How To Build A Dog Sled

Not much has been added here since the last post at the end of July. For the most part, I've been gathering digital copies of old comics and such and getting things organized before posting.

I've got the basics down for the Sergeant Preston Of The Yukon page, one of the more popular mountie characters whose adventures were told for several decades in various formats. I'm going to start with the comics series from Dell Comics that ran from 1951 to 1958 simply because it is the most accessible.

I want to read each one before writing any sort of synopsis though, so obviously it will take a while. In the meantime feel free to, you know...build a dog sled.

The above was the opening page of the first issue of Four Color Comics to star Preston from (late?) 1951. At the back, you were provided with the instructions for building a paddle. Judging from that first line, it's apparently a very simple thing so have at 'er.

I must say, I love the art by Alberto Giolitti in this book. Some of the art I've seen in comics from that era was much more cartoon-like. This is more to my liking. Many of the covers by Morris Gollub were quite striking as well.

So comics first then radio, TV, etc, all in chronological order of release with the oldest material on top. I look forward to becoming more familiar with Preston, his horse Rex and of course his faithful sled dog, Yukon King. More on him later, no doubt.

Welcome To Men Of Steele!

In 2012, I started a blog dedicated to Canadian superheroes, unimaginatively entitled "They Stand On guard". The goal was to direct a spotlight and support, small though they may have been, towards some of the more obscure Canadian characters in comics and other forms of entertainment, past and present. Obviously, Wolverine and Deadpool didn't need whatever minimal amount of support I could provide. But I thought more people should be aware of Canada's comics history and future, both of which are far more rich than many realize.

In looking into characters from the World War 2 era, I stumbled into several RCMP (or NWMP at the time of publishing) heroes. Of course, I knew there had been a period of time in which such characters were popular too, but I did not appreciate the scale on which they were popular.

This blog, or perhaps it should be referred to as a sub-blog to TSOG, will serve as my research notebook. It will include both fiction and non-fiction because I've found that the true-life tale of the mounted police is as fascinating as many works of fiction.

A quick word about both:

I am currently reading Defiance Valley: The Complete Northwoods Stories of Frederick Nebel as reprinted by Altus Press. I am loving it completely.

One of the aspects that makes these stories thrilling is that the setting itself is a threat; the cold, the wildlife, the desolation. That comes through in these stories. Not all of them  are about, or even include, a Mountie character mind you, but several do, including the longer ones. Enough to make the purchase worthwhile and to create anticipation for a second volume.

In comics format, I am a big fan of what Scott R. Schmidt is doing with his Steele Vs. series. While based on the legendary Sam Steele, Scott has added a mystical element to an already harsh environment. It is drawn and coloured beautifully as well, and I know Scott is working hard to continue the series. By all means support his efforts by buying the first two issues published so far if you enjoy Mountie fiction.

And in terms of a historical resource, my personal favourite is the book below.

The one arguable flaw with it is that it is almost too thorough. The book, of course, explains the procedure for establishing NWMP posts, but goes to great lengths to describe the need. There are times that you wonder if it didn't deviate entirely from its stated subject matter.

But that is a minor reproach. The book is clear and provided many visual aids whether in the form of maps, photography, side bars, etc. If I could only keep one reference book in my collection, it would be that one.

That out of the system, I've got to begin work on a layout and continue with my research. If you've just stumbled into this blog, I hope you you're similarly surprised by, and interested in, the popularity that the Mounties once enjoyed.