First Love Illustrated #49
"Side-Street Love" in First Love Illustrated #49 (1955) delivers a moody, morally charged tale of temptation and consequence, spotlighting Sally’s ill-fated romance with Buck, the night watchman at her department store. Penciled and inked by Bob Powell, the story unfolds with quiet tension as stolen gifts and secret trysts lead to a sudden, devastating arrest. The cover by Al Avison captures the story’s bittersweet dread, perfectly framing Sally’s regret in a moment that echoes long after the final page.
Sell my copy
Have this issue — or a whole collection? Get a fair offer from us, skip the marketplace fees and the hassle.
We Buy Collections ▸Full credits
Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers
▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers
Bored Sally is engaged to Frank but begins an affair with department store night watchman Buck, who gives her gifts he “bought” with his “employee discount” (Buck actually stole the merchandise). Sally spends time with Buck in the closed store at night, hoping he’ll propose marriage. They’re caught by the police: Buck tries to blame Sally but they’re both sent to prison. Sally regrets her “cheap, sordid, side-street love!!” and that she lost Frank, a decent man.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).