Showcase 77 (1956)

Slap a gorilla on the cover and the book will sell three times as many copies.

That was DC Comics Editor and Chief Julius Schwartz’s philosophy for the 1950s and 60s.

While it might seem insane today, it certainly seemed plausible at the time. Profits proved the fact as sales rose significantly when apes appeared on comic book covers.

Which may be how our hosts for the day got their start.

Angel and the Ape debuted in DC Showcase issue 77 in 1968, about the time comic books and apes were dissolving their unlikely and improbable relationship. The duo would star in seven self-titled issues before retiring to guest appearances and mini series.

Showcase 77 (1956)

E. Nelson Bridwell and Bob Oksner were the creators. The premise was simple and 1960s. Considering Batman was camping it up twice a week on television with high ratings, a blond model and comic book artist gorilla moonlighting as private detectives weren’t beyond the realm of possibility.

Angel O’Day was the brains. Fluent in 12 languages, but still capable of kicking butt without chipping a nail. Sam Simeon was the brawn. His gorilla dialect often mistaken for unintelligible gibberish and hairy demeanor just part of the current style; both served to mask the real truth that Sam was an ape.

After disappearing for six years, DC printed a previously unreleased story in its Limited Collectors’ Edition C-34 Christmas With the Super-Heroes cover dated 1975.

We’ve already discussed this hidden treasure, but for continuity we’re adding it to their list of appearances.

Angel and Sam were thrown a bone here and there guest starring in other titles. It wasn’t until 1991 writer/artist Phil Foglio revived the pair in a four-issue mini series. Foglio expanded their existence in the DC universe making Sam the grandson of Flash rogue Gorilla Grodd. Angel’s pedigree proved her to be half sister to Inferior Five member Dumb Bunny.

Howard Chaykin and David Tischman chose to sex the two up in 2001 for another four-issue mini that just missed the mark all the way around.

A one-page story in the DC Holiday Special ‘09 wrapped up their time prior to The New 52. What remaining ‘60s charm they had left was completely stripped away leaving one running to eBay or back issue bins to wash the taste away.

What a sad way to close out a promising career.

As I stated when reviewing LCE C-34, Angel and the Ape have an allure born of the times they were created. Their short legacy is worth a visit; it won’t take long and may actually prove to be fun.

Oh, and today? It’s National and International Private Investigators Day. July 24 commemorates the birth year of Eugene Francois Cidocq, the first private investigator. His birthday is July 24, 1774 or 24/7 using the European method of placing the year before the day. There are an estimated 80,000 PI’s in the United States alone.