Weird War Tales #3 - Joe Kubert art & cover, Russ Heath art & reprint

Weird War Tales #3, 1971 - Joe Kubert provides the framing pages, introducing a ghostly, seaweed-encrusted figure that serves as narrator. His initial panels are silent, adding a quiet solemnity to the images. Interestingly, Russ Heath is represented twice in this issue, in both a reprint and a new story. "The Pool" chronicles events around a watery oasis from two different time periods. The artist toggles back and forth between 1943 and the prehistoric era, revealing the similarity in conflict when it comes to a limited resource. Heath brilliantly augments this theme by filling the backgrounds with various dinosaurs and war machines. The interior page above is by Kubert. This is number 1 of 2 Weird War Tales issues with Heath art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Kubert, Heath or Weird War Tales issues. See also this blog's Kubert checklist or Heath checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
Kubert cover pencils and inks = ***
Kubert framing pages pencils and inks 5 pages = ***
"The Pool" Heath pencils and inks 6 pages = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Heath issues, >more Kubert issues, >more Weird War Tales issues

New Gods #13 - Don Newton art

New Gods #13, 1977 - Don Newton's artwork takes the second run of the series into new territory. While less dynamic than his predecessor Jack Kirby, the artist brings a softer, perhaps more romantic vision of the gods of New Genesis. The first several pages, including the two splashes, are particularly well crafted and are better than the remainder of the book. The amateurish cover by Al Milgrom masks the truly engaging art within. This is number 2 of 7 New Gods issues with Newton art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Newton or New Gods issues. See also this blog's Newton checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
"Let Loose the Hounds of War" Newton story pencils (Dan Adkins inks) 17 pages = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Newton issues, >more New Gods issues, 

World of Mystery #3 - Steve Ditko, Angelo Torres art

World of Mystery #3, 1956 - A boy and his dad find something resembling a small spaceship in their barn. Angelo Torres does a decent job on this opening tale, although without much fanfare. Steve Ditko does similarly good work on a tale about a professor and his theory of cosmic harmony. The opening panel shows two rapt faces, quite jarring but interesting. Remaining pages show a high level of detail, often competing with the dialogue. Other artists in this issue include Jack Davis, Ed Winiarski, Marie Severin, Manny Stallman, Bill Everett (cover). The interior page shown above is by Ditko. This is number 2 of 2 World of Mystery issues with Torres art and/or covers and number 1 of 2 World of Mystery issues with Ditko art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Torres, Ditko or World of Mystery issues. See also this blog's Ditko checklist or Torres checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
"The Bugs" Torres story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
"The Mystery Man" Ditko story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, more Ditko issues, >more Torres issues, >more World of Mystery issues

Weird War Tales #2 - Joe Kubert art & cover

Weird War Tales #2, 1971 - During World War II, a woman dreams about the death of her sweetheart. The cover design re-uses the opening panel of Joe Kubert's brief tale (with the addition of the fallen soldier). While competently done, the artist's framing pages are even better. A withered old man serves as narrator, representing the latte part of the war/horror format. While the book contains several reprints, there is new material as well. Other artists in this issue include Reed Crandall and Frank Thorne. See today's posts or more Kubert or Weird War Tales issues. See also this blog's Joe Kubert checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
Kubert cover pencils and inks = ***
Kubert framing pages pencils and inks 5 pages = ***
"Behind the Cover" Kubert story pencils and inks 2 pages = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Heath issues, >more Kubert issues, >more Toth issues, >more Weird War Tales issues

Firestar #4 - Barry Windsor Smith cover

Firestar #4, 1986 - As a substitute to the Human Torch, Firestar was originally created for the animated series Spider-man and his Amazing Friends. She appeared in comics for the first time in Uncanny X-Men #193, just prior to this mini-series. While it lasted only four issues, this final cover by Barry Smith stood out from the pack. Although portrait covers were standard fare, Smith's drawing skills and well balanced sense of design make this a notable example. This is number 1 of 1 Firestar issues with Smith art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Smith or Firestar issues. See also this blog's Barry Windsor Smith checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
Smith cover pencils and inks = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Smith issues

Giant-Size Master of Kung Fu #1 - non-attributed Don Newton art

Giant-Size Master of Kung Fu #1, 1974 - The main story features pencils by Paul Gulacy, the series artist at the time. Dan Adkins did the inks, with some uncredited assistance by friend and colleague Don Newton. A fan site states he did the backgrounds on pages 16 and 17 and the face on page 22, panel 2. If so, Newton's contribution is pretty scant and in general not easily discernible as his work. One pleasant surprise in the same issue is an early admirable piece by P. Craig Russell. This is number 1 of 1 Master of Kung Fu issues with Newton art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Newton or Master of Kung Fu issues. See also this blog's Don Newton checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
"Game of Death" Newton story inks (Paul Gulacy pencils) 3 pages = *
- - - - - - - - - -
>Find this issue on ebay
>Find more Don Newton issues on ebay
>Find more Master of Kung Fu issues on ebay

New Gods #12 - Don Newton art

New Gods #12, 1977 - After two years, DC revives the short-lived Fourth World series first introduced by Jack Kirby. Orion, Lightray, Metron, and Bug are joined by two new characters Lonar and Jezebelle. Don Newton was an interesting choice to succeed Kirby. His style was drastically different, but had an indisputable elegance and appeal. Newton's two fine splash pages are joined by a eye-catching two page spread retelling the origins of New Genesis and Apokolips. Frequent partner Dan Adkins does his usual outstanding job with the inks. This is number 1 of 7 New Gods issues with Newton art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Newton or New Gods issues. See also this blog's Newton checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
"The Return of the New Gods" Newton story pencils (Dan Adkins inks) 17 pages = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Newton issues, >more New Gods issues, 

Spellbound v2 #6 - Marshall Rogers cover

Spellbound v2 #6, 1988 - Marshall Rogers' final cover for the series centers around the introduction of a new antagonist in the story. His radiating staff makes an arresting focal point, while the lead characters Spellbinder and Zxaxz revolve around him. This unusual circular layout is not atypical of Rogers, whose visual experimentations were among his hallmarks. Series artists Terry Shoemaker and Carl Potts do a remarkable job with the interiors, as they have done throughout the series. This is number 6 of 6 Spellbound covers by Rogers. See today's posts or more Rogers or Spellbound v2 issues. See also this blog's Rogers checklist or Top 10 Rogers comics.
- - - - - - - - - -
Rogers cover pencils (Bob Wiacek inks) = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Rogers issues, >more Spellbound issues

Battlestar Galactica #18 - Walt Simonson art

Battlestar Galactica #18, 1980 - The story oddly opens with a multiple bondage scene with three female captors tied to X-shaped structures. A giant red-skinned brute looks on, but is attacked on the following page by crew member Apollo. The panel stretches wide across the spread, but Walt Simonson's art is largely anti-climactic. Most of his pages are fairly standard in layout and drawing, the highlight being the final confrontation between the two men on page 17. Michael Golden does the cover. This is number 10 of 14 Battlestar Galactica issues with Simonson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Simonson or Battlestar Galactica issues. See also this blog's Simonson checklist. 
- - - - - - - - - -
"Forbidden Fruit" Simonson story pencils (Klaus Jason inks) 17 pages = **
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Simonson issues, >more Battlestar Galactica issues
Find on amazon: >this tv show

New Gods #11 - Jack Kirby art & cover

New Gods v1 #11, 1972 - The final issue of the series, Jack Kirby's storyline seems to end abruptly with little to no resolution. His artwork tends to reflect that, even with his two competently drawn splash pages. The villain Kalibak breaks out of his complicated shackles in one eye-catching panel (page 3) and brings a building down on top of Orion in another (page 16). The issue ends with a Kirby ad announcing his new series Kamandi, the last boy on Earth. I suppose one could argue this is his first appearance since it predates his own premiere issue. This is number 11 of 11 New Gods issues with Kirby art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Kirby or New Gods issues.
- - - - - - - - - -
Kirby cover pencils (Mike Royer inks) = ****
"Darkseid and Sons" Kirby story pencils (Mike Royer inks) 22 pages = ****
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Kirby issues, >more New Gods issues

Battlestar Galactica #17 - Walt Simonson art & cover

Battlestar Galactica #17, 1980 - Walt Simonson's art maintains a mostly consistent standard throughout this series. His cover may be less memorable than others due to a rather uninspired layout. His opening splash lacks depth and could have benefited from a greater contrast in color or value. Klaus Janson's agressive inks do an adequate job, but Simonson's own inking the previous issue seems much more refined. This is number 9 of 14 Battlestar Galactica issues with Simonson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Simonson or Battlestar Galactica issues. See also this blog's Simonson checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
Simonson cover pencils (Klaus Janson inks) = **
"Ape and Essence" Simonson story pencils (Klaus Janson inks) 17 pages = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Simonson issues, >more Battlestar Galactica issues
Find on amazon: >this tv show

Master List of Readers' Polls

- - - - - - - - - -

BY ARTIST:

Best Al Williamson Comics Decade

Best Al Williamson inker

Best Alex Toth Decade

Best Jack Kirby Comics Decade

Best Joe Kubert Comics Decade

Best Joe Kubert Comics Character

Best Mike Ploog Comics Character

Best Neal Adams Comics Character or Group

Best Steve Ditko Comics Decade

Best Wally Wood Decade


BY GENRE:

Best Horror Comics Artist

Best Humor Comics Artist

Best Romance Comics Artist

Best Science Fiction Comics Artist

Best War Comics Artist

Best Western Comics Artist


BY CHARACTER(S):

Best Daredevil Rendition

Best Silver Surfer Rendition

Best Swamp Thing Rendition

Best X-men Rendition


MISCELLANEOUS:

Most Attractive Comic Book Women

Best 1970s Filipino Comic Book Artist


- - - - - - - - - -

See today's posts, more story pages, series checklists, top 10 lists or artist checklists.

Spellbound v2 #5 - Marshall Rogers cover

Spellbound v2 #5, 1988 - The Spellbinder writhes in an agonized state while visions of New York City's destruction surrounds her. This Marshall Rogers cover is the most different in tone than others in the series, but also the most intriguing. Whereas previously the scenes were brightly lit and optimistic, this image is more tense and fearful. The reduced color palette of reds and purples heighten the mood while enhancing Rogers' superb pencils. This is number 5 of 6 Spellbound covers by Rogers. See today's posts or more Rogers or Spellbound v2 issues. See also this blog's Rogers checklist or Top 10 Rogers comics.
- - - - - - - - - -
Rogers cover pencils and inks = ****
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Rogers issues, >more Spellbound issues

New Gods #10 - Jack Kirby art & cover

New Gods v1 #10, 1972 - This memorable series nears the end of its initial run, and Jack Kirby produces one of his finest bronze age efforts. His three terrific splash pages are accompanied by his last two page spread of the series: Mantis emerging from his cocoon in an eerie vampire-like fashion. This adeptly told story culminates in spectacular splash on page sixteen, where Kirby displays two scenes in a single panel. Above, Orion and Mantis engage in hand-t0-hand combat while below, the character known as Bug fends off the villain's minions. The scene is excitingly compelling, while the artist makes it seem effortless. Interestingly, the last page contains a customized ad introducing Kirby's newest series, The Demon, which came out around the same time. This is number 10 of 11 New Gods issues with Kirby art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Kirby or New Gods issues.
- - - - - - - - - -
Kirby cover pencils (Mike Royer inks) = ***
"Earth, the Doomed Dominion" Kirby story pencils (Mike Royer inks) 22 pages = ****
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Kirby issues, >more New Gods issues

Amazing Adventures v3 #27 - Jim Starlin cover

Amazing Adventures v3 #27 featuring War of the Worlds, 1970 - On this Jim Starlin cover, Killraven poses in a barbarian-like pose, complete with damsel at his feet. While far from original, the execution is better than most. The mostly symmetrical layout is enhanced by the curved serpentine creatures. The gradations in the background further add texture and increase visual interest. Other artists in this issue include  P. Craig Russell and Jack Abel. This is number 4 of 4 Amazing Adventures issues with Starlin art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Starlin or Amazing Adventures issues. See also this blog's Starlin checklist or Top 10 Starlin comics.
- - - - - - - - - -
Starlin cover pencils and inks = ****
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Starlin issues, >more Amazing Adventures issues

Spellbound v2 #4 - Marshall Rogers cover

Spellbound v2 #4, 1988 - The New Mutants make a crossover appearance, and Marshall Rogers seems determined to fit them all into his cover layout. The figures fill every available space, but seems forced rather than natural. The series villain dominates the composition, but the lead character of Spellbinder is curiously absent. This example is Rogers' weakest effort of the entire series. This is number 4 of 6 Spellbound covers by Rogers. See today's posts or more Rogers or Spellbound v2 issues. See also this blog's Rogers checklist or Top 10 Rogers comics.
- - - - - - - - - -
Rogers cover pencils = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Rogers issues, >more Spellbound issues

New Gods #9 - Jack Kirby art, cover & reprint

New Gods v1 #9, 1972 - Jack Kirby's cover is not among his best on the series. The figures of Lightray and Orion are more disproportionate than usual, even by Kirby standards. Inside, his typical two page spread is adequately drawn but marred by the mis-coloring of the feature character's face. Of the three splash pages, the portrait of Orion on page 6 powerfully conveys the emotional toll his enduring battles with Apokolips have taken on him. Page nineteen's view of the moment before the Prime One's execution is nearly as well done. A golden age Manhunter reprint by Simon & Kirby finishes off the issue, the last of the twenty five cent editions. This is number 9 of 11 New Gods issues with Kirby art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Kirby or New Gods issues.
- - - - - - - - - -
Kirby cover pencils (Mike Royer inks) = ***
"The Bug" Kirby story pencils (Mike Royer inks) 26 pages = ****
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Kirby issues, >more New Gods issues

Top 10 Frank Brunner 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.

- - - - - - - - - -

1.
Doctor Strange v2 #1

2.
Marvel Treasury Edition #6

3.
Giant Size Man-Thing #4

4.
Doctor Strange v2 #3

5.
Doctor Strange v2 #5

6.
Red Sonja #12

7.
Doctor Strange v2 #6

8.
Man-Thing #1

9.
Giant Size Man-Thing #5

10.
Howard the Duck #1

Other noteworthy issues: Supernatural Thrillers #11 / Ka-zar #4 / Doctor Strange v2 #22 / Marvel Premiere #10 / Marvel Premiere #12

- - - - - - - - - -

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

Captain Sternn, Running Out of Time #4 - Bernie Wrightson art & cover

Captain Sternn, Running Out of Time #4, 1993 - On this series, Bernie Wrightson's covers generally tend to be stronger than his interiors. While adequately done, the artwork would have probably benefited from his own inks. He does intersperse four well designed double-page spreads to good effect, creating visual breaks during the lengthy story. The idyllic scene within a grove of apple trees (pages 13-14) is a highlight of an otherwise lackluster effort. This is number 4 of 5 Captain Sternn, Running Out of Time issues with Wrightson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Wrightson or Captain Sternn, Running Out of Time issues. See also this blog's Wrightson checklist or Top 10 Wrightson comics.
- - - - - - - - - -
Wrightson cover pencils and inks = ***
Wrightson story pencils (Shepherd Hendrix inks) 48 pages = **
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Wrightson issues, >more Captain Sternn, Running Out of Time issues