Who is ... El Cometa Haley?

 

Gordo purchases this dilapidated jitney bus during his sabbatical in Acapulco in 1947, eventually using it as a tour bus when he later changes careers. The rambunctious bus adds a fiery new visual element to the strip, and opens all of Mexico to the hero's roamings.

Fox's Trolley, broken down and pushed by Powerful Katrinka, Toonerville's resident strongwoman.

A major inspiration for El Cometa was Fontaine Fox's Toonerville Trolley, which was also notorious for its wild rides and frequent de-railings. In Accidental Ambassador by R. C. Harvey, Arriola explicitly mentions the eponymous railway car. "I used to love that Toonerville Trolley." 

The first mention of El Cometa -- and it's terrifying reputation.

Eagle-eyed observers will notice that the bus was originally dubbed "La Cometa" (The Kite), rather than the accurate "El Cometa" (The Comet). The appropriate extra "L" was also added to "Haley" later on. 

 

The first appearance of El Cometa Halley, unusually still, in July, 1947.

Gordo purchases El Cometa from its eager seller. 

El Cometa doing what it does best...

For my tastes, there could have been more Cometa appearances in Gordo -- the roiling tail of smoke, the weightlessness of the bodies stuck inside, the impossible rambunctiousness were all what drew my young eyes to the strip when I was too immature to understand the urbanity and relentless ardor.  

While only a vehicle, El Cometa was one of the most important characters in the strip.

Cometa finally getting its due after all these years.