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Publisher: K. G. Murray
Years in Operation: 1936 - 1982
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Country: Flag Australia Web Site: Brands: 11 Indicia Publishers: 14 Series: 454 Printings: 5482 (5294 Issues) Disclose Notes: K.G. Murray is most known for its extensive DC reprint comics. Kenneth G. Murray published his first magazine, the quality MAN, in 1936, forming a publishing empire that dominated the Australian industry for decades. Murray's first comics in 1946 were original Australian work, but soon reprint material from the US (and later other countries) dominated. The organisation was initially composed of a range of jointly owned companies (such as Man Magazine Pty Ltd, Cavalcade Magazine Pty Ltd, and Australian House and Garden Magazine Pty Ltd), with comics primarily published by Colour Comics Pty Ltd. In 1951, all shares in the companies were acquired by Publishers Holdings Ltd, a name that never appears in the comics. On 1 February 1972, Kenneth Murray retired as Managing Director while remaining on the Board until 1974. On 30 June 1973, Australian Consolidated Press Ltd completed an acquisition and took control of the company. ACP continued producing comics until 1982, initially as The K. G. Murray Publishing Company and later as Murray Publishers Pty. Ltd.   Does this data need corrections? Become an editor.
Brand Name View Brand Images Years in Operation Printings (Issues)
A Blue Star ComicDisclose
Note: This brand was used on one-shots produced by The K. G. Murray Publishing Company at the time of its earliest comics publication.
1947 - 1947 4
Colour ComicsDisclose
Note: This brand is nearly identical to the long-running 'Colour Comics Pty Ltd' brand. It is significant in that it was used on a small number of comics just after KG Murray introduced the 'Planet Comics' branding for most of its DC reprints. This coincided with the acquision of The K. G. Murray Publishing Company by Australian Consolidated Press Ltd., which took full effect as of 30 June 1973.
1973 - 1974 1
Colour Comics Pty Ltd ? - 949 (948)
Federal Comics; DC Australian Edition ? - 0
Federal Comics; Marvel Australian Edition ? - 1
HBDisclose
Note: The circula logo HB, including the individual series name, was used on Hanna-Barbera material. Dating for this brand is uncertain.
1976 - 1978 7
Marvel Australian Edition ? - 0
Murray Comics ? - 67
Murray Publishers ? - ? 1
Planet Comic All Color 1976 - 1979 3
Planet Comics ? - 154

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