- Remember those classic comic book ads for Bodybuilding, Amazing Sea Monkeys and Deadly Fighting Skills?
- These funky pieces of design and killer copy sent kids into a frenzy
- Sadly few of these ads lived up to their promises (apart from Charles Atlas), but boy did they sell
My designer buddy Enzo Case loves this stuff too, so we decided to mock up a “comic book” campaign. We started with a Charles Atlas tribute, played around with a story and a strip ad, and finished with a fully-worked Direct Mail piece.
So read on, and learn how vintage comic ads can unleash your own Secret Deadly Marketing Power. . .
The Insult That Made A Man Out Of "Enz"
Enz Wanted To Be An Artist - Now You Can Too!
Secret Marketing Power Can Be Yours! (Can You Spot Us?)
- Learn The Deadly Art Of Karate Marketing!
Thanks for reading. Next time you’re stuck for inspiration, why not try an old skool marketing approach? Who knows what Super Hero adventures your business might have. . .
WARNING: Secret Deadly Marketing Power is a potent weapon. Handle with care!
This is great stuff, very nicely done.
From a personal point of view, I was once a 10-stone weakling of a kid who received deliveries of sand into the eyes during every summertime beach visit.
These days though, I’m a copywriter, work from home, and no longer go to the beach, so who’s laughing now, eh?
If I want to beef up these days, I just increase the font size, stick it in CAPS, and slam it in bold.
Take that, reader! Ker-pow-ee!!
Enjoyable work Johnny. When I get a chance I love to flick through old newspapers and periodicals (less so the comics), and always pause to read those heavily copy-driven ads.
My favourite ones are ones slightly earlier than these, from the pre-proof era, when they didn’t have to back up anything – even medical benefits. Ah, hazardous self improvement was so much easier in those days.
Good post Johnny and Enzo’s design is great too!