Readers could tread the mean streets of detective stories with such hard-boiled characters as Flash Cain and Cole Steele or set off in intergalactic science fiction adventures with Silver Starr and his lovely companion Pristine. A ye arning for the sagebrush and the Wild West could be satisfied with an issue of The Hooded Rider or Smoky Dawson , while Darkest Africa could be reached through Yarmak, Jungle King . Many of the comic book heroes passed as Americans rather than Australians - an interesting comment on the social attitudes of the time. The exhibition gives a rare opportunity to look back at the 'golden age' of Australian comics and to marvel at the creative energy of the artists who contributed to this wildly entertaining area of Australian popular culture. Batman, Catman and a Kid Called Ginger will be on display at the State Library of Victoria from 15 September to 19 November.
Entrance is free.