The San Onofre Collection
Kite Fun Book nn 1966 Southern California Edison

COMIC DETAILS

Comic Description: Kite Fun Book #nn Universal
Grade: 9.6
Page Quality: OFF-WHITE
Certification #: 0147122027
Owner: San Onofre Collection

SET DETAILS

Winning Set: The San Onofre Collection
Date Added: 2/28/2008
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

Now presenting the oddball Secret Squirrel Kite Fun Book. This book is an oddity in that it appears to be a special edition made specifically without Reddy Kilowatt. Reddy had been appearing in all Kite Fun Books since 1961, and would continue to do so until the mid 1970s. So, why was he removed from this edition?<br /><br />My best guess is because, at the time, Southern California Edison probably did not have a license agreement with Reddy Kilowatt, Inc. It is my understanding that, at the time, electric companies could pay Reddy Kilowatt, Inc for the right to use Reddy Kilowatt on their bills, envelopes, and other advertising material.<br /><br />Continuing my speculation, I believe at the time Kite Fun Books were being distributed directly to Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric, and be made available for sale to other utilities through Reddy Kilowatt, Inc. To distribute a Kite Fun Book that used Reddy Kilowatt, a utility would either have to bought the book from Reddy Kilowatt, Inc or from Western and already have a license to use the character. At this time, perhaps Southern California Edison didn't.<br /><br />So, what do we have instead? Well, starting with the front cover, Reddy Kilowatt has been removed from above the indicia box. Jumping to the centerfold, Reddy Kilowatt has been replaced with Secret Squirrel in the directions for making a kite. Finally, Morocco Mole replaces Reddy Kilowatt in providing the kite safety rules.<br /><br />Also shown in image #2 is a utility poster promoting this comic. There is another version of this book from SCE which does have Reddy Kilowatt (see another registry slot.) I would suggest that one was most likely a second order for more copies, either through Reddy Kilowatt, Inc, or after entering into a license agreement.<br /><br />This particulate copy is graded CGC 9.6 Near Mint with off-white pages. It is the single highest graded copy as of 6/16/2010.<br /><br />
  
Image #1
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Image #2
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