John Richardson’s artwork in girls’ comics

[Tammyfan]

A John Richardson Wee Sue story appears 7 November 1981, and I think it's new artwork.

[Goof]

Thanks very much, Tammyfan.

[Tammyfan]

Just to be sure, it's a Guy Fawkes story where Miss Bigger buys an old desk, but Sue takes it, mistaking it for wood scrap left out for the school bonfire. By the time Miss Bigger catches up, Sue has smashed it. Sue disguises herself as a Guy to hide from the angry Miss Bigger, but in fleeing from her, accidentally bumps into the caretaker, knocking him into the school fountain and ruining the fireworks. Sue has no money for replacements, but she had found an old poem in the desk written by a famous Milltown poet. It raises a lot of money, enabling Sue to buy new fireworks and Miss Bigger to buy a new desk. They celebrate the Guy Fawkes party together.

If this does not sound familiar from the John Richardson Wee Sue run in the 1970s, it must be a new story.

[Goof]

Thanks again. I don't have all the Bonfire Night issues from this period, but I know it's not from 1974, 1975 or 1977. It's unlikely to be later, as Richardson had pretty well stopped contributing to Wee Sue after December 1977. Looks like you're right that it's a new story.

[Tammyfan]

Thanks again. I don't have all the Bonfire Night issues from this period, but I know it's not from 1974, 1975 or 1977. It's unlikely to be later, as Richardson had pretty well stopped contributing to Wee Sue after December 1977. Looks like you're right that it's a new story.

It's not 1976 either, which is about the headmistress recycling Halloween masks as Guy Fawkes masks. So it must be new.

[Tammyfan]

I found another Wee Sue by John Richardson, Tammy 2 August 1980. It might be a new one. Sue is piling on the pounds, and Miss Bigger's answer to that is her new keep-fit class, which she runs to avoid teaching rural studies. But when Sue unwittingly puts the gramophone on the wrong speed, which wrecks the class, Miss Bigger angrily chases after her. This chase, which goes for ten miles, burns off Sue's puppy dog fat, and Miss Bigger forgives her because the chase has scored her a date with the teacher she fancied. Back home, Mum is astonished at Sue losing all that weight.

[Goof]

Thanks Tammyfan. Sorry I haven't replied to you earlier, but I missed your post amidst other traffic on the site.

I see that copies of the list have disappeared again, as another free image host has shut up shop. Trying for a bit more permanence, I've posted the latest list here as attachments.

[TessaB]

It also features a strip called Time and Ms. Jones by Marise Morland which is female lead.

Art by Sydney Jordan!

[Tammyfan]

I have found another John Richardson Wee Sue story in Tammy. It appeared 2 August 1980. In the story, Sue is putting on weight, and Miss Bigger thinks her new keep-fit class is the answer.

[Goof]

Thanks, Tammyfan.

It seems that he did quite a few occasional episodes after he finished his stint as main artist. I've added all the ones I know of to the list - new list attached. If you come across any more, please let me know.