Links to Catalogs & Illustrations
Dick Tracy
Dick Tracy is a fictional police detective in the American comic strip Dick Tracy created by Chester Gould in 1931. Tracy is a tough and intelligent detective who uses forensic science, advanced gadgetry, and wits in his relentless pursuit of criminals. Rick Fletcher joined the creative team in 1961 and made several contributions to the strip, including suggesting the Two-Way Wrist TV in 1963, and eventually became lead artist on the series after Chester Gould's retirement in 1977.
The Old Glory Story
These illustrations by Rick Fletcher will take you on a journey through the dangerous, wild countryside of early America. This distinctive and grappling history of the American Flag was published in newspapers every Sunday from early 1953 to mid-1966. These were recently uncovered for the appreciation of storytelling and to look inward at the nature of pioneering settlements, treaties and conflict.
This first series of “The Old Glory Story” begins with 136 inspirational pages tracing the history of the American Flag, 1492 to 1781. Illustrator Rick Fletcher and writer Athena Robbins bring these stories to life in this award winning, extensively researched collection, spotlighting the twists and turns of the birth of America to the significance of the Declaration of Independence.
One of America’s bravest frontiersmen is brought to life in this astonishing 15-page story illuminating his exploits from North Carolina into Kentucky spanning1769 to 1799. The British incited the native Indians to attack pioneers, but that did not stop Daniel Boone from building settlements and relishing the new countryside.
Clark’s daring adventures as leader of the Old Northwest Territory are chronicled in this 16-page series spanning the saga of Kentucky, Illinois, and the town of Vincennes from 1775 to 1812. Clark weakened the British influence, created alliances with France and captured strategic forts for the American cause while sacrificing his own love, health, and wealth.
Sevier rode from Virginia into Tennessee’s Watauga Valley in 1772. By 1796 he earned the name “Nolichucky Jack” and became the first Governor of Tennessee. Many gripping and historical moments fill this action-packed 15-page sequence of a political leader, soldier and founding father of Tennessee.
Capt. Robert Gray First to Carry Our Flag ‘Round the World.
Circumventing the globe on American ships for the first time, adventurous merchantmen had set sail from Boston in search of a profitable trade route. This 13-page saga documents the voyage of Columbia, the first ship to carry the American flag around the world. Strange customs, dangerous natives and the discovery of the Columbia River come to pass between 1787 to 1793.
“Mad Anthony” Wayne and his Legionnaires
This powerful 13-week account documents American history from 1790 to 1796. British military in Detroit gave weapons and spirits to native Indians as incentive to obstruct pioneers from expanding west, resulting in savage battles and a search for peaceful treaties. Alliances were ultimately formed with natives to explore the Ohio River Valley from Cincinnati to Detroit, successfully expanding American territory.
Lewis and Clark First to Take Our Flag Across the Continent
No roads. No official maps. Lands west of the Mississippi River sparked plenty of indigenous lore. An adventurous President Thomas Jefferson created the “Corps of Discovery,” sending a significant scientific expedition of four dozen diverse people towards the west coast and back home to St. Louis. This truly American journey of exploration has been detailed in this 20-week record of struggles, triumph, and discovery between 1803 and 1806.
With the Louisiana Purchase completed, President Thomas Jefferson sends Zebulon Pike on an expedition where he blazed new trails and achieved remarkable discoveries. Fresh maps were drawn of the Mississippi River north to its source and another assignment leads him into trouble with the Spaniards in New Mexico territory. 13 pages illuminate the fascinating and spectacular trek from 1805 through 1807 including the breathtaking discovery of Pikes Peak.
Stephen Decatur and the Barbary Pirates
Three new ships, Americas new navy, reached the water in 1797. By 1801, a squadron of American ships patrolled the Mediterranean protecting merchantmen from swift pirate corsairs. Fierce battles ensue. Americans win respect and honor after thrashing the Barbary Pirates in Tripoli and the British Navy on the high seas. “Where are you bound?” Find the answer to the question in these 13 pages of action, power, and tenacity.
William Henry Harrison versus Tecumseh
There is fear in the Indiana frontier as fanatical Indians align with British forces as they scheme to defeat Americans and destroy standing treaties. Superstition and revenge are forces that arouse these enemies into punishing battles to the death. Find consequence in this unforgettable 13-page story about a remarkable leader and his determined desires between 1798 and 1813.
Andrew Jackson Backwoods Patriot
Intimidating British ships, native Indians, Spanish governors, and French pirates pressed inland along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico for the period of 1788 to 1829. One American leader pushed back relentlessly and won. Follow his awe-inspiring trek in this 20-page series as “Old Hickory” Travelled from Nashville to Pensacola and back across the south to save New Orleans, our significant gateway to the Mississippi River. His spine-tingling successes cemented his position as the 7th President of the United States.
The Defense of Baltimore and the Origin of the National Anthem
Leaping flames rage and devour our Washington Capitol Building as British soldiers light torches and blast rockets into the city. Forty-five miles north in Baltimore, brave Americans dig in for additional attacks. A bugle sounds an alarm as 5,000 British soldiers advance directly towards the city. Meanwhile Fort McHenry is bombarding the British Navy all through the night. Will the Americans prevail? Francis Scott Key witnesses from Chesapeake Bay and captures the spirit we all know as our National Anthem. The significant warfare that occurred in 1814 is captured in this 11-page opus.
Stephen F. Austin “Father of Texas”
This riveting portrayal of a young New Orleans lawyer begins in 1820 while undertaking his father’s dream to put down roots in the beautiful countryside of Texas. Heart-wrenching trouble emerges around every bend involving murderous battles, Mexican prisons, and starvation. What is made clear in this 13-page story of the Lone Star state? Texans dare enemies to “Come and Take It”, Texans remember the Alamo, Texans created the Bowie knife, Texans built independence and law with the Texas Rangers. Don’t mess with Texas. December 27, 1836 Texas President Sam Houston mournfully announces the “The Father of Texas is no more.”
The Astorians of Oregon …First American Settlers West of the Rockies
An ambitious and wealthy businessman John Jacob Astor establishes the first western American community at the mouth of the Columbia River in 1811. His goal of trading only the best pelts will find success despite confrontational Indians, rival British interference, and economic headwinds. This captivating 13-page sequence charts the ventures across the hazardous nautical and overland trade routes west to Oregon until 1818.
Lewis Cass Frontier Builder of the North Lake Country
Turning wild land into safe settlements was a formidable task in 1814. Lewis Cass, the new Governor of the Michigan Territory, used wisdom and courage to win treaties with native Indians, securing millions of fertile acreages for farming and lodging. Scientific expeditions on the Great Lakes discover minerals and foods for growing populations. Chicago, Detroit, Grand River, Milwaukee, and Mackinac become thriving trading posts and by 1831 schools were being built throughout the region. Learn this exciting story of American exploration and progress in this 13-page sequence.
Jed Smith Famed Trailbreaker to California
Today millions of people dream of going to California. Here is a 16-page story about the first person to follow this dream, on dirt trails and unexplored routes. Described as a trail breaker, the adventurous explorer was Jed Smith in 1822. He travels on foot, boat, and horses up rivers and across mountains which lead to the breathtaking geography and opportunity of California. His audacious excursions find him in dangerous situations, sufferable days, and horrible conditions. in any event, Jed’s optimistic expectations brings inspiration for others to follow.
DeWitt Clinton and the Erie Canal
Before 1809 bringing supplies around the Great Lakes required expensive and time-consuming horses and wagons. Connecting the eastern states to the western frontiers via a waterway seemed impossible. Ingenuity and moxie led DeWitt Clinton on the difficult task to build a canal connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the stirring fresh water lakes. Many skeptics spoke of foolishness and costs. The war of 1812 stopped the work but not the dream. Read this 13-page epic to find out how Irish immigrants and 363 miles of flat-out hard work created one of the eras most celebrated modern marvels of progress in 1825.
Sam Houston and the Lone Star Republic
Named “the Raven” by his adopted Cherokee family in 1809, this soldier, lawyer, and congressman travels to Texas in 1832, falling in love with the territory. Fate places him amid a revolution and the murderous mayhem of General Santa Anna. After brutal fighting and the strength of his “Twin Sisters,” a treaty and constitution are secured. These 13 pages envision the First President of Texas, a new flag, new respect, and swift Texas prosperity while Sam Houston’s popularity and intentions cultivate progress for the Lone Star state, eventually becoming Governor in 1859.
Magnificent wagon trains with supplies of food and belongings transport men, women, and children to a new world of prosperity and independence …if they are lucky. Discover this series of 13 pages both entertaining and horrifying at the same time. Chasing their dreams, many succeed as some die from disease, murder and exhaustion struggling to reach a new way of life between 1834 to 1837.
Kit Carson Daring Scout of the Old West
Young Kit set out in 1826 along undeveloped Horse trails across mountainous territory leading from St. Louis to New Mexico. He grows up quickly, learning languages and memorizing trails throughout the west. Kit meets Lieutenant Fremont which eventually leads to his hoisting American flags in the west coast towns of San Francisco, Monterey, San Diego, Sonoma, and Los Angeles. Dazzling adventures unfold in these 15 pages of the significant moments until Kit settles back home in Taos around 1864.
Old Glory at the Crossroads 1861 – 1865