Famous Funnies #12

In this historical curiosity from the "Strange As It Seems" feature, an eclipse of the sun in 585 B.C. abruptly halted a devastating war between the Medes and the Lydians—a moment when the heavens themselves seemed to intervene in human conflict. It's a fascinating glimpse into how ancient peoples interpreted celestial events and how a sudden darkening of the sky shifted the course of history.

Watching a fight in Juarez, Mexico, a small boy named Armando Borundo becomes so frustrated by a fighter's poor skills that he grabs a cloak and leaps into the arena himself—and his footwork is so impressive that the promoter signs him on the spot. Now just nine years old, this young matador fights regularly with smaller bulls, inspired by his hero, the legendary Spanish bullfighter Belmonte. It's a remarkable true story of a kid who literally jumped into the spotlight and made good on his instinct.

When a bear ends up in the house, Rudy Nebb finds himself caught between keeping his furry friend and facing his mother Fanny Nebb's fury over the uninvited guest. This 1935 tale from Famous Funnies follows the chaos that erupts when Rudy's animal companion creates household havoc, testing just how far a boy will go to protect his unusual pal.

George Bungle gets jolted awake in the middle of the night when his wife Jo hears a strange noise in their house—something that sounds like a snarling animal lurking in the shadows. George springs into action to track down the mysterious intruder and confront whatever creature has invaded their home.

This page presents a collection of odd but true facts and curiosities arranged in the "Strange As It Seems" format—ranging from the surprising origins of "Yankee Doodle" as a British joke set to music during the American Revolution, to unusual historical tidbits about everything from a cave chapel in France to the Sultan of Johore's diamond-studded gold teeth. The page also includes a word puzzle and brief scenes from a football story, making it a classic snapshot of 1935 popular education and entertainment rolled into one.

When Jo convinces George to watch the family dog Otto for the evening so she and Edith can catch a show, George discovers that babysitting a restless pup is easier said than done. A simple favor turns into a chaotic night as Otto creates one mishap after another. It's a lighthearted look at what happens when a reluctant dog-sitter meets his match.

A fisherman's outing gets plenty of ribbing in this humorous sketch by J. Norman Lynd, which captures all the mishaps and social friction that come with a day out on the water—from the early-morning grind to the awkward moment when the catch finally comes home. With sharp one-liners poking fun at everything from seasickness to disappointing lunch choices, "How Are They Bitin'?" is a breezy look at the unwritten rules and unspoken complaints that define the fishing experience.

George Bungle receives an urgent phone call from the night watchman at his office reporting a break-in and robbery, setting his day in motion. With trouble afoot and practical matters to handle, George must deal with the fallout from the crime at his workplace.