ICON BUCK ROGERS

[Phil R]

My first introduction to science fiction was 1952 as an eight year old reading my first Big Little Book, Buck Rogers. This evolved into a lifelong passion for literary science fiction and the extension of unlimited collectibles.

In August, 1928 Philip Francis Nowlan's story, ARMAGEDDON 2419 A.D., was published in Amazing Stories .A sequel, AIRLORDS OF HAN, was published in March, 1929.

The story, featuring a young man named Anthony Rogers was not ground breaking science fiction. However, it was to become an iconic connection from a contemporary lifestyle to a fantasy future for young people for decades to come.

John F. Dille, a syndicated newspaper publisher, recognized the opportunity, and with established artist Dick Calkins, adapted the storyline into a daily comic strip in January 1929 and later a Sunday strip in 1930. It became an instant hit for youngsters following the then teen stars of the strip, Buddy and Alura, through the 1930s depression. The strip would continue, constantly evolving, until 1983.

John Dille realized that Walt Disney's success with merchandising opened new avenues for Buck Rogers with toys and playthings introduced in 1934. The introduction was so successful that Macy's had several blocks of children waiting to purchase the items. A Short movie was added for the 1933-34 Chicago World's fair and later movie serials were filmed starring Buster Crabbe.

Buck Rogers has become a generic term used to describe the advances of science and technology. Rather than inundate you with information and thousands of collectibles, I will provide you with internet links to peruse at your leisure. Next will be printed references. Feel free to add anything of interest I may have missed or omitted.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buck_Rogers

http://www.swapsale.com/tiptop.htm

http://www.buck-rogers.info/

http://www.universalhartland.com/code/buck000m.shtml

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078579/

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/44187

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm4I8B3bFUA

[Phil R]

Although no one has published a comprehensive Buck Rogers collector's guide, a number of publications and price guides have sections on Buck Rogers memorabilia. There are also some books with a specific area of collectibles or vanity books. I am listing these with photo references.

A Celebration of Comic Art and Memorabilia-1975-Robert Lesser-contains 60 pages of Buck Rogers in black and white-a few items pictured in color

Blastoff-2001-36 pages of Buck Rogers in color-nicely done-Blastoff probably the best book ever done on space toys connected to space heroes.

Hake's Price Guide of Character Toys-2006-28 pages black and white small photos and pricing

Buck Rogers Big Little Books and Other Collectibles-2013-90 pages color-geared heavily to paper items, especially BigLittle books

[Phil R]

I think it's always interesting how artists interpret fictional characters, especially when they are continually portrayed over a number of decades. it's obvious that the design elements are affected by contemporary technological developments, as well as the social mores and language use of the time. Here are the artists interpretations of Buck Rogers and his love interest Wilman Deering over 1930s to to present. It's interesting how we've come full circle. A lot of this return to Buck's artistic roots is because of the efforts of John Dille's heir grandchildren who hold the licensing rights. The last poster refers to the upcoming comic series by Howard Chaykin that closely resembles the original Buck Rogers. This comes after the black suit series of 2009-10.

[Phil R]

More Wilma Deering design for lovers of the female form.