and reprinted from Girls' Romances #103 (1964). On a Mexican vacation, Donna falls for Dirk, an artist, but she wonders whether it's just a summer romance or something more.

Next, we have "Kissing Cousins" drawn by Jay Scott Pike and reprinted from Young Romance #130 (1964). Louise invites her cousin Trudy to stay with her while Trudy looks for an apartment, but Trudy immediately sets out to steal Louise's fiance.

We end the issue with "Summer Sweetheart" by creators unknown. Ginny is determined to attract the attention of rich Hal Gorham and thinks she's succeeded when they start to date. Meanwhile, Tom, the local guy who really loves her, waits patiently for the chance to prove he's the better man.

Edited by Dorothy Woolfolk.

Young Romance #173

Young Romance #173 (On Sale: June 17, 1971), has a cover by Jay Scott Pike.

We being with "Cage of Love" by Len Wein and John Rosenberger.

That is followed by "Please Don't Steal My Man" drawn by John Rosenberger, which may or may not be a reprint from 1965.

Next up is "What Love Is All About!" drawn by Jack Sparling and Vince Colletta.

We next come to  "Unhappy Birthday" drawn by Arthur Peddy and Bernard Sachs and reprinted from Falling in Love #1 (1955).

We end with "Love Is Standing on a Corner" inked by Bob Oksner.

Edited by Dorothy Woolfolk.

Falling in Love #123

Falling in Love #123 (On Sale: March 18, 1971), has a nice cover by Jay Scott Pike.

We begin with "The Right Man for Me!" drawn by Lee Elias. Elaine is engaged to marry Preston, who can give her everything she never had, but a month before the wedding she meets Randy, who's just as poor as she is, and falls in love with him.

Next is "Trip to Paradise!" which is perhaps penciled by Werner Roth and reprinted from Falling in Love #50 (1962).  Kit falls in love with tour guide Les while on a trip to Europe, but she wonders if he is already in love with his business partner Evelyn.

We end this issue with "Not Worth Loving" drawn by George Tuska and Vince Colletta. When Lynn is in the hospital with pneumonia, she confesses to her boyfriend Matt that she was nearly unfaithful to him with Steve, and then wonders if Matt will ever forgive her.

Edited for the first time by Dorothy Woolfolk.

Young Love #86

Young Love #86 (On Sale: March 11, 1971), has a cover by Don Heck and everyone says Tony DeZuniga, but once again everyone is full of it. Might be Dick Giordano, but the two main characters are not inked very well. This issue also has a new and not improved logo to go along with the new editor Dorothy Woolfolk.

We begin with "The Two Faces of Liza" drawn by Winslow Mortimer and Jack Abel.

Next is "Never Bet on Love" drawn by Jay Scott Pike and Vince Colletta.

We end with "My Sister's Lover" drawn by John Romita and reprinted from Falling in Love #52 (1962). As a little girl, Linda falls in love with Nicky, the older boy next door. Linda's sister, Rita, ridicules Linda and has her own designs on Nicky. As Linda grows up, Nicky tries to discourage her attentions, saying she isn't a little girl anymore. 

Eventually, he leaves town and Linda receives a letter from Nicky, telling her she should forget him. But Nicky is actually in love with Linda and just afraid he is stealing her chance of happiness with someone her own age. He comes back and proposes to Linda.

Edited by Dorothy Woolfolk.

Super DC Giant S-21

Super DC Giant S-21 (On Sale: November 25, 1970), has an odd cover by Charlie Armentino. I know, who is Charlie Armentino? Beats me. This is the only reference to him I have ever seen.

We start with "The Reckless Losers" by Writer/Penciller Ric Estrada and inker Tony DeZuniga.

Next, we have "Live -- Without Love" drawn by Jay Scott Pike. Gail falls in love with Richy, but when he asks her to marry him she tells him that she promised to wait for her soldier boyfriend Peter, who's missing in action. This story was reprinted from Young Romance #140 (1966).

We next have "I Couldn't Be Faithful" drawn by Tony Abruzzo and reprinted from Heart Throbs #117 (1968).

We end with a three-part reprint from Young Romance #155-157 (1968), "Love Is What It's All About" drawn by Mike Sekowsky and kind by either Dick Giordano or Joe Orlando, depending on how you believe.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Secret Hearts #149

Secret Hearts #149 (On Sale: November 19, 1970), has a cover by Dick Giordano.

We begin with our cover story, "David" by Gerry Conway, Alex Toth, and Dick Giordano. Nurse Irene Vickers is shocked when her ex-fiance David is brought into the hospital after a car accident, but she still mistakenly believes that David cheated on her with her sister Lois.

Next, we have "The Sagittarian Woman" an illustrated text article by Raymond Marais and John Celardo.

That is followed by "The Only Girl for Him!" by Len Wein, Win Mortimer, and John Rosenberger. When Adrienne and Peggy compare notes about their new boyfriends they believe that they are dating the same guy, but it turns out they are twins.

Next is a one-page gag strip featuring The Mis-Adventures of Penelope Potter entitled "The Hint!" drawn by John Celardo and Vince Colletta. Guy thinks that Penelope wants to be kissed, but she slaps him and says she wasn't hinting at that at all.

The next story is "A Shared Love!" by Joe Gill, John Celardo, and John Celardo. Pamela buys Ian's old roadster when he's low on cash, but when his fortunes change he wants the car back. He starts to date her and Pamela realizes that he can get the car back if they get married.

We end with "Don't Bet on Love" drawn by Jay Scott Pike and reprinted from Falling in Love #64 (1964). Vicki and her friend Inez wager to see which will be the first to date the new gas station attendant, who doesn't seem to notice either of them.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Young Love #84

Young Love #84 (On Sale: November 10, 1970), has a cover by Bill Draut and Vinny Colletta.

We begin with "A Little Kiss for Big Sister" drawn by Artie Saaf and Wally Wood. Flo falls in love with her sister Jan's boyfriend Ralph, and since she's the nicer of the two, she eventually gets him.

Next is "A Proud Goodbye" drawn by Mike Sekowsky and Bernard Sachs and reprinted from Heart Throbs #63 (1959). Belinda is shocked to find that her new boyfriend Eliot is the brother of her old boyfriend Van.

Next, we have "Get Out of My Heart" penciled by Jay Scott Pike. Jen has always blamed Skip for her sister's death, but when she finally learns that he was not responsible, she finds herself falling in love with him.

We end with "Love Is... What It's All About!" by Liz Berube.

Young Romance #169

Young Romance #169 (On Sale: October 20, 1970), has a cover by Bill Draut and Dick Giordano. 

We begin with "No Wedding Ring for Me" by Robert Kanigher, Werner Roth and Dick Giordano,

That is followed by a Dates 'n' Mates page by Liz Berube.

Next is "Tell Me That You Love Her" Jack Miller, Jay Scott Pike and the horrible Vince Colletta.

We end with "We Can't Be Strangers" drawn by Mike Sekowsky and Bernard Sachs and reprinted from Heart Throbs #62 (1959).

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Secret Hearts #148

Secret Hearts #148 (On Sale: October 6, 1970) has a  cover by Bill Draut.

The issue begins with a one-page table of contents and a poem, "Homecoming" by Len Wein and Gray Morrow.

The first story is "Love Is Not a Happy Thing" by Barbara Friedlander and John Rosenberger. Linda falls in love with Rick, an irresponsible hippie. When she is arrested at the scene of one of Rick's crimes, she refuses to give him up to the police.

Next is "Journey to Love" drawn by Jay Scott Pike. Kathy has run away to Europe to keep herself away from Howard, a cad that she finds inexplicably attractive, but she fears that he will come after her

We end with "Love Song in Blue" by Jack Oleck, Ric Estrada and Vince Colletta. Kelly starts to sing with her boyfriend Greg's band, but she thinks that Greg is jealous of her success.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Young Love #83

Young Love #83 (On Sale: September 10, 1970) has a cover by Mike Sekowsky and Dick Giordano.

We begin with "Report on Love" drawn by Jay Scott Pike. Amy agrees to "keep an eye on" Jack, her sister Stella's boyfriend, while Stella is away at college. When Amy and Jack unexpectedly fall in love, Stella graciously steps aside.

That is followed by "His Old Flame" by persons unknown. Everyone warns Sherry when her boyfriend Ken's old girlfriend Nora comes back to town. Sherry makes a serious mistake that almost drives Ken away for good, but then she comes up with the perfect plan to get Nora out of their lives.

We end with "How Do You Know When It's Love" by Winslow Mortimer and Vinny Colletta. Dick finally gets his chance to be more than friends with Michelle, but they are both unsure that things will work out.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Super DC Giant S-17

Super DC Giant S-17  (On Sale: July 28, 1970) has a cover featuring "Love 1970" by Nick Cardy that is so good, I actually bought the book off the stands and it is the only romance book I ever did that with. Even now, 50 years later, I can stare at this thing forever. That brushy shadow-to-highlight delimiter is just amazing and the brushwork on the feet of both characters is simply awesome. Nick Cardy at his peak.

This is just another reprint book with a really pretty bow around it. Most all of these old romance stories had their artwork altered to modernize the clothes and the hairstyles, so although they are reprints, they are in some ways originals as well.

We start with "Unlucky Bridesmaid" drawn by Irv Novick, an 8-pager reprinted from Secret Hearts #38.

Next is "The Love I Lost -- Twice, " another 8-page tale, this time drawn by Gil Kane and reprinted from Girls' Romances #107.

That is followed by an April O'Day story, "Storm in My Heart" drawn by Jay Scott Pike, This reprint from Girls' Love Stories #106 weighs in at 15 pages. April O’Day was a Hollywood starlet who seemed to have had more romances than she had parts in films. It is suspected that she is the older sister of Angel O’Day of Angel and the Ape fame. Though this has never been confirmed it is true that both characters were created by Bob Oksner. April O’Day was DC's first try at a continuing character in a Romance Comic.  

Next we have "Hello, Heartbreak," a 7-pager drawn by Sy Barry and reprinted from Secret Hearts #40.

"Sweetheart's Wish" is next with seven pages inked by Bernard Sachs. This one is reprinted from Secret Hearts #39.

That is followed by "Heart Full of Love" featuring seven pages of John Forte artwork and reprinted from Secret Hearts #45.

"Love Finds a Way" brings up the rear. It is seven pages reprinted from Secret Hearts #41.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Young Love #82

Young Love #82 (On Sale: July 9, 1970) has a cover inked by Dick Giordano.

We begin with a table of contents page entitled, "You're Young and You're In Love" drawn by Gray Morrow. The first story is "He's the One I Want" drawn in a completely forgettable manner by Winslow Mortimer and Vinny Colletta.

That is followed by "Happy Ending" with art by Jay Scott Pike and Vinny Colletta. Art-wise, this story is miles ahead of the previous one, as Pike does some nice pencils that Vinny was unable to completely destroy

We end with "Please, Please... Make Him Forget Her" drawn by the great Gray Morrow. this is the class act of the book and should have been highlighted rather than forced to sit in the back of the book. Gray Morrow, sexy women, what more do you possibly need?

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Heart Throbs #127

Heart Throbs #127 (On Sale: June 25, 1970) has a cover penciled by Jay Scott Pike and inked by Vinny Colletta.

We begin with "Choose Between Us" and move on to our cover-story "Heartbreak for Two" penciled by Jay Scott Pike. We end with "Am I Too Young for Love?" inked by Bernard Sachs.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Secret Hearts #145

Secret Hearts #145 (On Sale: May 21, 1970) has a cover said to be by Bill Draut, but I see other hands at work on this.

We begin with "I Have Him Now" by Joe Gill and Bill Draut. Lenora schemes to take Calvin away from her cousin Sally, but when she wins and marries Cal, she finds that he's a compulsive gambler who only married her because he though she was richer than her cousin and he needed more money for gambling.

Following that is a one-pager entitled "Gemini Woman" by Raymond Marais and John Celardo.

Next is "Beware of a Frenchman's Kisses" by Joe Gill, John Celardo and people claim Nick Cardy, but I don't think so. Sure a few panels here and there (mainly page 4) have a Cardy look, but that is also a Celardo look, when he got a brushy and loose. Eleanor's Aunt Mary gives her a trip to Paris as a graduation gift and accompanies her as chaperone. While visiting a museum, her aunt bows out from dinner, telling her niece to no go to Chez Angelique, as the clientele is "unspeakable." So, of course, that is where she goes and when she gets there she finds a table waiting for her with artist Paul Rowan, from the museum, already seated. He said as soon as he heard her aunt tell her not to go there that she would of course show up.  After dinner they go to a café together and he walks her home. It is there that she learns that her aunt set up the whole thing.

We end with "I Didn't Want to Do It" by Jack Miller, Jay Scott Pike and John Rosenberger. When Darrell breaks up with Ginny, she hatches a scheme to get revenge on him by enlisting her friend, Felice, to date Darrell and break up with him after he falls in love with her. The plan goes well until  Felice actually falls in love with Darrell herself. Got to say that the artwork on this story is very good.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Heart Throbs #126

Heart Throbs #126 (On Sale: April 23, 1970) features a cover inked by Dick Giordano.

We begin with "Don't Ever Love Me," a 10-pager penciled by Jay Scott Pike.

That is followed by a one-page "Dates 'n Mates" by Liz Berube.

Next is "I'll Just Die If I Don't Meet Him," a three-page story drawn by Ric Estrada and Vince Colletta.

That is followed by the six-page "Second Chance at Love" drawn by Jay Scott Pike.

We end with "Am I Too Young for Love? [Part 2]" concluding from the previous issue.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Young Romance #166

Young Romance #166 (On Sale: April 7, 1970) has a cover by Bill Draut.

We begin with "Please, Please, Someone, Love Me!" by Jack Miller and Jay Scott Pike. 

Next is "Beauty on a Budget" a one-pager by Liz Berube.

That is followed by "Uptight" by Henry Boltinoff and Lee Elias.

We next have "A Price on My Love!" by Jack Miller, Werner Roth and Mike Esposito. 

Next is "Just No Good" by Jack Oleck, John Celardo and Jack Abel. 

We follow that with "Think Thin!!" by Elizabeth Berube. 

We end the issue with "Love Pass Me By!" by Robert Kanigher, Win Mortimer and Vince Colletta. 

 Edited by Joe Orlando.

Falling In Love #115

Falling In Love #115 (On Sale: March 17, 1970) has a cover attributed to Jay Scott Pike, but I personally don't see it but the inks by Vince Colletta could be why.

This issue begins with "First Love of My Life" drawn by John Rosenberger. That is followed by "Hold on to Your Dreams" inked by Vinny Colletta. We end with "Love is Where You Find It" penciled by Artie Saaf.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Falling In Love #114

Falling In Love #114 (On Sale: February 5, 1970) has a cover inked by Vince Colletta.

We begin with "Passport to Heartbreak" drawn by Ric Estrada and Vinny Colletta. Next we have "Somewhere I'll Find Him" penciled by Jay Scott Pike. We end with our cover-story, "I'll Never Love Again" drawn by Ric Estrada and Vinny Colletta.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.