![\"Jack](\"\/\/kirbymuseum.org\/blogs\/simonandkirby\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2007\/03\/Oleck.jpg\" "\\"Jack")
\nJack Oleck<\/p>\n
\nJack Oleck<\/p>\n
From “The Comic Book Makers” by Joe Simon and Jim Simon we learn some information on Jack Oleck. We find that Jack was a writer frequently used by the Simon and Kirby studio. Also that he was Joe Simon’s brother-in-law. From Foxhole we also learn that Jack had been a Sergeant in the Army.<\/p>\n
Recently I have posted about two stories from Foxhole that were scripted by Jack Oleck (“Office Upstairs<\/a>” in #3 and “Thirty Year Man<\/a>” in #4). In terms of getting an idea of Oleck’s writings at that time this is not a lot to go. This would be all that we would have if it were not for copy of part of a script that Joe Simon has in his collection. The page has Jack’s address and the comic for which it was written. The story was “His Brother’s Keeper” and was published in Astonishing #55 (November 1956) by Atlas.<\/p>\n We find Larry Collins on Mars as he resists returning to his spaceship for the return trip to Earth. This was his first space voyage and he has developed a fear of returning to space. He does not care that if he does not overcome his fear he will never return home. Larry runs away so the Captain enlists the help of Larry’s older brother who also happens to be on Mars. It is a fun four page story but despite the blurb on the splash page it is not one of the most astonishing story you will have ever read.<\/p>\n The copy of the script only covers the first page and the very start of the second. The published version closely follows the original script. The only change is one small portions in the first panel which I have struck out. Actually I feel it was a good choice of editing since the excised portions was not really necessary. I have copied the original script below.<\/p>\n Legend: Splash: Captain: 1<\/p>\n Art: Captain: 2<\/p>\n Art: Captain: Larry: Page 2<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n Art: Captain:![\"Astonishing](\"\/\/kirbymuseum.org\/blogs\/simonandkirby\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2007\/03\/Astonishing55Oleckpage1.jpg\" "\\"Astonishing")
\nAstonishing #55 (November 1956) “His Brother’s Keeper”, script by Jack Oleck, art by John Forte<\/p>\n
\nLarry Collins had lost his nerve somewhere in the void between earth and Mars, and there was just one man who might help him to find it again…<\/p>\n
\nA rocket port on Mars. Not necessary to show any rockets. A group of uniformed spacemen is dragging Larry Collins toward a gate leading onto field. Larry is also a spaceman in uniform, very young. Over gate is sign: MARS ROCKET PORT. This entrance for ship’s crew only. Looking on is a ship’s captain.<\/p>\n
\nI don’t care! I’d rather stay on Mars forever than go back in space! I’m afraid! You can’t force me to go!<\/p>\n
\nMen have dragged Larry through gate. Here a mechanic who is working on a rocket motor which has been set up on a stand turn.<\/p>\n
\nI can try! Lots of men lose their nerve on their first trip in space. They stay wherever their ship sets down. Forever!<\/strike> They haven’t the courage to made the return trip.<\/p>\n
\nLarry still struggles. Mechanic has stopped working, watches.<\/p>\n
\nBut you’re one of my crew. You’re my responsibility. I can’t let you exile yourself. Think of your family, your brother…<\/p>\n
\nMy brother isn’t a coward! But I am! I can’t help it.<\/p>\n
\nLarry has started to fight even harder.<\/p>\n
\nYou must! Think of him. You told me that that’s why you became<\/p><\/blockquote>\n