Joe Palooka (1945 Harvey) 1

Cover art by Ham Fisher. Scripts and art by Fisher. "The Story Behind Ham Fisher's Joe Palooka" article. "How Joe Became World Champ"; On a transport ship, the men are shown the movie "Bare Knuckles", starring Joe; The men later beg Joe to tell the story of how he became champ. Joe took a job at Knobby Walsh's haberdashery; When Knobby leaves him in charge of the store, thugs come in, clear the shelves, and tell Joe that they have an account with Knobby; Knobby tells Joe that he has ruined him; Joe pursues the men, beats them and recovers the goods. "The Big Fight"; Knobby keeps Joe in the dark about the cash that he will get for Joe's fight. Joe meets World Champion Jack McSwatt in the ring, and McSwatt beats Joe senseless for four rounds; Knobby's conscience bothers him, and he wants to stop the fight, but Joe refuses; Knobby lies to Joe, telling him that McSwatt was the ringleader of the men who robbed Knobby's store. "Jerry Puts on the Gloves"; After telling his story, Joe and Jerry walk the decks; Jerry accidentally bumps into sailor Larry Malss, and angry words are exchanged; Before you know it, Malss' challenge for a boxing match has been accepted. Jerry is no match for Malss, but, while the match is underway, a submarine is sighted, and all of the men go to stations on alert. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.10.