Startling Comics 49, 1948

Startling Comics 49, 1948

An absolutely classic cover that's always a favorite with collectors! This one has it all: A beautiful bound girl, a robot, a spaceman with ray-gun... I guess the only thing missing is a tentacled alien. Without a doubt, this is one of Alex Schomburg's greatest airbrush covers. It's got beautiful composition, color and execution - and I just love the delicate pink mountain range in the background. I could go on and on, but I won't; just enjoy the artwork!!!

Now here's a bit of unconfirmed trivia -- I believe this cover is the inspiration for Bender the robot on Matt Groening's Futurama cartoon!

Nameless robot Bender Separated at birth?

Conclusive evidence! This image below is from the Futurama episode "Crimes of the Hot" (8th episode of the 4th season). The robot is described in the program as being a "primitive bending unit", and seems to be a clear acknowledgement of the Startling Comics robot's role in Bender's creation. Note the similar forehead rivets, perforated mouthpiece, insulated top antenna, and ear cones.

http://www.samuelsdesign.com/comics/pages/super-war/startling49.htm