1st Issue Special #9 / Dr. Fate - Walt Simonson art, Joe Kubert cover

Joe Kubert
First Issue Special v1 #9 featuring Dr. Fate, 1975 - After his introduction during the golden age and subsequent silver age appearances, Doctor Fate is featured in his very first solo issue. Walt Simonson, who gained widespread recognition with his Manhunter series in Detective Comics, does a phenomenal rendition of the character. A spectacular splash page portrait of the hero opens the story, followed by expertly designed and paced layouts. The artwork is made even more distinctive due to Simonson's hallmark style, including the creative use of pattern and typography. This story was later reprinted in DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #3, Immortal Dr. Fate #1 and The Art of Walt Simonson. Unfortunately, Joe Kubert's cover for this bronze age comic falls flat by comparison. This is 1 of 2 1st Issue Special issues by Kubert and 1 of 1 1st Issue Special issues by Simonson.
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Kubert cover pencils and inks = **
"Mummy That Time Forgot" Simonson story pencils and inks 18 pages = *****
"The Story Behind the Story"
Simonson text illo pencils and inks 1 page = ***

Walt Simonson
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1st Issue Special #9 / Dr. Fate - Walt Simonson art, Joe Kubert cover 1st Issue Special #9 / Dr. Fate - Walt Simonson art, Joe Kubert cover Reviewed by Ted F on 2:43 PM Rating: 5

3 comments:

Chris Hlady said...

Bought this when it came out, probably due to the Joe Kubert cover, and loved it because of the Walt Simonson artwork.

From previous experience, I knew full well, nothing with a Joe Kubert signature would disappoint. Sure, it wasn't Tarzan or Our Army at War, but it was still pretty cool.

Also, I think, by that time, I was familiar with Dr. Fate from JSA reprints from the 100 pages JLA. So, it was all pretty cool.

Add to that Walt Simonson's impeccable design and drama - the mummy's still give me chills - and it's a no-brainer classic.

I'd buy it again at a reasonable price.

Thanks for posting.

Anonymous said...

I like this cover. Still good Kubert, before the lazy 80s.

Joel Sommers said...

This book is single-handedly responsible for my life-long love of the Doctor Fate character and for Egyptian motif as a comic story device. I'm glad to see it getting so much love.

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