Ghost, seen here in a 1948 cartoon.
One of the top comics publishers in 1956, Harvey Comics discontinued its horror comics when the Comics Code was implemented and sought a new target audience. Harvey’s focus shifted to children from 6 to 12 years of age, especially girls, with characters such as Richie Rich, Casper the Friendly Ghost, and Little Dot. Many of the company’s comics featured young girls who “defied stereotypes and sent a message of acceptance of those who are different.” Other publishers, such as Dell Comics and Gold Key Comics, made similar changes. Although its characters have inspired a number of nostalgic movies and ranges of merchandise, Harvey comics of the period are not as sought after in the collectors’ market as DC and Marvel titles.
With the popularity of the Batman television show in 1966 publishers that had specialized in other forms began adding superhero titles to their lines. As well, new publishers sprang up, often using creative talent from the Golden Age. Harvey Comics released Double-Dare Adventures, starring new characters such as B-Man and Magic-Master. Dell Comics published superhero versions of Frankenstein, Dracula and the Werewolf. Gold Key Comics published licensed versions of television shows such as Captain Nice, Frankenstein Jr. and The Impossibles, and continued the adventures of Walt Disney Pictures’ Goofy character in Supergoof. Charlton Comics published a short-lived superhero line with new characters that include Captain Atom, Judo-Master, the Question, and Thunderbolt. American Comics Group gave its established character Herbie a secret superhero identity as the Fat Fury, and introduced the characters of Nemesis and Magic-Man.Even the iconic Archie Comics teens acquired superpowers and