The Apollo Saturn rocket of the Project SWORD range is one of the most attractive in the line and the blue, white and red versions from Sears USA and Tomy Ranger Japan [above] are particularly so. The design is iconic and perhaps the quintessential rocket shape. Similar sleek designs popped up on the covers of childrens' magazines and sci-fi pulp novels from the 1950's onwards.
Recently I found this beautiful artwork on the UK childrens' educational magazine World of Wonder dated 1st July 1972 [price 9p].
Here is another similarly gorgeous rocket on the 1953 cover of Alfred Bester's The Demolished Man.
And the Apollo Saturn artwork itself surfaced on this Japanese Gemini rocket toy, with illustrations lifted from the US/ Japanese toys on the front and rear of the card.
Any similar designs are always welcomed here. The precise inspiration for the Project SWORD artwork has yet to be found.
Excellent post Woodsy. I've been shadowing these Apollo 12 rockets for some time now but will have to wait before I can pick one up. Being a child of the fifties, I have a soft spot for the 'pointy tube with fins' school of rocket design - it's sleek, usually simple, and has the look of speed just standing still.
ReplyDeleteLove that WoW cover! Funny thing us, I would have had that, back in the day as my dad bought me the mag every wrek to try and educate me!
ReplyDeleteThere's quite a few Fleetway picture strip library Jet Ace Logan covers which have rocket designs similar to those, Woodsy. I'll dig them out.
ReplyDeleteNever seen that Demolished Man cover before I must have an earlier-later printing. Off-subject but surprised that that book has never had big-screen treatment, great story for those unfamiliar with it.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the story Patron Z? Is it a good book for on the beach?
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