Life, 1929-04-12 · page 33 of 44
Life — April 12, 1929 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **1920s advertising comic** for Ethyl Gasoline, promoting "anti-knock" fuel as a solution to engine problems. The four-panel narrative follows a man (Smith) whose car "knocks" (engine pinging/detonation). Each panel shows a different passenger complaining—his wife criticizing his driving, a wealthy acquaintance insulting his car, his boss questioning stops, and finally a servant. The joke's punchline: after filling up with Ethyl Gasoline, the car runs smoothly and the "back seat driver" (the servant) stays quiet for six miles, calling it a blessing. The satire satirically positions Ethyl fuel as solving not just mechanical problems but also *social friction*—silencing nagging passengers through superior engine performance. The ad conflates car trouble with marital/class tension, using humor to suggest that the right gasoline product improves one's entire life experience by eliminating complaints from those around you.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
How Smith took the “KNOCK” out of his motor and out of his back seat driver at one and the same time Wife: “There you go shifting gears again. I The Better 2: “What do you mean letting that think you do it just to annoy me.” (Husband little shrimp pass you? This car cost twice as says nothing) much as his.” (No answer) The Boss: ‘““Why are we stopping here?” The Emancipated Serf: (to himself) “She hasn't The Slave (to attendant): “Fill my tank with kicked once in the last six miles—thank the Ethyl, please.” Lord for Ethyl Gas!” — The leading oil companies are mixing Ethy] anti-knock area Tore 2 fluid with their good gasoline to make Ethyl Gasoline —the fuel that brings out the very best in any car. Koocks out that” knock ~ ETHYL GASOLINE comicbooks.com