Romance Comics Depicted in Romance Comics!

I don't know about you, but I love the house ads of the romance comics! Many of them depicted other titles, as well as upcoming storylines and features. They always seemed to capture the iconicness of the genre effortlessly. Today, I have for you a few examples of a more indirect form of advertising that almost borders on the subliminal. Take a look at the panels and pages to see romance comic books purchased, read, and discussed by romance comic book characters!

Pencils by Gene Colan
Falling in Love #75 Cover*
(May 1965)

"He Only Used My Love!"
Pencils by Win Mortimer
Falling in Love #93
(August 1967)

"Dumb Bunny"
Girls' Love Stories #164
(December 1971)

"No Kisses for Kitty!"
Pencils by Tony Abruzzo
Falling in Love #76
(July 1965)

"How Do You Find a Boy of Your Own?"
Pencils by Gene Colan, Inks by Sal Buscema
My Love #6
(July 1970)

Falling in Love #104 went a step further by actually working the romance titles into the main plot of the story. In "The Truth About Men," leading lady Noelle writes in to DC advice columnist, Ann Martin for advice. As you will see, she even received a reply from the love guru!

"The Truth About Men"
Pencils by Ric Estrada
Falling in Love #104
(January 1969)

Notice that in each example, the romance comics worked into the panels were different titles than the title the panel appears in. What great (and not to mention free!) advertising! Pretty ingenious marketing if you ask me!

*Cover from the Grand Comics Database