Mad About Millie #1 – 17 (1970)

Mad About Millie #1 – 17 (1970) – A Retro Rom-Com Comic Delight ๐๐
๐ Genre
Mad About Millie falls under the romantic comedy genre with a splash of light-hearted satire and teen drama. The series captures the spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s with its groovy fashion, humorous romantic escapades, and youthful charm. Think of it as the comic version of a vintage sitcom—glamorous, quirky, and always fun! ๐ธ✨
๐ญ Main Characters
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Millie the Model (Millie Collins) – A bubbly blonde fashion model and the comic’s main star, Millie is ambitious, kind-hearted, and always caught up in romantic misadventures ๐ ๐
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Chili Storm – Millie’s red-haired rival both in modeling and love life, known for her sass and dramatic flair ๐ฅ๐
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Clicker – A photographer with a soft spot for Millie and a love for the camera ๐ธ๐
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Toni Turner – Millie’s best friend and fellow model, offering support and occasional comic relief ๐ฏ♀️
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Mr. Hanover – The often-flustered manager of the Hanover Modeling Agency ๐๐ฐ
✍️ Writer
The series was primarily written by Stan Lee, Marvel’s legendary co-creator and writer, who infused the comic with humor, romance, and witty dialogue that appealed to a young, fashion-forward audience of the era. ๐๐ฅ
๐จ Artist
Stan Goldberg, a renowned artist famous for his vibrant and expressive style, brought Mad About Millie to life. His art perfectly captured the fashion trends and pop culture of the 1970s, giving the series a colorful, energetic feel. ๐จ๐
๐ง๐ผ Editor Details
Edited by Roy Thomas, who was then Marvel’s editor-in-chief and a key creative force behind many of Marvel’s expanding titles during the 1970s. His guidance ensured the series kept its whimsical tone and visual consistency. ๐ง ✍️
๐ข Publisher and Brand
Published by Marvel Comics, Mad About Millie was part of Marvel’s broader effort to attract a diverse audience outside of the superhero genre. It belonged to the Timely/Atlas-era continuity, continuing the legacy of earlier romance and humor comics that predated the superhero boom. ๐ผ๐
๐ Release Year
The 17-issue run of Mad About Millie began in 1970 and continued into 1973, offering readers a vibrant slice of pop culture from the disco-era fashion and teen drama boom. ๐ผ๐บ
๐งต Brief Plot Summary
Mad About Millie centers on the glamorous yet chaotic life of Millie Collins, a fashion model navigating love, friendships, and professional challenges in the world of modeling. Each issue features stand-alone stories where Millie finds herself entangled in silly misunderstandings, romantic hiccups, and rivalry with the ever-jealous Chili. The narrative balances slapstick humor with sweet, often heartfelt moments. ๐๐
⭐ Notable Arcs or Storylines
While the series doesn’t follow traditional long-form arcs, a few recurring themes and mini-arcs are worth mentioning:
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Millie vs. Chili Rivalry – Their ongoing competition is both hilarious and iconic ๐ฅ๐
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Love Troubles with Clicker – Millie's on-again-off-again flirtation with Clicker adds romantic tension ๐๐ท
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Fashion Show Disasters – Several issues highlight modeling gigs that go hilariously wrong, showcasing the fashion world through a comedic lens ๐ ๐
๐ฎ Fan Theories or Interpretations
Some fans interpret Mad About Millie as a satirical take on the American obsession with celebrity and beauty standards during the post-60s feminist awakening. Millie, while portrayed as a classic "blonde bombshell," often outsmarts others, subtly challenging the dumb blonde stereotype. Others see her rivalry with Chili as symbolic of internalized competition among women, a recurring theme in media of the time. ๐๐จ๐ญ
๐ Review Summary
Mad About Millie is a delightful time capsule of early '70s pop culture. The artwork by Stan Goldberg stands out with bold colors, detailed fashion illustrations, and expressive characters that ooze personality. The writing, courtesy of Stan Lee, leans more toward comedy than depth but delivers clever banter and fun scenarios. While the character development is simple, the chemistry between the cast—especially Millie and Chili—keeps the series lively. It’s a charming and nostalgic read for fans of vintage romance and humor comics. ๐๐
Whether you're a die-hard Marvel fan or a lover of vintage fashion and rom-coms, Mad About Millie offers a playful escape into a world of glitz, giggles, and girl power. ๐๐๐งก
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