Captain Billy’s Whiz Bang
Apr 9, 2014 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
1922 cover, Dangerous Crossings
Vintage magazines and periodicals offer a great peek into our history and perhaps no other publication captured the roaring twenties better than Captain Billy’s Whiz Bang. Join us as we learn more about the magazine that was immortalized in The Music Man’s song “Ya Got Trouble.”
Captain Billy’s Whiz Bang
Established in 1919 by Captain Billy Fawcett, founder of Fawcett Publications, and based in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, Whiz Bang laid the groundwork for a much larger publishing powerhouse. Fawcett would go on to release such magazines as McCall’s and Redbook, comic heroes like Captain Marvel, and paperback books under the name Gold Medal Books.
Whiz Bang was the company’s first title and took its name from the sound of artillery shells in action. Captain Billy was in fact a real military captain, serving in both World War I and the Spanish-American War. During his service Fawcett performed many journalistic duties and returned home wanting to continue his trade.
April 1921, Whiz Bang
Initial circulation of the digest-sized magazine was limited to hotel lobbies and hand outs to friends. But its wit and humor soon made it a popular publication. Within its pages, readers would find jokes, poems, commentary, and gossip. Considered racy for the time, its tongue in cheek approach influenced the writing style of modern magazines we enjoy today.
Whiz Bang held its finger on the pulse of American pop culture for nearly three decades, highlighting all the ups and downs of society during the decadent jazz age, the harrowing depression, and the triumphant post-World War II years. The success of Whiz Bang is rooted in its honest and humorous approach, giving a voice to all the excitement of the time and allowing us vintage enthusiasts to transport to an earlier era.
Cause A Frockus would like to thank our tremendous resources: Whiz Bang Days, About Comics, Wikipedia, YouTube, and the people who post their images without restriction.
For our readers: Have you read a copy of Whiz Bang? If so, what did you think – were you surprised by the point of view? Tell us all about your favorite vintage publications in the comments!