Today in Comics History, May 7: Happy birthday, Johnny Unitas!

Born today in 1933: football superstar Johnny Unitas, record-breaking NFL quarterback and star player of the Baltimore Colts! Johnny never had his own comic book, but he did appear in several ads in comics! (They weren't always flattering.)



American Specialty Co. ad, from Marvel comics dated November 1971
He fared much better in a series of Aurora model ads, one of which spotlighted him specifically! Did you have a Johnny Unitas plastic model? Did you blow it up with firecrackers?




from (top) Aurora Models ad (top) from DC Comics, cover-dated December 1965
(middle and bottom) Marvel Comics cover-dated May 1966
But he's perhaps best known in comic books for a series of ads (with his son Ken) selling guns to kids. To be fair: and teaching them safety, responsibility, and maturity in using them. Still, never forget the wisdom of Ralphie's mom.


Daisy Rifle ad from DC Comics cover-dated November 1977 ,
Happy birthday, Johnny Unitas! Please do not tackle me and/or put my eye out!


Daisy Rifle ad from Marvel Comics cover-dated December 1979 ,