For whatever reason there were several unsuccessful Gold Key entries into the adaptation of TV westerns that only lasted one issue. THE VIRGINIAN #1 (6/63) was published 10 months after the show began in September ‘62. The cover was a combination photo/artwork montage. The back cover was a photo of star James Drury. Why this popular TV series didn’t succeed in the comic format is somewhat of a mystery, unless it was because the TV series catered to an adult audience and comics were geared to kids. The rather plain art by Tom Gill didn’t help. Fine copies can be found for $12.

“The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters” only ran for one season on ABC (Sept. ‘63-March ‘64) and Gold Key only managed one issue in Dec. ‘63. Painted front cover with a small photo of Kurt Russell. Photo back cover of Russell. Artwork tended to be “scratchy”. Fine copies run about $12.

“The Legend of Jesse James” was another one-season ABC western starring Christopher Jones and Allen Case which aired from Sept. ‘65-May ‘66. Gold Key got off one issue (#10172-602, #1) in late ‘65 with decent western artwork and front and back cover photos as well as inside front cover photos. Considering Chris Jones’ cult status these days the Fine condition price of $9 is underpriced. Pick up your copy while they’re still this cheap.

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The semi-western “Cowboy in Africa” was yet another ABC one season show, Sept. ‘67-April ‘68. Gold Key’s only issue is #10219-803 (#1) published in late ‘67 with front and back photo covers of Chuck Connors. Also inside front and back cover pics from the series. Nice art by Alberto Giolitti who also worked on LAREDO, GUNSMOKE, HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL, TONTO and other Dell westerns. Copies available in Fine from $10-$12.