“I Worked For The Fence” (k033)

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Posted in K100.

“I Worked For The Fence” is a 13-page Simon&Kirby crime story from Prize’s HEADLINE COMICS #28 [1948].

The “I” of the title is narrator Monica Bell, a failed show-girl, who is about to go back home from the big-city when she finds her suitcase has been switched with one full of jewels. Remembering a co-worker’s mention of a fence he dealt with, “Buyer Busch”, she takes the jewels to him, finding out she was set-up by him as a likely prospect for a “switcher” as he explains the inner workings of his operation. She takes the job and makes some easy switches, and then works as a buyer at the racetrack. She’s spotted by a private investigator, who she quickly falls in love with him, but almost gets caught when her next buy turns violent.

She tried to quit but finds she’s already in too deep, but is rescued by her new beau, and is now serving her time in jail, determined to live life straight when she gets out. Because, if you haven’t learned by now, Crime Never Pays.

Very enjoyable comics here, with a lot of story about how Monica gets drawn into the life of crime, attracted by the glamour but eventually having misgivings.  The background in how the fencing operation works is well done, with “Buyer Busch” playing up the charming rogue routine when it serves him. The investigator who rescues her also has some great dialogue. “You’re just the mixed-up kind of dame who takes a flyer on a racket for some fast dough and winds up in a fix! Well, you’re in a fix — now listen closely and do what I tell you! You owe it to that dead policeman!”.

https://www.comics.org/issue/127900/#374747
TEEN-AGED DOPE SLAVES AND REFORM SCHOOL GIRLS [1989]
THE SIMON AND KIRBY LIBRARY – CRIME [2011]

One thought on ““I Worked For The Fence” (k033)

  1. Patrick Ford

    In several of his posts on these late ’40s to early ’50s 13-16 page stories Bob mentions there is a “lot of plot” or a “lot of story.” It’s absolutely true. There is enough story for a Hollywood film in many cases. Which is what they remind me of. Unmade Warner Bros. classics from the ’40s and ’50s.

    Reply

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