Dear Ms Courthold
Your article re comic culture
Having read the above I was taken back to memories of the early 1960s (when I was 10-12 years old and living in Guernsey).
A friend recommended me to read Buster magazine – it was 6d (in old/better money), a bit dearer in price from the other comics. It was a large comic but it had a glorious sheen over the pages, the likes of which I have never seen since.
Buster was the son of Andy Capp fatured in The Daily Mirror newspaper if memory serves me right.
They sold little brooches of Buster via mail ordering through the comic. Sadly mine got lost over the years.
I believe the publishers took a huge risk producing such a good quality magazine re their cost to print on such fine glossy paper and their concern wondering if the children would love its appearance and stories. It was a gamble that paid off as it was a huge success and children were given credit that they would be able to understand and appreciate the overall content.
I used to look forward to the arrival of Buster Magazine every Saturday morning when it was delivered to our home.
With great respect I took care as I unfolded each page of the magazine on the carpet in our lounge – and I recall that the ink had a lovely unique fragrance.
Saturday’s activities always commenced only after the ritual of the arrival and reading of Buster Magazine much akin to Sunday morning for many adults today, only beginning once The Sunday papers have been read – though I have yet to meet anyone who is actually able to read every page and the supplements on the same day.
One little secret – if I had my Buster Brooch still, then I would wear it with pride and with happy memories despite disdain from contemporaries who may see the brooch and think that I should grow up! But why?
Hazel Speed
