Famous Funnies #11

Kongonia, a Somali gun-bearer, risks his life to save American big game hunter William H. Herren when a massive lion charges and disarms him during a 1931 expedition in Africa. With bare hands and quick thinking, Kongonia subdues the beast—pulling it away from Herren so that the photographer can take the shot. This non-fiction tale of bravery and sacrifice celebrates a moment of heroism amid the dangers of the African frontier.

This 1935 installment of "Strange As It Seems" by John Hix recounts a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history: the Hawaiian army of Oahu, cornered by their enemy and facing inevitable defeat, chose to plunge over a 1000-foot cliff at Nuuanu Pali rather than surrender to King Kamehameha. It's a haunting true story of defiance in the face of conquest, presented in the matter-of-fact style that made this odditorium feature a newspaper staple.

"Everyday Thankfulness" offers a series of humorous vignettes celebrating the small silver linings in everyday life—from a woman grateful for a seam to let out when her dress no longer fits, to a hitchhiker thankful he doesn't need to buy gasoline. Each brief scene finds its own reason for gratitude, whether practical or tongue-in-cheek, proving that there's always something to be thankful for if you look at life the right way.

Junior's quick temper gets the better of him when schoolmates tease him about his feelings for Peggy, leading to a punch that lands him in hot water at home. When his parents demand an explanation, Junior insists he was just defending himself—but his logic might not hold up as well as he hopes.

Eddie's golf outing with Aloysius McGinis turns into a comedy of frustration when Eddie loses a ball in the rough and holds up play on a crowded Sunday course. As other golfers grow increasingly impatient waiting for Eddie to search the woods, tempers flare and the day becomes less about the game and more about managing the mounting tension on the course.

In this non-fiction curiosity piece, John Hix presents the Dueling Oaks of New Orleans—a remarkable historical landmark in the city park where nearly a duel took place every single day for a full decade. The story captures one of the strangest and most violent chapters of the city's past, drawing readers into the dramatic atmosphere surrounding these now-famous trees.

Lord Byron, the celebrated poet, was a devoted boxing enthusiast and pupil of 'Gentleman' Jack Jackson, as this illustrated piece from Fisher's History of Boxing reveals. The story captures Byron sparring, offering a glimpse into the poet's passion for the sport beyond his literary legacy.

Junior Nebb finds himself in one of his characteristically difficult situations in this tale from Famous Funnies. When troublesome moments strike, it takes more than good intentions to set things right—and Cubby certainly has his hands full learning that lesson.