Startling Comics 49, 1948
An absolutely classic cover that's always a favorite with collectors! This one has it all: A beautiful bound girl, a robot, a spaceman with ray-gun... I guess the only thing missing is a
tentacled alien. Without a doubt, this is one of Alex Schomburg's greatest airbrush covers. It's got beautiful composition, color and execution - and I just love the delicate pink mountain range in the background. I could go on and on, but I won't;
just enjoy the artwork!!!
Now here's a bit of
unconfirmed
trivia -- I believe this cover is the
inspiration for Bender the robot
on Matt
Groening's Futurama
cartoon! |
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Nameless robot
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Bender
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Conclusive evidence! This image below is from the Futurama episode "Crimes
of the Hot" (8th episode of the 4th season). The robot is described in the
program as being a "primitive bending unit", and seems to be a clear
acknowledgement of the Startling Comics robot's role in Bender's
creation. Note the similar forehead rivets, perforated mouthpiece,
insulated top antenna, and ear cones.
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