The Flintstones #22 (Charlton, 1973)
Hey there, fellow prehistoric pals! Figment Fossilwright here, back with another retro comic review from my personal vault. As an 80s kid who fell in love with these 60s and 70s Hanna-Barbera treasures after their original runs, I always have a special place in my heart for Charlton's April 1973 publishing era!
The Flintstones #22 from Charlton Comics packs that unmistakable 1970s energy—vibrant colors, quick-witted dialogue, and plenty of classic Bedrock suburbia madness. From municipal parking mishaps to wild domestic mix-ups, this issue captures Fred and the gang at their comic best. Let's dig into each of the fun stories inside this 20-cent classic!
Parking Ticket Pandemonium
Plot Summary: Fred finds himself furious after receiving an absurd parking violation ticket in downtown Bedrock. Determined not to pay it on principle, Fred decides to fight city hall and take his case straight to the traffic court judge—only for his tempers and clumsy antics to make matters infinitely worse.
Review & Rating: 8.5/10. Standard Fred Flintstone bluster at its absolute finest! Watching Fred try to outsmart municipal law with his stubborn logic never fails to bring a smile to my face.
The Great Lawn Mystery
Plot Summary: Barney and Fred get into a friendly neighborhood competition over whose front lawn looks more pristine. However, when an elusive prehistoric burrowing critter turns Fred's yard into a maze of tunnels overnight, Fred suspects foul play from across the driveway.
Review & Rating: 8/10. The classic neighborly rivalry between Fred and Barney is executed with great comedic timing here. The visual gags involving stone-age lawnmowers and mischievous critters are top notch.
Pebbles & Bamm-Bamm: The Babysitting Blues
Plot Summary: Dino and Hoppy are left in charge of keeping an eye on Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm while Wilma and Betty head out for an afternoon errand. Bamm-Bamm's incredible toddler strength makes keeping the duo out of trouble an epic endurance test for the loyal pets.
Review & Rating: 9/10. Dino-centered slapstick is always a crowd-pleaser. The kinetic Charlton artwork really shines during the chaotic action beats as Dino tries to prevent total living room destruction.
The Chef's Surprise
Plot Summary: Fred attempts to cook a grand gourmet dinner to impress Wilma's visiting relatives. His bold culinary experiments involving exotic prehistoric ingredients go off the rails, forcing Barney to step in and save the night before dinner is ruined.
Review & Rating: 7.5/10. A cozy, sitcom-style story that wraps up the issue on a warm and lighthearted note. It really highlights the strong bond between Fred, Wilma, and the Rubbles.
Final Thoughts from Figment
Charlton's 1973 run on The Flintstones continues to be a hidden gem for collectors. Issue #22 is packed with sharp humor, expressive artwork, and that timeless charm that keeps me coming back to Bedrock time and time again. A must-read for any retro Hanna-Barbera fan!
- Figment Fossilwright
Source: The Flintstones #22 (Charlton, 1973)
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