Young Love #21
"Free to Love" in Young Love #21 (1975) captures a quiet moment of connection and confusion, as Jean, restless in her literature classes, finds unexpected chemistry with Ricky in the library. Just as their spark ignites, she learns he’s Mary’s fiancé—part of a plan to test their commitment by dating others. Written by Stan Lee and brought to life by Ross Andru’s expressive art with Jack Abel’s inks, the story unfolds with sincerity and gentle tension. Fran Matera’s cover perfectly captures the emotional pull of the moment, a 40-cent snapshot of teenage longing from 1975.
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Jean is bored with her English Literature classes and the boys she meets at them. She tells bookish Mary that she is dropping out. Then she meets Ricky in the library and they are instantly attracted. The next time Jean meets Mary, Jean discovers that Ricky is Mary's fiance. The couple had agreed to date other people to be sure about their relationship before marrying. Ricky says it was infatuation with Jean— they have nothing in common. He will be teaching English Literature.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).