By: Sheena Fisher
This comic was born thanks to the creative brain of David Avallone. The introduction lets us know that the tales were inspired by a secret diary of Bettie’s that was recently discovered. The diary depicted stories of Bettie’s personal life. As a fan of the beautiful model I can say that this entire concept excites me. Let’s move right into the story aspect of this beautifully drawn comic.
We see Bettie in New York City. She gives a brief history that most of her biggest fans are already wise to. And, if you’re not already a fan it sets the scene to help you understand her character more. Now, let’s get onto the fun part. We see Bettie mid photo-shoot and the feds arrive to arrest everyone involved. Back in 1951 the types of photos Bettie modeled for were illegal and heavily investigated.
Bettie who is in a skimpy police uniform and heels takes off to avoid arrest. As she’s running a suit, he tries to stop her. She kicks him where the sun don’t shine and keeps on running. She makes her escape via a fire escape on the side of the apartment building. Bettie is dangling there for a few moments when a man below her on the street asks if she could use some help getting down.
The mystery man helps her down and offers her a ride. During their drive he then offers her a job in Hollywood. He says he needs a smart girl to work at his assistant at Pasadena Aerospace Technologies. The gentleman that helped turns out to be Rick Chaplain the founder of the company. Once Bettie arrives she comments on the boring desk job. Of course she keeps seeking out acting and modelling gigs while she’s in Hollywood.
There’s just one thing Bettie doesn’t understand. Rick’s last assistant just up and left one day. She decides to check out the former assistant’s desk and finds a nearly full bottle of Chanel No.5. Bettie realizes no woman would leave a new bottle of perfume setting around if they planned on leaving a place. As this unfolds a man appears from nowhere asking why Bettie is there, and she asks him if he has any info on the former assistant. He’s all too eager to show Bettie where he last saw the former assistant. So eager he chloroforms her.
Bettie wakes up tied to a table near the Benway Wave Modulator. Some creeps in robes appear and the creep that chloroformed her is happy to reveal this is what happened to the former assistant. But, don’t worry, Bettie is smart and right before the creep snatched her up she left a note on her desk saying where she was being taken. And, soon the cavalry arrives. Rick and 2 cops burst through the door. The creep grabs Bettie by the throat, she steps on his toes in her beautiful heels and the cops immediately shoot. And, this crazy ending sets us up for next issue’s story: The Queen of Space Commies.
This comic was so much fun to read. Any new information about Bettie Page is welcome to me. So if you like old school Hollywood, strong women, and weird tales this comic is for you. The story unfolds beautifully. Oh, and the language is very fun in here as well. Using slang terms from the 50’s really helps place you in the right timeline. I can’t wait to see what Bettie does next. 9/10 Stars.
