Heart Throbs #1
"Spoiled Brat" kicks off in Heart Throbs #1 (1949), a 10-cent gem from Quality Comics, where stenographer Judy dreams of a wealthy future at Lake Shore Manor—only to fall for Marty, who’s playing the same game. Written, drawn, inked, and lettered by Paul Gustavson in a rare full-creator effort, the story unfolds with quiet charm as Judy and Marty navigate class and deception, their shared secret leading to a surprisingly honest ending. The cover by Bill Ward captures the era’s glamour, perfectly framing the tale’s mix of ambition and sincerity.
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Stenographer Judy saves her money for a vacation at ritzy Lake Shore Manor, intending to catch a rich husband. She and Marty fall in love there, but she hides her true socio-economic status. When they return to Philadelphia they continue to date and Judy continues her scheme. She finally confesses the truth, and Marty admits he’s not rich either: he’s a struggling lawyer who was looking for a rich wife. They will be married.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).