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Publisher: Western
Years in Operation: 1922 - 1993
Disclose Detail
Country: Flag United States Web Site: Brands: 7 Indicia Publishers: 15 Series: 688 Printings: 9327 (6344 Issues) Disclose Notes: In 1907, Edward Henry (E.H) and Al Wadewitz bought West Side Printing Co. of Racine, Wisc. They incorporated the new company in 1910 as Western Printing & Lithographic Co. In 1916, they acquired the assets of the failed publisher Hamming-Whitman Publishing Co., which they made a subsidiary of Western under the name Whitman Publishing Co.

Under the Whitman publishing wing, Western produced Big Little Books beginning in 1932 and Little Golden Books beginning in 1938. Over these years Western began to acquire the licenses to produce publications featuring the stars of the Disney, Warner Bros., M-G-M, and Walter Lantz studios.

Around 1936, Western began to work with Dell, printing their established comics titles like The Funnies and Popular Comics at Western's Poughkeepsie, New York printing plant. Not long after starting to produce comics of their own, such as Super Comics and Crackajack Funnies, Western also assumed complete production duties over these Dell titles in 1939. In 1944 Dell and Western formalized their partnership to produce a line of standard newsstand comic books with Dell generally providing the financing and distribution, while Western produced the contents and printed the comics. Many of these comics featured the characters licensed by Western. Some of these licensed comics, however, were wholly produced and financed separately from Dell by K. K. Publications, Inc. When licensing agent Kay Kamen sold Western a licensing deal with Disney, he arranged a special partnership agreement that resulted in the formation of this publisher. These comics were produced and printed by Western and distributed by Dell, but technically published by K. K. Publications. Since K. K. Publications' titles Red Ryder and Walt Disney's Comics and Stories are commonly thought of as Dell comics due to the Dell logo on the covers after 1948, these comics can be found in this database under the Dell master publisher. This arrangement between Western and Dell lasted until 1962.

During this period, Western also produced without Dell other products not distributed through newsstands, but rather through the book market or as giveaways distributed through retail outlets. These items can be found under this master publisher.

In 1958 Western entered into a joint publishing effort with Pocket Books under the name Golden Press, Inc. Just a few years later, Western bought out Pocket Books' interest and made Golden Press one of their primary divisions. Many of Western's comic products were packaged for the book market under this Golden Press division.

After ending their arrangement with Dell in 1962, Western began their own line of newsstand comics, again utilizing their many licences, under the brand name Gold Key. Gold Key's New York office had two editors in 1968, one of whom was Paul Kuhn. The 2nd editor from 1966 to 1970 isn't known. Del Connell was editor at the LA office during this period. In 1971, Western began distributing versions of their newsstand comics exclusively for the book market under the brand Whitman. Western discontinued their Gold Key line in 1980, but continued their Whitman line into 1984.

In late 1976, Western Publishing Company, Inc. signed an agreement with Marvel to distribute Marvel Comics in Western's plastic bag series. Marvel printed slightly different covers with the common element, a diamond shape to replace the Curtis Circulation symbol. Western Publishing Company also packaged and distributed Whitman branded comics in the same manner, as a result the Marvel issues with the diamond shape became known as Whitman variants. The initial cost of three 30¢ comics was 79¢. Source: Comic Reader (Street Enterprises, 1973 series) #140, February 1977 page 10 (Western News column).

In and about 1977, Western's Golden Press division also published under the "Golden All Star Books" brand. These books were illustrated text stories that were bound like comic books and are sometimes referred to as comic books. They were often written and illustrated by creators who were also working on their regular comic book series.

Behind the scenes in those later years, Western was sold to Mattel in 1979, and then sold again at the end of 1983 to a private investor. Over the next several years the various assets of Western were reorganized or re-sold several times before a final bankruptcy auction in 2001.

(Some of the information for the above from Funnybooks: The Improbable Glories of the Best American Comic Books by Michael Barrier and Mark Evanier's "News from Me" blog [http://www.newsfromme.com/iaq/iaq07/])


******* 'Canadian' price variants of 1968 *******
Doug Sulipa, a comics dealer in Manitoba, Canada since 1970, has confirmed that about 90% of all 63 titles of Gold Key Canadian titles are confirmed to exist with cover dates from April 1968 through August 1968 for both 15 cent covers and 12 cent covers.

Joe Torcivia, a comics collector and professional, has confirmed that at least several titles were sold in Flushing, Queens, New York with 15 cent covers while sold elsewhere with 12 cent covers. A few months later (September or November issues, depending on dating), ALL Gold Key Comics carried the 15-cent cover price and no further 12 cent issues were sold again.

These issues do not have a currency qualifier on the covers, so it is not certain whether they were priced in Canadian or United States currency, or both.

These issues appear to meet comics researcher John McClure's definition of Type 1a variants: “Cover Price Variants intended for foreign distribution with limited regional distribution, published simultaneously with standard or regular editions." However, in addition to foreign distribution, they appear to have also been sold as a test market for an impending price increase in the United States.


******* "© Robert S. Callender" Explained *******
When Western Printing produced comic book content that was not a licensed property, it was copyrighted in the name of Robert S. Callender (or, sometimes, Oskar Lebeck, e.g. Animal Comics, a Lebeck project). Callender was not the writer. He was Western Printing's copyright holder.

Robert S. (Bob) Callender, b. 1913, youngest child of Gene Callender of Racine, Wisconsin society, was an executive at Western Printing. On Oct. 9, 1937 Mr. Callender married Wynnefred Wadewitz, b. 1916, daughter of Edward H. Wadewitz.

Robert S. Callender's father-in-law, Edward H. Wadewitz, had risen by initiative to be the secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Western Printing & Lithographing Company: he was a moving spirit in the development, enlargement and control of that undertaking.

Robert S. Callender (Mr. Wadewitz's son-in-law) was the Managing Editor and Business Manager for Whitman Publishing Co., Poughkeepsie, N.Y., owned by Western Printing and Lithographing Company of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
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Series Name Years in Print Issues (Printings)
100 Greatest Comic Books {Comic Books} 2004 - 1 (0)
40 Big Pages of Mickey Mouse {Comic Books} 1936 - 1
55 Days at Peking {Comic Books} 1963 - 1
77 Sunset Strip {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Follows the Dell series, but does not continue its numbering. Based on the 1958-1964 television series of the same name.
1962 - 1963 2
Adam-12 {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Based on the 1968-1975 television series of the same name.
1973 - 1976 10 (17)
Adventure in Disneyland {Comic Books} 1955 - 1
The Adventures of M-G-M.'s Lassie Presented by Red Heart Dog Food {Comic Books} 1949 - 1
Adventures of Mighty Mouse {Comic Books} 1962 - 1963 5
Adventures of Mighty Mouse {Comic Books} 1979 - 1980 7 (12)
The Adventures of Tintin {Comic Books} 1959 - 1960 6
Ain't It a Grand and Glorious Feeling? {Trade Paperbacks} 1922 - 1
Alice in Wonderland {Comic Books} 1965 - 1
Alice in Wonderland Meets Santa {Comic Books} 1950 - 1
The Aliens {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Reprints of the back-up strip from Magnus, Robot Fighter. The story involves the meeting of an friendly alien race and Capt Johner. Titled "Captain Johner and the Aliens" on cover only.
1967 - 1982 2 (3)
The Amazing Spider-Man {Comic Books} 1977 - 1 (0)
The Amazing Spider-Man in "Weather Forecast: Danger" [Giant Comics to Color] {Comic Books} 1976 - 1
Andy Hardy and the New Automatic Gas Clothes Dryer {Comic Books} 1952 - 1
Andy Panda All Picture Comics [Tall Comic Book] {Hardcovers} 1943 - 1
Annie Oakley and Tagg {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Follows the Dell series and reprints material from the Dell series. Based upon the 1954-1957 TV series "Annie Oakley", which was sometimes called "Annie Oakley and Tagg" to distinguish it from other Annie Oakley projects. "Tagg" refers to Tagg Oakley, Annie's (fictional) little brother.
1965 - 1
Astro Boy {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Based on the 1963-1966 animated television series "鉄腕アトム" or "Tetsuwan Atomu" (known as "Astro Boy" in English), which was based on the manga of the same names by Osamu Tezuka.
1965 - 1
Atom Ant {Comic Books} 1966 - 1
Au Dela Du Réel {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: French language edition of The Twilight Zone.
1972 - 1973 7
Augie Doggie {Comic Books} 1963 - 1
The Avengers [John Steed Emma Peel] {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Indicia title is "The Avengers". Adaptation of the 1961-1969 British television series The Avengers; retitled for American publication due to Marvel Comics holding the rights to the title The Avengers for its superhero comics.
1968 - 1
Baby Snoots {Comic Books} 1970 - 1975 22 (34)
Bambi {Comic Books} 1984 - 1
Bamm-Bamm and Pebbles Flintstone {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Based on the Hanna-Barbera characters from "The Flintstones".
1964 - 1
Barney Google and Snuffy Smith {Comic Books} 1964 - 1
Batman {Comic Books} 1989 - 1
Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder Battle the Joker in "Comedy of Tears" [Giant Comics to Color] {Comic Books} 1975 - 1
Batman and Robin the Teen Wonder Battle the Penguin in "Four Birds of a Feather" [Giant Comics to Color] {Comic Books} 1976 - 1
Batman the Animated Series: Plants of Peril {Comic Books} 1993 - 1
Battle of the Planets {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Based on the 1978-1985 American animated television series of the same name, which was an adaptation of the 1972-1974 Japanese animated television series "Science Ninja Team Gatchaman"
1979 - 1981 10 (15)
Beep Beep the Road Runner {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: This series is based on the characters from the Warner Brothers cartoon series, but differed from the cartoons in several ways: the Coyote and the Road Runner were given dialogue, the Road Runner was called "Papa Beep", he had a wife and three sons, and the road runners spoke in rhyme all the time. #27-88 were published in both Gold Key and Whitman editions. Publishing hiatus between #101 (April 1982) and #102 ([June 1983]).
1966 - 1984 105 (160)
Beep Beep the Road Runner Kite Fun Book {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Published with various utility company logos on cover.
1967 - 2 (3)
Beep Beep the Road Runner Kite Fun Book {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Published with various utility company logos on cover.
1971 - 1 (3)
Beetle Bailey {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Based on the comic strip Beetle Bailey (1950- ).
1962 - 1966 15
Beetle Bailey {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Based on the comic strip Beetle Bailey (1950- ).
1978 - 1980 13 (23)
Ben Casey Film Stories {Comic Books} 1962 - 1
Ben Franklin Kite Fun Book {Comic Books} 1975 - 1 (3)
Beneath the Planet of the Apes {Comic Books} 1970 - 1
The Best of Bugs Bunny {Comic Books} 1967 - 1968 2
The Best of Walt Disney Comics {Comic Books} 1974 - 4
The Black Hole {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: An adaptation of the 1979 film of the same name.
1979 - 1
Bonanza {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Adaptation of the long-running NBC-TV western series, starring Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, Dan Blocker, and Pernell Roberts. ******* 'Canadian' price variants of 1968 ******* Doug Sulipa, a comics dealer in Manitoba, Canada since 1970, has confirmed that about 90% of all 63 titles of Gold Key Canadian titles are confirmed to exist with cover dates from April 1968 through August 1968 for both 15 cent covers and 12 cent covers. Joe Torcivia, a comics collector and professional, has confirmed that at least several titles were sold in Flushing, Queens, New York with 15 cent covers while sold elsewhere with 12 cent covers. A few months later (September or November issues, depending on dating), ALL Gold Key Comics carried the 15-cent cover price and no further 12 cent issues were sold again. These issues do not have a currency qualifier on the covers, so it is not certain whether they were priced in Canadian or United States currency, or both. These issues appear to meet comics researcher John McClure's definition of Type 1a variants: “Cover Price Variants intended for foreign distribution with limited regional distribution, published simultaneously with standard or regular editions." However, in addition to foreign distribution, they appear to have also been sold as a test market for an impending price increase in the United States.
1962 - 1970 37
Boris Karloff Tales of Mystery {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Early issues have a heavy stock cardboard cover. Issues #3-21 have the front cover illustration reproduced on the back (sans cover copy) as a pin-up. ******* 'Canadian' price variants of 1968 ******* Doug Sulipa, a comics dealer in Manitoba, Canada since 1970, has confirmed that about 90% of all 63 titles of Gold Key Canadian titles are confirmed to exist with cover dates from April 1968 through August 1968 for both 15 cent covers and 12 cent covers. Joe Torcivia, a comics collector and professional, has confirmed that at least several titles were sold in Flushing, Queens, New York with 15 cent covers while sold elsewhere with 12 cent covers. A few months later (September or November issues, depending on dating), ALL Gold Key Comics carried the 15-cent cover price and no further 12 cent issues were sold again. These issues do not have a currency qualifier on the covers, so it is not certain whether they were priced in Canadian or United States currency, or both. These issues appear to meet comics researcher John McClure's definition of Type 1a variants: “Cover Price Variants intended for foreign distribution with limited regional distribution, published simultaneously with standard or regular editions." However, in addition to foreign distribution, they appear to have also been sold as a test market for an impending price increase in the United States.
1963 - 1980 95 (128)
Boris Karloff Tales of Mystery Story Digest Magazine {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: As one of their experiments in format, the Whitman line published a series of illustrated prose digest-sized magazines. These four digests were 144 pages (plus covers), 4.75 by 6.5 ". They featured occasional line drawing illustrations.
1970 - 1
Boris Karloff Thriller {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Heavy stock cardboard cover. Issues have the front cover illustration reproduced on the back cover (sans cover copy) as a pin-up. Based on the 1960-1962 television series "Thriller" (a.k.a. "Boris Karloff's Thriller").
1962 - 1963 2
Boys' and Girls' March of Comics {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: According to Overstreet, #32, 107, 196, 211, 228 and 339 were not published. Indicia title is "Boys' and Girls' March of Comics" from start to #352. Changes to "March of Comics" with #353. Some issues have indicia titles that only use the feature name and do not have "March of Comics" in them (although that may be on the cover). This is true of at least #2 and #91. Catalog of Copyright Entries lists the publication as "Boys' and Girls' March of Comics." Inside front cover, inside back cover and back cover may contain ads from various shoe companies that gave the comic away.
1946 - 1982 488 (1575)
The Brady Bunch Kite Fun Book {Comic Books} 1976 - 1 (2)
Brer Rabbit in Ice Cream for the Party {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: American Dairy Association Premium giveaway
1955 - 1
Brothers of the Spear {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Publishing hiatus of more than six years between #17 (February 1976) and #18 (May 1982).
1972 - 1982 18 (27)
Buck Rogers {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Cover title: "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century." Issue 1 was based on the Buck Rogers comic strip (1929-1967). The subsequent issues were based on the TV series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979-1981), which was based on the comic strip. Issues 2-4 are a direct adaptation of the pilot episode of the TV series, which was also released in movie theaters. Issues 2-4 were reprinted as a giant-size tabloid book -- See Buck Rogers, Giant Movie Edition (Western, 1979 series). This series was canceled after the first issue, and then revived 15 years later with issue 2.
1964 - 1979 4 (7)
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Indicia title confirmed for issues #5-8, 11-16. Based on the TV series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979-1981), which was based on the Buck Rogers comic strip (1929-1967). Despite lasting longer than the TV series, this comic is based entirely on the first season of the TV series. None of the premise changes, new cast members, etc. added to the second season of the TV series are seen in the comic book. #10 was not published. The Comic Reader #185 (11/1980) said that Buck Rogers #10, cover dated 01/1981, was supposed to be released 10/27/1980 and carry the book length "The Madness Without -- The Madness Within" by J. M. DeMatteis and Al McWilliams. Apparently, this didn't happen due to distribution problems experienced by Western at the time, and it was rescheduled for one of the mass-distributed three-packs, but it doesn't look like the missing #10 was included in any of these. The story was printed in German in Die Actionhelden (Condor, 1978 series) #13, and was reprinted in one of the versions of Condor Superhelden Taschenbuch (Condor, 1978 series) #16.
1979 - 1982 11 (16)
Buck Rogers, Giant Movie Edition {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Whitman version, also exists as a Marvel Comics version (the Marvel symbol on the cover is the only difference).
1979 - 1 (2)
Buffalo Bill Jr. {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: 2nd series. Based on the 1955-1956 television series of the same name.
1965 - 1
Bugs Bunny {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Indicia and cover titles are "Bugs Bunny Showtime" for issues #86-88. ******* 'Canadian' price variants of 1968 ******* Doug Sulipa, a comics dealer in Manitoba, Canada since 1970, has confirmed that about 90% of all 63 titles of Gold Key Canadian titles are confirmed to exist with cover dates from April 1968 through August 1968 for both 15 cent covers and 12 cent covers. Joe Torcivia, a comics collector and professional, has confirmed that at least several titles were sold in Flushing, Queens, New York with 15 cent covers while sold elsewhere with 12 cent covers. A few months later (September or November issues, depending on dating), ALL Gold Key Comics carried the 15-cent cover price and no further 12 cent issues were sold again. These issues do not have a currency qualifier on the covers, so it is not certain whether they were priced in Canadian or United States currency, or both. These issues appear to meet comics researcher John McClure's definition of Type 1a variants: “Cover Price Variants intended for foreign distribution with limited regional distribution, published simultaneously with standard or regular editions." However, in addition to foreign distribution, they appear to have also been sold as a test market for an impending price increase in the United States.
1962 - 1984 160 (225)
Bugs Bunny [Dynabrite Comics] {Comic Books} 1979 - 1
Bugs Bunny [Quaker Puffed Rice/Wheat - A Series] {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Came as a set after sending in 15 cents and coupon from a package of Quaker Puffed Rice or Puffed Wheat.
1949 - 5
Bugs Bunny [Quaker Puffed Rice/Wheat - B Series] {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Came as a set after sending in 15 cents and coupon from a package of Quaker Puffed Rice or Puffed Wheat.
1949 - 5
Bugs Bunny [Quaker Puffed Rice/Wheat - C Series] {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Came as a set after sending in 15 cents and coupon from a package of Quaker Puffed Rice or Puffed Wheat.
1949 - 5
Bugs Bunny All Picture Comics [Tall Comic Book] {Hardcovers} Disclose
Note: Title taken from cover. Just Bugs Bunny on title page. Sequential panel art. Reprints Bugs Bunny stories from Looney Tunes #1 and #5, per Overstreet.
1943 - 1
Bugs Bunny and Friends in Fly-Away for Energy Kite Fun Book {Comic Books} 1983 - 1
Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: One of a series of newsprint cover giants.
1965 - 1
Bugs Bunny Comics-Go-Round {Comic Books} 1979 - 1
Bugs Bunny Kite Fun Book {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Published with various utility company logos on cover.
1968 - 1 (2)
Bugs Bunny Winter Fun {Comic Books} 1967 - 1
Bugs Bunny's Kite Fun Book {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Published with various utility company logos on cover.
1959 - 1
Bugs le Lapin {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: French language edition of Bugs Bunny.
1972 - 1973 1
Bullwinkle {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: "Bullwinkle and Rocky" on cover only from issue #3-21. Always "Bullwinkle" in the indicia. Publishing hiatus between #2 (February 1963) and #3 (April 1972). Based on the 1959-1964 television show that had two different titles in its original run ("Rocky and His Friends" and "The Bullwinkle Show") and several more titles in syndicated reruns, but is known now as "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends".
1962 - 1979 21 (33)
Bullwinkle and Rocky {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Based on the 1959-1964 television show that had two different titles in its original run ("Rocky and His Friends" and "The Bullwinkle Show") and several more titles in syndicated reruns, but is known now as "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends".
1979 - 1980 4 (7)
Buster Brown Goes to Mars {Comic Books} 1958 - 1
Buttons and Fatty in the Funnies {Comic Books} 1927 - 1
Camp Comics {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Volume information on front cover solely.
1942 - 3
Captain America in "The Challenge of Super Sport" [Giant Comics to Color] {Comic Books} 1976 - 1
The Captain and the Kids [A Famous 'Comics' Cartoon Book] {Hardcovers} 1934 - 1
Captain Easy and Wash Tubbs [A Famous 'Comics' Cartoon Book] {Hardcovers} 1934 - 1
Captain Nice {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Based on the NBC series of the same name starring William Daniels as Carter Nash and Captain Nice.
1967 - 1
Captain Ray-O-Vac's Adventure and Game Book {Comic Books} 1952 - 1
Captain Sindbad {Comic Books} 1963 - 1
Captain Venture and the Land Beneath the Sea {Comic Books} 1968 - 1969 2
Cave Kids {Comic Books} 1963 - 1967 16
Checkmate {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Based on the 1960-1962 television series of the same name
1962 - 2
Chester Gump Finds the Hidden Treasure {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Free with Lemix and Korlix Desserts. [According to info on Ebay]
1936 - 2
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang {Comic Books} 1969 - 1
Choo Choo Charlie {Comic Books} 1969 - 1
Christmas at the Ford Rotunda {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Produced for Ford Motor Co. See also, Christmas at the Rotunda (Western, 1954 series) and The Ford Rotunda Christmas Book (Western, 1957 series).
1955 - 1961 2
Christmas at the Rotunda {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Produced for Ford Motor Co. See also The Ford Rotunda Christmas Book (Western, 1957 series) and Christmas at the Ford Rotunda (Western, 1955 series).
1954 - 1956 4
Christmas Carol's Welcome to Hudson's Toyland Fun Book {Comic Books} 1958 - 1
A Christmas Dream {Comic Books} 1949 - 1
A Christmas Journey through Space {Comic Books} 1960 - 1
Christmas Story Book {Comic Books} Public Domain 1953 - 1
Cinderella {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Adaptation of the 1950 animated film of the same name. Listed in The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide under the umbrella title MOVIE COMICS, but listed here under its indicia title.
1965 - 1
Cinderella in Fairest of the Fair {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: American Dairy Association Premium
1955 - 1
City Surgeon {Comic Books} 1963 - 1
Clash of the Titans {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Adaptation of the 1981 film of the same name
1981 - 1
The Close Shaves of Pauline Peril {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Co-created by editor/writer Del Connell and artist Jack Manning.
1970 - 1971 4
The Colossal Show {Comic Books} 1969 - 1
Comics to Color {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Each book tells a 6-page story that can be hung as a poster when colored. The Gold Key trademark is used on the back cover.
1992 - 7
Cowboy in Africa {Comic Books} Disclose
Note: Based on the 1967-1968 television series of the same name.
1968 - 1

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