Thunder Agents #12 - Steve Ditko / Wally Wood art, Wood cover

T.h.u.n.d.e.r. Agents v1 #12, 1967 - A trio of heroes make an explosive entrance on Wally Wood's eye-catching cover. On the lead Dynamo feature, agents of S.P.I.D.E.R. use a machine to increase the strength of one of the biggest goons. Steve Ditko steps in to pencil this tale, bringing a new interpretation to the character. His figure drawings are distinctive, yet Wally Wood's inks help maintain consistency. Like their other collaborations, the resulting artwork is wholly appealing. Other artists in this issue include John Giunta, Manny Stallman and Mike Sekowsky. This is number 12 of 18 Thunder Agents issues with Wood art and/or covers (not including reprints) and number 2 of 6 Thunder Agents issues with Ditko art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Ditko, Wood or Thunder Agents issues. See also this blog's Ditko checklist or Wood checklist.
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Wood cover pencils and inks = ***
"Strength is Not Enough" Ditko story pencils / Wood inks 10 pages = ***
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Incredible Hulk and the Thing graphic novel - Bernie Wrightson art & cover

Incredible Hulk and the Thing graphic novel, 1987 - One of two early graphic novels for Marvel, Bernie Wrightson delivers a robustly drawn tale. The two heroes search for a missing scientist, taking them to the far reaches of the galaxy. Like Spider-man: Hooky, it's lushly illustrated with alien landscapes and grotesque aliens. Certain scenes appear to be inspired by George Lucas' Star Wars films and Jules Verne's War of the Worlds. Action-packed scenes are frequent and aggressive. Sixty plus pages include ten splashes and four two-page spreads. Wrightson's rendition of these heroes is rare (only Incredible Hulk v2 #197 comes to mind), making this novel all the more special. See today's posts or more Wrightson or Incredible Hulk issues. See also this blog's Bernie Wrightson checklist or Top 10 Wrightson comics.
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Wrightson cover pencils and inks = ***
"The Big Change" Wrightson story pencils and inks 62 pages = ***
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Tarzan #231 - Joe Kubert art & cover, Alex Nino art, Russ Manning reprint

Tarzan v1 #231, 1974 - The first 100-page super-spectacular of the series, Joe Kubert begins his adaptation of "Tarzan and the Lion Man". Impactful layouts accompany masterfully executed drawings. Among the high points, a lion's savage,unexpected attack makes for a compelling splash page (see interior age above). Alex Nino draws the Korak back-up tale, where he awakens an ancient slumberer and fills him in on the modern world. In one of the finest works of his career, the artist swiftly animates figures against sharply textured backgrounds. The first two splash pages, of Korak's discovery and the attack of a giant shrew, are especially breathtaking in mood and composition. Rounding out the issue is a lengthy Russ Manning reprint, compiled from 1960s newspaper strips. Other artists in this issue include Carmine Infantino and Jack Sparling. This is number 1 of 2 Tarzan issues with Nino art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Manning, Nino, Kubert, or Tarzan issues. See also this blog's Nino checklist, Manning checklist or Kubert checklist.
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Kubert cover pencils and inks = **
"Tarzan and the Lion Man pt.1" Kubert story pencils and inks 18 pages = ****
"The Ancient Awakes" Nino story pencils and inks 8 pages = *****
"The Deadly Dangers of Paul-Ul-Don" Manning story pencils and inks 21 pages (1st time in comic book format) = ****
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Video Jack - comic series checklist

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Video Jack v1
DC
1987-88

1
2-5
6 - mis-attributed Neal Adams, Bernie Wrightson art, non-attributed Walt Simonson, Jim Starlin art

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See today's posts, more series checklists or the master list of series. See also this blog's artist checklists, top 10 lists or readers polls.

Wyatt Earp v3 #20 - Al Williamson art

Wyatt Earp v3 #20, 1956 - Boasting 68 pages, this special issue features a roundup of all new stories. Among the many artistic contributors is Al Williamson, who provides four stories. His work is more illustrative than that of his peers, using stark lighting to increase drama. Most of his drawings are loosely executed, adding action and movement in most cases. A handful of pages seem hurried, but are somewhat offset by the better drawn scenes. Unfortunately, his last tale ("Red Justice") is erratic and quite sloppy. The lack of effort mars an otherwise decent Williamson issue. Other artists in this issue include Joe Maneely, George Tuska and Rocky Masterioso. This is number 4 of 4 Wyatt Earp issues with Williamson art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Williamson or Wyatt Earp issues. See also this blog's Al Williamson checklist.
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"Smoky Showdown" Williamson story pencils (Angelo Torres inks) 8 pages = ***
"A Gun in His Hand" Williamson story pencils (Angelo Torres inks) 5 pages = ***
"Born for Trouble" Williamson story pencils (Angelo Torres inks) 5 pages = ***
"Red Justice" Williamson story pencils (Angelo Torres inks) 7 pages = **
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