The idea
of using the Stooges in Comic Books was spawned in May of 1947. Norman
Maurer (son-in-law to Moe Howard), who later managed the Three Stooges
and wrote, produced and directed their feature-length films, was at
that time a well established comic book illustrator, working for Daredevil
Comics. His childhood buddy Joe Kubert, had a deal with Archer St.
John, owner of Jubilee Publications, to produce and edit a number
of comics. Joe called Norman and asked him to be a partner and suggested
they use the Stooges as one of their upcoming comic series. Hence,
the beginning of an era of Stooges Comics was born.
Norman started negotiations
with the Stooges for licensing rights to publish Three Stooges Comic
Books featuring Moe, Larry, and Curly Howard. Curly had suffered his
stroke in 1946 and wasn't even a part of the trio at this time.
On May 28, 1947, the Stooges
granted permission for a Three Stooges comic book and Moe, Larry,
and Curly entered into an agreement with Norman Maurer and Jubilee
Publications entitling Maurer and the Stooges to 5% of the net profits
from the sales.
Maurer wrote, illustrated and
edited the Stooges comics. The stories were adapted from actual Three
Stooges comedies that utilized the same titles as the Stooges Short
films produced with Columbia Pictures.
