Abbott and Costello Coloring Book

Sometimes marketing ideas move away from the mainstream and visit something from cultural history that is happily timeless. Such is the case for Bear Manor publishing an Abbott and Costello coloring book, authorized by the duo's survivors.

Artist Tristan Yonce does a fine job of drawing Bud and Lou, putting them in different situations and guises, while also adding such "guest stars" as Joe "Stinky" Besser, Shemp Howard, and Sidney Fields. In an era where adult coloring books have become a popular fad, the Abbott and Costello coloring book comes along right on time.

As we move further and further away from the golden age of Hollywood, the era becomes more and more removed from the immediate culture. Despite the accessibility of the movies and television shows on DVD, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are rarely revived in the mainstream. The days of seeing their films on weekly Sunday afternoon programming has passed us by. If their TV series is revived on one of the classic television networks, it is relegated to the cold light of dawn for its telecasts.

Abbott and Costello spent several years among the top box office draws in movies. During an era that boasted stars like Spencer Tracy, Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, and John Wayne, the comedy team commanded the top spot on the box office charts. To this day, their comedy is timeless artistry, recalling an era of Burlesque and vaudeville that has thankfully been preserved on film. Their "Who's on First" routine is even more famous than they themselves are.

Bear Manor Media realizes the significance of performers from this era. Thus, their choice to commission a coloring book, suitable for adults or children, and with the blessing and cooperation of the duo's surviving family members, is a wonderful way to keep their legacy alive.

The Abbott and Costello coloring book is a fun Christmas gift for anyone. It is available here.