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February 1977

Fast Willie, Volume 1, Number 3 from February 1977, published by Fitzgerald Periodicals, Inc. This issue was written by Bertram Fitzgerald and illustrated by Gus LeMoine. The front cover of the comic book is predominately blue with color illustrations. The top third of the cover features the comic’s masthead in yellow outlined in red with stylized text that reads [FAST / WILLIE / JACKSON]. Above the title is a graphic of Fast Willie’s head, dressed as a Santa Claus with a white beard, eyebrows, and a red and white cap, with a white speech bubble that says [CAN YOU DIG IT?], and another Santa Claus head with a speech bubble that reads [YEAH! I CAN DIG IT!]. The comic book’s issue, [FEB. NO 3], and publisher’s logo, [F / P [encircled in blue]], is printed to the left of the title. The price, [30¢ [encircled in blue]] above black text that reads [P D C / 53160-9], is printed to the right of the title. The front cover is dominated by an illustration of a Christmas party featuring the comic book’s titular character, Fast Willie Jackson, as well as other regular characters from the series: Hannibal, Frankie Johnson, and Dee Dee. Frankie stands on the right side of the cover surrounded by six (6) women, including Dee Dee. The women are giving gifts to Frankie. One woman is kneeling behind Frankie and has her hands wrapped around his knees. A number of presents are scattered around Frankie’s feet. In the distant background is a row of additional women waving at Frankie. Frankie is depicted wearing a yellow suit with green accents, an orange shirt, sunglasses, and a green fedora. Above Frankie’s head is an orange banner with black Old English Text that reads [Merry Christmas / Frankie]. The edge of a Christmas tree is depicted in the right foreground. Willie is depicted in the left foreground, wearing a blue shirt with orange pants. Hannibal stands next to him wearing a red shirt and white pants. They are looking towards Frankie with expressions of anger and surprise on their faces. The speech bubble above Frankie’s head reads [WHAT DOES FRANKIE / HAVE THAT I / DON’T HAVE?]. Hannibal’s speech bubble reads [JUST ABOUT/ EVERY FOXY MOMMA / IN MOCITY!]. In the bottom left corner is a yellow text box with black text that reads [FITZGREALD PERIODICALS, INC. 1977]. The artist’s reproduced signature is printed in black by Hannibal’s proper left knee. The back page features an advertisement and order form for six (6) issues of Fast Willie Jackson. The advertisement is yellow and features illustrations of eleven (11) characters from the comic book. The interior pages are off-white with color illustrations, plus letters to the editor, advertisements, and text. The comic book features eight (8) stories: "Jo-Jo in 'The Name of the Game,'” "Let’s Dance, Officer Flagg," "José in Cents Sense," "Fast Willie in The Shakes," "Frankie’s Night Out," "If the Suit Fits, Wear It," "Rock, Willie, Rock," and "Fast Willie in If It’s Relative." The comic book is thirty-four (34) pages, front and back interior covers, and is staple-bound.

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Books and Published Materials

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

2019.28.24.4

comic books

© Fitzgerald Periodicals, Inc 1977
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

ink on paper (fiber product) with metal

H x W x D: 10 1/4 × 6 11/16 × 1/16 in. (26 × 17 × 0.2 cm)
H x W x D: 10 1/4 × 12 13/16 × 11/16 in. (26 × 32.6 × 1.8 cm)

Title • Fast Willie Jackson, Vol 1., No. 3

nmaahc_2019.28.24.4

NMAAHC

FAST WILLIE JACKSON, VOL 1., NO. 3

National Museum of African American History and Culture

CC0

1970s

LeMoine, Gus • Fitzgerald Publishing Corp. • Fitzgerald, Bertram

New York City • United States • North and Central America

Comics and graphic novels • Youth • Holidays and festivals

City • New York City • State • New York • Country • United States • Continent • North and Central America

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