In order to get children interested in computers and technology, Radio Shack/Tandy developed several comic books. They were targeted towards elementary school students and helped Radio Shack/Tandy introduce their brand to the consumers of tomorrow; the young science explorers. These comics helped young students become computer literate by blending the entertainment features of a comic book with facts and useful information about computers. They stimulated student's interest in reading and motivation them to learn more about computers and the challenges of the computer age. A special packet was mailed to U.S. teachers that included a sample copy of the comic book, a promotional letter, and order form to request additional free comics for classroom distribution.
These comics were initially titled, The Science Fair Story of Electronics. They were later titled, Radio Shack Presents the History of Electronics. Within these colorful comic books, a teacher instructs her students on the history of science, giving lessons on astronomy, space travel, electricity, electronics, energy, computers, and new developments in electronics. Production and distribution of the comic books was coordinated by Bill Palmer, Director of In-House Publications.
These free giveaway educational comic books were published by Radio Shack from 1972 to the early 1990s. They were titled as follows: (1972) ...Man's Greatest Discovery, (1975) Man's Discovery That Changed The World, (1978) The World of Tomorrow, (1979) U.S. Voyager 1, (1980) The U.S. NASA Space Telescope, (1981) America's Space Shuttle!, (1982) America's Space Tug!, (1983) Passengers on Spaceship Earth!, (1984) Traveler from Spaceship Earth!, (1985) Visitor From Outer Space!, (1986) Space Planes!, (1987) 111 Years on Planet Earth, and (1988) Space Exploration.
In 1990, one issue of this comic book series included the Archie gang and was titled, Archie and The History of Electronics.