Advertising in comic books



Comic book advertisements are a common feature in American comic books mainly from the 1940s onwards. As these advertisements were directed at young people, many made sensational claims, and sold the products for a few dollars or less, to be sent to a post office box. Products offered included novelty items, toys, and self-improvement courses such as drawing and body building.

Companies
The Johnson Smith Company placed advertisements for gadgets and toys that appeared on the back cover of many historically significant comic books, including Action Comics #1 (June 1938) (the first appearance of the character Superman) and Detective Comics #27 (May 1939) (the first appearance of the character Batman).

Notable products offered

 * Charles Atlas illustrated bodybuilding book
 * Disappearing ink
 * Dribble glass
 * Itching powder
 * Joy buzzer
 * Latex mask
 * Potato gun
 * Sea-Monkeys
 * Sneezing powder
 * Squirting flower
 * Stink bomb
 * Whoopee cushion
 * X-ray specs

The ads also included recruitment of youngsters to act as salespeople for products such as greeting cards and the national newspaper Grit.