Blue Ribbon Comics was the first title published by MLJ Magazines, the company that would later become known as Archie Comics. Rang-A-Tang, a miracle dog, was MLJ’s first star. Rang-A-Tang was a German Shepherd created by Norman Danberg and Will Harr, who ran away from a small-time carnival after being abused by his trainer. He quickly comes to the aid of a police detective who is being attacked by crooks and then assists the detective in fighting crime. Rang-A-Tang was one of the early Golden Age comic book dog stars, predating Green Lantern’s Streak and Superboy’s Krypto. Blue Ribbon Comics #1 is an essential dog star key, and the start of an important comics publishing business (MLJ, 1939) 2022 May 8-9 Sunday & Monday Comic Books Select Auction #122219 at Heritage Auctions will feature FN as well as other early Blue Ribbon Comics issues.
Louis Silberkleit and Maurice Coyne utilized the moniker Blue Ribbon in pulps and the imprint Blue Ribbon Magazines and the titles Blue Ribbon Western and Blue Ribbon Sports. Blue Ribbon Comics was their debut comic book publication when Silberkleit and Coyne formed MLJ Magazines with John L. Goldwater in 1939. Top-Notch Comics and Pep Comics followed shortly after, becoming the Archie Comics empire.
In that initial comic book title, though, Rang-A-Tang the Wonder Dog was one of the main characters. Rang-A-Tang entered Hollywood by issue #4, which also established the Rang-A-Tang club to promote the character, apparently inspired by the great film dog actor Rin Tin Tin. Richy, the Amazing Boy, was introduced in Blue Ribbon Comics #6 and became a regular member of the Rang-A-Tang cast.
Blue Ribbon Comics was the first title published by MLJ Magazines, later known as Archie Comics. Rang-A-Tang the Wonder Dog, one of the first Golden Age dog stars, was also introduced. Blue Ribbon Comics #1 is a historically noteworthy series (MLJ, 1939) 2022 May 8-9 Sunday & Monday Comic Books Select Auction #122219 at Heritage Auctions will feature FN and other early Blue Ribbon Comics issues.
