Weird Science-Fantasy v3 #3, 1993 - Re-presenting the groundbreaking EC science fiction tales of the 1950s, this issue reprints all the stories from Weird Science-Fantasy #25. Featured artists include Al Williamson and Wally Wood. Other artists in this issue include Joe Orlando.

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Durango Kid v1 #7, 1950 - Imprisoned by the British, band of American revolutionaries will be executed unless Dan Brand and Tipi can intervene in time. One of Frank Frazetta's weaker efforts on the series, "The Battle of the Dungeons" begins with a panel devoid of background and details. Overall, the quality of his linework seems diminished compared to earlier issues. Frazetta's inks are especially loose and hurried, with figures and faces lacking the usual definition. The story's sole highlight is a large panel on page six, depicting Dan Brand leaping into a crowd of wealthy British loyalists. This story was later reprinted in White Indian #13. Other artists in this issue include Joe Certa (Durango Kid stories). This is number 7 of 16 Durango Kid issues with Frazetta art and/or covers.
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"The Battle of the Dungeons" Frazetta story pencils and inks 7 pages = **

Frank Frazetta

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Steranko's haunting original page from Nick Fury #3, circa late 1960s.


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77 Sunset Strip / Four Color Comics v2 #1106, 1960 - Kookie borrows his detective dad's car, only to be kidnapped by a gang of thugs. Alex Toth's lead story begins competently enough, but the artwork becomes more erratic midway through (see interior page below). By contrast, "Lights, Camera, Danger" seems to be drawn with a more confident line. The opening panel's scene of a restaurant parking lot is impressive, not only in Toth's rendition of cars but its overall naturalism. The artist's single page "Kookie's Catch" rounds out the book, but an alternate version of the same issue replaces it with an ad. This is number 2 of 3 77 Sunset Strip issues with Toth art and/or covers.
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"Kookie's Close Call" Toth story pencils and inks 16 pages = **
"Lights, Camera, Danger" Toth story pencils and inks 16 pages = ***
"Grapevine Clues" Toth pencils and inks inside back cover (black and white) = *
"Kookie's Catch" Toth back cover pencils and inks = **

Alex Toth

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Weird War Tales v1 #10, 1973 - During World War Two, a GI parachutes onto an old castle seemingly haunted by a ghostly swordsman. Alex Toth's art has a distinct newspaper strip feel. At times loose and impressionistic, the drawings are perfectly suited to the story. His post-war depictions of a matinee crowd (see interior page below) and restaurant interiors are evident of his fine draftsmanship. At ten pages, this is Toth's only complete story in the entire series. Walt Simonson, by contrast, struggles with one of his earliest efforts for DC. Figure drawing, foreshortening and composition all fall short of his true potential. Other artists in this issue include Quinco Redondo and Nick Cardy (cover). This is number 3 of 3 Weird War Tales issues with Toth art and/or covers and number 1 of 2 Weird War Tales issues with Simonson art and/or covers.
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"Who is Haunting the Haunted Chateau?" Toth story pencils and inks 10 pages = ****
"Cyrano's Army" Simonson story pencils and inks 6 pages = *

Walt Simonson

Alex Toth

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Alex Toth

Hot Wheels v1 #1, 1970 - Based on Mattel's Hot Wheels toys, this series was perfectly suited for car enthusiast Alex Toth. Each page is meticulously laid out for clarity and efficiency. Most of the racing scenes live within long horizontal panels for maximum effect. A double-page spread lets the reader witness a car crash from the safety of the bleachers. Despite all the action, there are poignant moments as well, such as a young boy's promise to his dad against a dusk-like setting (see interior page below). Toth's sometimes harsh graphic lines have been tempered by Dick Giordano's sensitive inks. This is number 1 of 5 Hot Wheels issues with Toth art and/or covers. See also this unpublished cover.
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Toth cover pencils (Dick Giordano inks) = ***
"Wipe Out at Le Mans" Toth story pencils (Dick Giordano inks) 23 pages = ***

Alex Toth

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The Unseen v1 #12, 1953 - Alex Toth tells the tale of a woman brought back to life by her corrupt husband. On the opening panel, the artist's placement of lithe, feminine hands surrounding a car accident is eerily compelling. His use of shadows is carefully considered, becoming far more impactful than the gore typically found in pre-code horror comics. This is number 3 of 4 The Unseen issues with Toth art and/or covers.
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"Grip on Life" Toth story pencils (Mike Peppe inks) 4 pages = ***

Alex Toth

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Walt Disney's Zorro v1 #12, 1960 - The quality of Alex Toth's artwork varies widely, from poorly drawn to excellent. Of his two feature stories, "The Runaway Witness" is by far better. A young woman sees a murder committed before her eyes, immediately putting herself in danger. Though roughly applied, Toth's appealing characters and clear storytelling stand out. Surprisingly, his best work is a single page toward the end of the book. These stories were later reprinted in Zorro v2 #7. This is number 8 of 8 Zorro issues with Toth art and/or covers (not including reprints).
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Toth inside front cover contents pencils and inks (black & white) = **
"The Runaway Witness" Toth story pencils and inks 21 pages = ***
"Land of Gold and Sunshine" Toth text illo pencils and inks 1 page = *
"Friend Indeed" Toth story pencils and inks 5 pages = **
"Senor Gomez Hunts a Fox" Toth story pencils and inks 1 page = ****
"Smuggler's Haven" Toth inside back cover pencils and inks (black & white) = **
"Clash with Diego" Toth back cover pencils and inks = ***

Alex Toth

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Popular Romance v1 #26, 1953 - After losing her mother, Amy must take care of her wheelchair-bound sister, who prompty steals the man of her dreams. In one of his most gripping title pages, Alex Toth displays the instant a tragic car accident occurs. His story pages are artfully composed, using plenty of facial close-ups to emphasize character reactions and feelings. Mike Peppe makes his usually artful contribution with the inking. Toth's last page is the weakest in layout and seemingly short on effort. Overall, this tale is fine example of Toth's golden age romance work. Other artists in this issue include John Celardo and Mike Roy. This is number 5 of 6 Popular Romance issues with Toth art and/or covers.
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"Guilty Heart" Toth story pencils (Mike Peppe inks} 8 pages = ***

Alex Toth

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E-Man v1 #5, 1973 - In Steve Ditko's third back-up tale on the series, he introduces the patriotic Liberty Belle, a different version from the 1940s DC heroine. No origin is given and her abilities seem confined to martial arts skills. Unlike his two previous E-man issues, Ditko employs much larger panels, reinforced by a full page splash. Simple and not overwhelming, the overall effort just meets expectations. Joe Staton continues drawing the E-man lead feature. This is number 3 of 3 E-Man issues with Ditko art and/or covers.
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"Freedom's Star" Ditko story pencils and inks 8 pages = ***

Steve Ditko

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Epic Illustrated v1 #8, 1981 - Arriving on the planet Dreamsend, Aknaton, Vanth Dreadstar and the rest of the crew locate the galaxy-shattering Infinity Horn. Jim Starlin's painterly approach to drawing gives the story a rich, emotive tone. The color palette is cooler and more somber. Despite only eight pages, two splashes break up the pacing and avoid monotony. Other artists in this issue include Arthur Sudyam and Charles Vess. Cover by Howard Chaykin. Cover by Howard Chaykin. This is number 8 of 13 Epic Illustrated issues with Startlin art and/or covers.
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"Dreamsend" Starlin story art 8 pages = ***

Jim Starlin

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John Byrne

Christmas with the Super-heroes v1 #1, 1988 - John Byrne provides a relaxing yuletide cover including most of the characters within the book. Especially amusing is the back cover, showing various superhero boots hanging on the mantle. This collection of Christmas stories is culled from various DC titles over the years. Artists include Dick Dillin (Justice League of America #110), Nick Cardy (Teen Titans #13) and Jose Garcia Lopez (DC Special Series #21). Most noteworthy are the reprints of Batman #219 (Neal Adams) and DC Special Series #21 (Frank Miller). This is number 1 of 2 Christmas with the Super-heroes issues with Byrne art and/or covers.
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Byrne wrap-around cover pencils and inks = ***

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Solar Man of the Atom v1 #8, 1991 - Identified and exposed by the press, Dr. Seleski goes into hiding to contemplate his next move. Solar's origin story begins to wind down, but Barry Windsor Smith continues to contribute impressively skillful visuals with each episode. Each story contains a different two-page illustration on the center spread, when combined with the others from subsequent issues, forms a giant panoramic panel. Other artists in this issue include Don Perlin. This is number 8 of 11 Solar issues with Smith art and/or covers.
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"Alpha and Omega part 8" Smith story pencils (Bob Layton inks) 6 pages = ***
Center spread Smith story pencils (Bob Layton inks) 2 pages = ***

Barry Windsor Smith

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Two Gun Western v2 #6, 1957 - Opposed to gunfighting, an aspiring doctor must prove his worth to his rancher owner father. Matt Baker delivers a rugged portrayal of the old west. Borderless panels add breathing space and regulate the pace of the story. Perhaps most memorable is the first scene, showing the rancher asserting authority over one of his workers. The openness of the panel effectively raises the man's size and stature. Surprisingly, this strong Baker effort is not attributed in many comic book guides. Other artists in this issue include Bob Forgione, Jack Abel and Joe Maneely. This is number 1 of 1 Two-Gun Western v2 issues with Baker art and/or covers.
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"His Father's Son" Baker story pencils and inks 5 pages = ****

Matt Baker

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Walt Simonson

King Conan v1 #6, 1981 - Standing amidst his vanquished foes, Conan seems apprehensive to receive an embrace a woman who may be responsible for the carnage. The emphasis on line is a hallmark of Walt Simonson's work. often combining to form textures. His cover layout is masterful, striking a good balance of elements. The background drapery is a clever addition, leading the readers' eye from masthead to story title. Other artists in this issue include John Buscema and Ernie Chan. This is number 1 of 1 issues with King Conan art and/or covers.
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Simonson cover pencils and inks = ***

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