Number 780
The long and short of Rackman
Rackman,* who appeared for a short time in Airboy Comics, had a tricky secret. He was a dwarf standing on a rack which he wore under his trouser legs. He could make the rack go up and down, increasing or decreasing his height. No elevator shoes for Rackman. The story doesn't explain that this rack system would be akin to walking on stilts, and trying to look taller while walking around would give one herky-jerky movements, at least. Perhaps Rackman, who shared this secret with his family, all dwarfs, had the trick down pretty well after years of practice.
The artwork is by Bernard Sachs and Carmine Infantino; it's from Airboy Comics Volume 4 Number 4, 1947:
*Yes, I'm aware of modern slang usage of the word "rack" and what a "rackman" would be.
*stares in dull amaze*
ReplyDeleteyou've got to be kidding!
ReplyDeleteWow, this one is right up there with Madame Fatal as far as crazy.
ReplyDelete>Perhaps Rackman, who shared this secret with his family, all dwarfs, had the trick down pretty well after years of practice.
ReplyDeletePerhaps, but how do you explain his stretchy pants?
The hydraulic lifts used by auto shops are sometimes referred to as "racks." I imagine that the creator for Rackman had his inspiration while his car was up on the rack at the garage, getting an oil change.
ReplyDeleteAs for the pants, I don't think polyester or spandex was around in 1947 (although I really don't know--it was before my day). The pants may have been rubber. I think it more likely though that the pants were pleated with pleats that came out of, and went back into, the cuffs.
By the way, Google translates 快樂，是享受工作過程的結果 as meaning "Happy, to enjoy the results of the work process."
ReplyDeleteI agree. The process is just as important as the end result.
Guys, I just post 'em...and some defy explanation. Maybe Rackman's trousers are made of unstable molecules.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to read one of this character's stories. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWild one, Pap... you sure do find the gems. And I love those pointy witch hats! It always drives me crazy in comics though when someone in the story is reading a book and the title is printed on the BACK cover (4th panel, page 5) ...that's my only gripe.
ReplyDelete