A Samm Schwartz Double-Header!

gasp65

« If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back? » — Stephen Wright

Time to carry on with one of my pet quixotic missions, that of advocating the glory of Samm Schwartz (1920-1997), my very favourite Archie artist… and one of my favourite cartoonists, period.

Having acquired over the years most of the Jughead issues I could afford — for the most part cheap, but thankfully numerous — I’ve now reached the stage of acquiring scattered issues of assorted Archie titles featuring one or two Schwartz stories… along with often appalling page fillers by painfully lesser lights. To lessen the blow, I usually skip the Schwartz story — which usually opens the book… savvy thinking on their part, I’ll admit — then return to it so as to end on a high note.

I was hesitating between two stories, but since they’re both quite short, why choose? Hence the programme double.

« Summer Simmer » first appeared in Archie’s TV Laugh-Out no. 35 (Nov. 1975, Archie). Scripted by George Gladir, this story has the distinction of not particularly striving to be funny, instead focusing on character and situation.. which is totally distinct from the all-too-frequent straining for laughs and failing Archie blueprint. This sort of outlier is what makes the search worth the bother.

« The Defender » originally saw print in Pep no. 235 (Nov. 1969, Archie). Not only does Marmaduke “Moose” Mason get a rare turn in the spotlight, but it’s an unusually favourable depiction. It was most likely scripted by Frank Doyle.

It must be mentioned that Schwartz often tweaked the scripts he was assigned, but incognito. His collaborators trusted him, giving him free rein. Besides, let’s face it, the stakes were depressingly low.

-RG

3 thoughts on “A Samm Schwartz Double-Header!”

  1. Ellen's avatar Ellen July 17, 2024 / 14:01

    Two character pieces, and neither were heavy on the cheesecake or yuks. That’s Samm Schwartz for you. Though I don’t remember nearly as much cheesecake as I occasionally think I remember, and I’ve read decades worth of Archie-stuff. (I go way back. I owned the first issue of Jughead, eat your heart out.)

    There are other artists to celebrate, though. I’d like to see something about Harry Lucey, perhaps, or Bob Bolling. Little Archie had an endearing madness to it, especially when Mad Doctor Doom showed up.

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  2. Joanne Colt's avatar Joanne Colt September 22, 2024 / 13:16

    I was delighted to read your article! Samm Schwartz was my father, and my brother and I grew up reading Archie comics. My father worked at home and I used to watch him draw. He wasn’t only a gifted cartoonist, but a loving father and a kind man with a great sense of humor.

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    • gasp65's avatar gasp65 September 23, 2024 / 14:50

      And I’m delighted that *you* found it, Joanne! I had always envisioned Mr. Schwartz to be as kindly and humble as he was brilliant, an impression I happily found confirmed when I read your afterword in IDW’s “The Best of Samm Schwartz Vol. 1”. Thank you so much for dropping us a line! I’ve got a Jughead story slated for my upcoming Hallowe’en Countdown — look for it on your dad’s birthday!

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