Lot #304: "Kool Asthma Kids #4" Comic Book -- ca. 1997 Maclean-Hunter

"Kool Asthma Kids #4" is a modern-age educational and promotional comic book published by Maclean-Hunter Publishing around 1997. This series was part of a Canadian health initiative designed to educate children on managing asthma through relatable, superhero-style narratives. The story follows a group of diverse children—the "Kool Asthma Kids"—who use their knowledge of respiratory health and proper inhaler techniques to navigate daily challenges. In this installment, the kids participate in a school sports tournament where they must manage their "triggers," such as dust and exercise-induced bronchospasm, while thwarting the metaphorical "Wheeze Monsters" that represent asthma attacks. The comic is noted for its clear, instructional diagrams integrated into the action and for its success as a multimedia tool, which included a companion VHS and educational games. The circa 1997 original edition was primarily distributed through pharmacies, schools, and doctors' offices, often lacking a traditional cover price or featuring a "Promotional Use Only" mark. Because these were produced in smaller, regional batches in Canada, they are significantly scarcer than mainstream Marvel or DC issues from the same era. This issue is a specialty item for collectors of medical ephemera and "Canadian-exclusive" promotional comics. Dimensions: 26 cm Pickup category timeslot {A}