Number 1431: Latin love

In my next lifetime make me a Frenchman, so I may be “born to love.” As Andre LeBlanc says on the cover of ACG’s Lovelorn #2 (1949), “It’s in our hearts — in our blood — part of our life!” Andre is being dramatic; love is not under patent by the French. (Love aside, the other reason I could be a Frenchman is I own a beret.)

Laura Matthews, an acting student on scholarship to the Sorbonne in Paris, meets Andre after he insults her while she is singing in a café. He says she has a “stupid American crow’s voice.”  This is a love comic, so besides the stereotypes, complications abound, including Laura’s hometown boyfriend showing up unexpectedly after Laura becomes engaged to amorous Andre.

Sharp-eyed comics fans will notice Andre LeBlanc, the mustached cad of “Lure of Latin Love,” is also the name of a longtime comic artist. LeBlanc was a journeyman in the American comic book industry for many years, working with Eisner, Dan Barry, among others, and even working solo on projects like The Picture Bible. Could using his name be some sort of inside joke on the part of the writer? Our story is signed by artist John Belfi.