Ghosts #92 - Don Newton art

Ghosts #92, 1975 - An English lord, refusing to sell his castle, resorts to scaring off potential buyers with a fake ghost. The artwork has an appropriately noble feel, thanks to Don Newton's sophisticated pencils. Although his opening page is a bit dull, subsequent pages and panels show a mastery of characters' facial expressions. Newton's pencils are further enhanced by Frank Chiaramonte's polished inking. Other artists in this issue include Tenny Henson and Don Heck (cover). This is number 1 of 2 Ghosts issues with Newton art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Newton or Ghosts issues. See also this blog's Don Newton checklist.
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"The Ghost Who Tricked Himself" Newton story pencils (Frank Chiaramonte inks) 6 pages = ***
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Secrets of Haunted House #41 - Steve Ditko art, Joe Kubert cover

Secrets of Haunted House #41, 1981 - Steve Ditko does an adequate job on a tale about a convict and his girlfriend breaking into an abandoned house. In general, the art appears rushed but meets expectations. Oddly enough, some of Ditko's final scenes border on the phallic. Joe Kubert's two-tiered cover is brightly colored yet adequate. Other artists in this issue include Greg LaRocque, Vince Colletta, Noly Zamora, Charkes Nicholas, Dan Spiegle and John Celardo. This is number 3 of 4 Secrets of Haunted House issues with Ditko art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Ditko, Kubert or Secrets of Haunted House issues. See also this blog's Ditko checklist. See also this blog's Kubert checklist.
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Kubert cover pencils and inks = ***
"House At Devil's Tail" Ditko story pencils and inks 6 pages = ***
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Donald Duck #26 - Cark Barks art & cover

Donald Duck #26, 1952 - Donald Duck finally debuts in his own self-titled series. The numbering continues from the previous Four Color comics issues. Carl Barks delights us with an entertaining Halloween tale. Donald refuses to give out treats, doling out tricks instead to his nephews. A real witch comes to their aid and uses her powers to remedy things, but it's not as easy as she thought. Barks has many fine moments in this battle of wits, including a parade of weird creatures. Gyro Gearloose invents a goblin foiler in the second story, and Donald's nephews use it at their peril. The art is as well drawn and engaging as the main story. Barks' colorful cover of the witch admonishing Donald is among his best. See today's posts or more Barks or Donald Duck issues.
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Barks cover pencils and inks = ****
Inside front cover Barks pencils and inks = ***
"Trick or Treat" Barks story pencils and inks 23 pages = ***
"Hobblin' Goblins" Barks story pencils and inks 10 pages = ***
Inside back cover Barks pencils and inks = ***
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Ghosts #77 - Steve Ditko art

Ghosts #77, 1975 - The cruelty of a lion tamer leads to a series of haunting events at a circus. Steve Ditko has a noticeably difficult time rendering lions and tigers. Their anatomy appears stiff and unnatural. That aside, the artist does a capable job overall. A noteworthy scene is the nighttime conversation between the lion tamer and his colleagues (page 6). Their faces are dramatically drawn, balancing both moonlight and shadow. Other artists in this issue include E.R. Cruz, Bernard Baily and Buddy Grenale. This is number 1 of 2 Ghosts issues with Ditko art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Ditko or Ghosts issues. See also this blog's Ditko checklist.
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"Ghost, Where Do You Hide?" Ditko story pencils and inks 10 pages = ***
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Secrets of Haunted House #30 - Don Newton art

Secrets of Haunted House #30, 1980 - Don Newton illustrates a tale of a modern witch who seeks to resurrect her dead lover. Unfortunately, the artist's opening page is poorly composed with a lack of emphasis on the main character. Thankfully, the remaining pages are better. Newton's facial expressions, combined with dramatic lighting, are skillfully drawn (see interior page above). Dan Adkins' inks are deserving of equal praise. Other artists in this issue include Scott Hampton, Ernesto Patricio and Jess Jodloman. This is number 1 of 1 Secrets of Haunted House issues with Newton art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Newton or Secrets of Haunted House issues. See also this blog's Don Newton checklist.
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"For the Love of Arlo" Newton story pencils (Dan Adkins inks) 9 pages = ***
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Maverick #13 - non-attributed Alex Toth art

Maverick #13, 1956 - Although the series is based on the ABC television show, this issue features an unrelated backup story by Alex Toth. A old prospector weighs the negatives and positives of owning a sporadically obedient mule. The artist's drawings are noticeably hurried but his storytelling skills are generally sound. His last page is the weakest, lacking definition on many of the faces and figures. Toth does only an adequate job in an issue comic book guides have neglected to attribute. This is number 2 of 2 Maverick issues with Toth art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Toth or Maverick issues. See also this blog's Toth checklist.
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"Stubborn as a Mule" Toth story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
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Coo Coo Comics #40 - Frank Frazetta art

Coo Coo Comics #40, 1948 - Coo Coo was one of several humor titles with contributions from Frank Frazetta. This particular issue is graced by three of his small illustrations, each accompanying a one page text story. All are masterfully drawn, with "The Lion and the Hyena" the most detailed of the three. The surrounding foliage nicely frames the two characters. The animals' facial expressions alone make these gems stand out from most of the art in this humorous genre. See today's posts or more Frazetta or Coo Coo Comics issues. See also this blog's Frank Frazetta checklist.
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"The Lion and the Hyena" Frazetta text illo pencils and inks 1 page = ***
"The Ambitious Fox" Frazetta text illo pencils and inks 1 page = ***
"The Wingtown Drummer" Frazetta text illo pencils and inks 1 page = ***
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Secrets of Haunted House #29 - Nestor Redondo art

Secrets of Haunted House #29, 1980 - Jealous of his greater attention, a warlock challenges a young magician to a duel. Nestor Redondo draws pink dragons, dark fortresses, and fantasy dimensions with equal splendor. His depiction of the demon Leviathan is a combination of insect and animal forms, resulting in something terrifying and odd. This marks one of Redondo's last issues for DC. While it may lack the vigor of earlier works, the beauty of his brushwork is still evident. Other artists include Tenny Henson and Mike Kaluta (cover). This is number 4 of 4 Secrets of Haunted House issues with Redondo art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Redondo or Secrets of Haunted House issues. See also this blog's Redondo checklist or Top 10 Redondo comics.
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"Duel of Darkness" Redondo story pencils and inks 6 pages = ***
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Secrets of Haunted House #26 - Marshall Rogers cover

Secrets of Haunted House #26, 1980 - Marshall Rogers contributes this cover of a boy alongside his not-so-imaginary friend. The demonic-looking creature is a stark contrast to the child's smaller stature. The boy's face conveys a little too much innocence, resembling the pitiful big-eyed portraits of Walter Keane. Still, Rogers nonetheless provides a striking image. Other artists in this issue include Armando Gil and Vince Colletta. This is number 1 of 1 Secrets of Haunted House issues with Rogers art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Rogers or Secrets of Haunted House issues. See also this blog's Rogers checklist or Top 10 Rogers comics.
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Rogers cover pencils and inks = ***
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Christmas with the Super-heroes #1 - John Byrne cover, Frank Miller, Neal Adams reprints

Christmas with the Super-heroes #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 edition is a collection of Christmas stories culled from various DC titles over the years. While I prefer the original printings, the issue does include some terrific reprinted art: Dick Dillin on Justice League of America #110, Nick Cardy on Teen Titans #13, and Jose Garcia Lopez on Legion of Super-heroes (DC Special Series #21). Most noteworthy are the reprints from 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. See today's posts or more Miller, Byrne, Adams or Christmas with the Super-heroes issues. See also this blog's Adams checklist, Top 10 Adams comics or Miller checklist.
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Byrne wrap around cover pencils and inks = ***
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Batman: The Cult #4 - Bernie Wrightson art & cover

Batman: The Cult #4, 1988 - A gun-toting Batman peers at us on the cover, highlighted by a greenish light source. Inside, his origin is retold as the hero prepares himself for a final battle with Deacon Blackfire. Bernie Wrightson illustrates the last issue as deftly as the first three, including some creatively effective layouts. The hand to hand combat on page 41 shows a multi-figure technique often used by Jim Starlin, the series author. The two splash pages are equally compelling: the first decpicting zombies crashes through toward the hero, and the second of an authoritative Batman issuing a warning. This is number 4 of 4 Batman The Cult issues with Wrightson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Wrightson or Batman: The Cult issues. See also this blog's Bernie Wrightson checklist or Top 10 Wrightson comics.
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Wrightson painted cover = ***
"Combat" Wrightson story pencils and inks 46 pages = ***
Wrightson final page pencils and inks = **
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Thunder Agents #19 - Wally Wood art, reprint & cover reprints

T.h.u.n.d.e.r. Agents #19, 1967 - Comprised of mostly reprints, this double sized issue opens with a new Dynamo story. Enemy spies create an army of androids, some of them disguised as Thunder Agents. The opening splash looks suspiciously like Dan Adkins, but the rest appears to be Wally Wood's handiwork. Panels are small and numerous, but distinctively drawn, especially the close-ups of character faces. The covers touts the absence of ads, but uses a montage of previous covers (including three by Wood). The inside front cover reprints a portrait of Dynamo from Thunder Agents #3 in black and white. Other artists in this issue include George Tuska and Mike Sekowsky (reprints). This is number 18 of 18 Thunder Agents issues with Wood art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Wood or Thunder Agents issues. See also this blog's Wood checklist.
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"Half an Hour of Power" Wood story pencils and inks 10 pages = ***
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Secrets of Haunted House #19 - Alex Nino art

Secrets of Haunted House #19, 1979 - Set during the French Revolution, Alex Nino draws a tale of the town executioner and his longtime rival the Magistrate. Sharp, angular strokes fill the pages, resulting in harsh, even disturbing imagery. Even the climax seems more silly than shocking. On the positive side, the variety of panel shapes and layouts are masterful. The long verticals that emphasize the guillotine's height are particularly effective. Other artists in this issue include Den Ingente, Buddy Grenale and Luiz Domingez (cover). This is number 3 of 3 Secrets of Haunted House issues with Nino art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Nino or Secrets of Haunted House issues. See also this blog's Alex Nino checklist.
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"The Manner of Execution" Nino story pencils and inks 9 pages = ***
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Secrets of Haunted House #13 - Alex Nino art

Secrets of Haunted House #13, 1978 - A group supernatural enthusiasts travel to Germany to prove or disprove the existence of werewolves. Alex Nino's beautiful opening splash displays a frozen and threatening landscape that envelops the entire crew. The facing page is also a splash, recalling the group meeting that preceded their trip. A montage of viewpoints from individuals combine to form a stunning composition. On another page, the group struggles on an eerie, desolate mountain with convincingly drawn terrain. Of Nino's many bronze horror stories, this is far and away his best. Other artists in this issue include Romeo Tanghal, Wayne Howard, Dick Giordano and Joe Orlando (cover). This is number 2 of 3 Secrets of Haunted House issues with Nino art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Nino or Secrets of Haunted House issues. See also this blog's Alex Nino checklist.
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"The Cry if the Werewolf" Nino story pencils and inks 10 pages = *****
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Secrets of Haunted House #12 - Steve Ditko art

Secrets of Haunted House #12, 1978 - A couple arrives at their darkened house on a blustery evening, only to find it occupied by others. A full splash page is uncommon for Steve Ditko, but here his typically graphic style creates an appropriately ominous mood. On the following page, the mansion's interiors show an impressive level of architectural detail (see interior page above). Though only three pages, Ditko's efforts are admirable. Other artists in this issue include Jess Jodloman, Frank Redondo, Dick Giordano and Joe Orlando (cover). This is number 2 of 4 Secrets of Haunted House issues with Ditko art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Ditko or Secrets of Haunted House issues. See also this blog's Ditko checklist.
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"Haunted" Ditko story pencils and inks 3 pages = ***
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Brave and the Bold #102 - Neal Adams art

Brave and the Bold #102, 1972 - The Teen Titans defend a poor neighborhood from being decimated, even resorting to civil disobedience. Although Jim Aparo is the credited story artist, Neal Adams' pencils abruptly take over starting with page 14. The change is a definite improvement, though the effort just barely meets expectations. Even Dick Giordano's inks are more passive than usual. Aside from the main feature, a Robotman reprint from the 1960s rounds out the book. This is number 17 of 17 Brave and the Bold issues with Adams art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Adams or Brave and the Bold issues. See also this blog's Adams checklist or Top 10 Adams comics.
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“The Commune of Defiance” Adams story pencils (Dick Giordano inks) 8 pages (pgs. 14-22) = ***
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Giant Size Conan the Barbarian #5 - Jack Kirby cover, Bernie Wrightson reprint, Barry Windsor Smith reprint

Giant Size Conan the Barbarian #5 , 1975 - Unlike the previous Giant Size Conan issues, this one contains only reprints, specifically from Conan #12 (Wrightson inks), Conan #14 (Smith art) and Conan #15 (Smith art). Jack Kirby's Marvel covers appeared frequently in the mid 1970s, often with mixed results. He illustrates this battle scene with appropriate violence and chaos, but with little design consideration. Elric of Melnibone, the co-leading character, is mostly lost in the crowd. Also, Conan's face appears to have been altered by John Romita. This is number 1 of 1 Conan the Barbarian issues with Jack Kirby art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Conan the Barbarian, Smith, Wrightson or Kirby issues. See also this blog's Barry Windsor Smith checklist.
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Kirby cover pencils (John Romita inks) = **
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Top 10 Mike Ploog comics

My own list of best comics (art and/or covers) by the artist. I've chosen and ranked them relative to his body of comic book work to date. Feel free to share your own opinion in the comments section.

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1.
Frankenstein v2 #2

2.
Frankenstein v2 #3

3.
Frankenstein v2 #1

4.
Frankenstein v2 #4

5.
Kull #11

6.
Planet of the Apes #6

7.
Planet of the Apes #8

8.
Man-Thing #5

9.
Man-Thing #7

10.
Marvel Spotlight #3

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other noteworthy issues:
Frankenstein #5 / Frankenstein #6 / Marvel Spotlight #2 / Marvel Spotlight #5 / Marvel Premiere #38 / Conan the Barbarian #57 / Werewolf by Night #13

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See today's posts, most recent Ploog issues, this blog's Ploog checklist or more top 10 lists. See also this blog's series checklists, artist checklists or readers polls.