I came across this cover image for The Rifleman comic book series (issue #10 released January 1, 1962) and was amazed to find it’s real, not a made-up internet meme. The Rifleman was a Western-themed television series following the lives of Lucas McCain (Chuck Connor) and his son, Mark (Johnny Crawford) living out on a ranch in the New Mexico territory. The series ran from 1958 to 1963, and was the first primetime television depiction of a single parent raising a child. Of course, I’m commenting on the rather curious placement of the ‘wood’ Mark McCain is carrying and the expressions on their faces. Looking back, some TV historian folks have noted the subtle homo-leaning touches the show had including the opening credits which featured Connors ‘firing multiple rounds’ from his rifle at crotch level.
Flashback Friday: ‘The Rifleman’
