UNDERDOG 1975

PUBLISHER: AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY

All Stories Written By: Steve Skeates

With Art by George Wildman

As I child, teenager and young adult I loved Underdog – with many great memories of the series. A few years ago I picked up the Complete Series Box Set, but have yet to watch it for fear that it won’t live up to my memories. Something that has happened far too often.

I have, however (oddly enough) read American Mythology’s Underdog. I’ve liked it so far.

So when Underdog 1975 was released, of course it made its way into the read pile.

According to American Mythology the first two stories in Underdog 1975 (The Rubber Duck and Dog’s Worst Enemy) are unpublished stories from what would have been issue #24 of the then Gold Key Comics Series in the 1970’s, the second half of the issue is reprint of materials from issue #23.

Here in is my problem with Underdog 1975 – it makes me want to break out that complete series box set and binge the whole thing. Yep. This is a collection of great little Underdog stories that remind me of what I loved as a kid and felt like exactly how I remember Underdog.

Of course, these stories where written back when Underdog was still fresh and still had a grasp on the people involved in the comics.

The basics are here: good writing, competent art, and a challenge for our hero to overcome. Plus a healthy little does of Underdog’s superego.

Let’s not forget the Rhyming either!


The formula is simple: A villain presents a threat (to others or Underdog himself) that Underdog must face and defeat. Sometimes he does so easily, other times he must overcome an unforeseen challenge.

Either way, easy or a challenge, he wins the day in the Underdog way!

They may seem a little simplistic to many people today, but sometimes simple is best.

In the front matter American Mythology wrote that these are some of the ‘most wonderful kids’ books ever published.’ I agree and disagree.

Children will love them, but so will adults who are still children at heart.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
“There’s no need to fear, Underdog is Here!”

Read Away, Don’t Be Sinister, Do It Today!

RATING: 8 – Required Reading!