Doug L. :: American Flagg!

Howard Chaykin, American Flagg! issue 5 page 21 (1983)

Artist: Howard Chaykin (All)

79 Views - 4 Comments - 5 Likes

Howard Chaykin, American Flagg! issue 5 page 21 (1983) Comic Art

Click Image to View Full Size

Previous Item:
Howard Chaykin, American Flagg! issue 5 page 20 (1983)

Next Item:
Howard Chaykin, American Flagg!, Cover Issue #7

Artwork Details

Title:	Howard Chaykin, American Flagg! issue 5 page 21 (1983)
Artist:	Howard Chaykin (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Interior Page
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	79
Likes on CAF:	5 6
Comments:	4
Added to Site:	10/12/2025
Comic Art Archive:

Description

The second of consecutive pages from an early Flagg issue. See the description of issue 5 page 20 for my comments.

A few notes from page 21:

* The third panel noise of "shaboom shaboom," which likely references the 1954 song by the Chords called Sh-Boom: "Life could be a dream (sh-boom), if I could take you up to paradise (sh-boom) ..." Chaykin often favors post-war 1950s American music and many of his series use jazz and other music as plot drivers.

* We see that the entire scene - the protest and police action - was related to the arrival of a delegation from Mars, which lands and then is quickly ushered into an "air limo" to be taken away from the chaos. Each of the first 12 issues contains clues of how the American Government on Mars is planning to sell off the United States to billionaires rather than rebuild it by 2076 (the action here takes place in 2032 or so), which creates the political uncertainty into which fascism, gang warfare, and retreat into fortress like "malls" grow. Flagg can also be read as a parable that as bad as fascism may be, the anarchy that comes from no government is likely worse for the societal minorities.

* And of course more great page design, visuals, sounds and lettering. The lettering in Flagg by Ken Bruzenak is revolutionary and hugely influential.

Social/Sharing

About the Owner

	Doug L. ( 4 ) Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	September 2019
Last Login:	January 2026
Country:	Not Specified
On CAF:	Premium Member Q&A Doug 's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

Contact the Owner

Use can use a contact form to send an email to this gallery owner,
but, you must be logged in to use this feature.

Comments on this Artwork

You must be logged in to make comments.

Rick W
Member Since 2017

1 - Posted on 10/12/2025

Great pair of pages!

John C
Member Since 2014

1 - Posted on 10/12/2025

I can totally relate. Once a hat gets broken in just right it becomes a part of you. Never mind the riot squad, you go get that hat back.

Mark V
Member Since 2021

1 - Posted on 10/12/2025

Another excellent Chaykin Flagg! Excited for his upcoming return to the world of AF.

Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

Posted on 10/13/2025

Lots of visual and story bite in these pages! I like the razor like white lines as a final polish over the duo tone and graphic onamatopeia elements.

All
	Greg McKee 1/24/2026 4:26:00 AM
	Brad Potts 1/24/2026 3:08:00 AM
	Dennis Books 1/24/2026 3:03:00 AM
	--J S-- 1/24/2026 2:40:00 AM
	Todd Warren 1/24/2026 2:34:00 AM
View All


	Pop Warner 1/24/2026 2:18:00 AM
	David Dias 1/24/2026 1:45:00 AM
	Miki Annamanthadoo 1/24/2026 1:42:00 AM
	Paul Biermann 1/24/2026 1:32:00 AM
	Bruce W 1/24/2026 12:30:00 AM