*Girls’ Picture Libraries: Better remembered for its long line of war-themed picture libraries, Pearson did occasionally venture into the softer side of things, and from 1965, we have an unusual example: Heart Beat #1, an extra-tall romantic picture library, a full 12″ in height, though no wider than the standard PL. This extra height was no doubt intended to make the series stand out at the newsagent’s, but we suspect that in reality, like the Giant War Picture Libraries, it simply meant it was a bugger to display and got mangled and mishandled, if the shops bothered to put it out at all. We suspect few survive, and certainly we had never heard of it until we acquired this copy. We have no idea how many further issues – if any – there were. Interior artwork is the same sophisticated European style seen in many romantic comics of the day, with three separate tales – ‘Guilty Secret’, ‘Front Page Story’ and ‘Love Tangle’ – featured. In excellent shape for its age (VG), this is a very uncommon item, priced at £50. SORRY, THIS HAS NOW SOLD