Hey, you might not remember this, but back in the day, comic books were packed with some seriously crazy ads. They promised everything from muscles to monsters. But let’s take a trip back and see what those ads were really about.

X-Ray Specs

These were a must-have for boys everywhere. The ads promised that these funky spiral glasses, would let you see through clothes. But when you put them on, all they did was make things look blurry… definitely not the secret vision you were hoping for! They were just cardboard glasses with a neat trick, but no actual x-ray vision included.

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Sea Monkeys

This was a classic ad! It made it seem like you were about to hatch a colony of tiny, human-like creatures with personalities. But what you actually got was just brine shrimp. They swam around but didn’t look anything like the cartoonish creatures in the ads.

Hypno-Coin

This coin was one of those classic novelty items that promised more than it could deliver. The idea of hypnotizing girls with just a coin was pure boys’ fantasy, and while the swirling pattern might have looked cool, it didn’t make anyone be under your command.

Cardboard Submarine

That is a hilarious one! The “Nuclear Submarine” was definitely a wild imagination stretch. The ad made it sound like you were getting a high-tech, gadget-filled wonder straight out of a James Bond flick for just $7. But when it arrived, it was just a big cardboard box, far from the slick metallic vessel you’d envisioned. But it was perfect for those who didn’t mind using some imagination!

Monster, Ghosts, and Creepy Things

These ads promised spooky 7 ft monsters and floating ghosts to scare your friends. Instead, you got inflatable or paper cutouts to pin on the wall, that were more laughable than frightening. 

So, even though those ads were full of big promises and flashy graphics, they often fell short. But hey, they made us kids dream big and taught us later to question stuff that sounds too good to be true. And speaking of comic book ads, 

here are some cool finds….

Mail-Order Mysteries: Real Stuff from Old Comic Book Ads

I you were into those wild comic book ads, you’ve gotta check out Mail-Order Mysteries by Kirk Demarais. This book reveals the real deal behind all those outrageous promises from back in the day. It’s a fun trip down memory lane and totally worth a look if you’re into comic book history and vintage ads.

Old Comic book Ads Backpack

And for anyone who grew up in the 70s, this old comic book ads backpack will bring back some great memories. It features vintage comic ad prints and is made from durable, canvas-like material for everyday use. Each panel is carefully designed by artists, and the backpack includes a pocket for a 15-inch laptop plus a smaller front pocket for essentials. It’s a stylish, functional throwback!