Annie Oakley and Tagg #13 - Russ Manning art

Annie Oakley and Tagg #13, 1957 - Two young boys foil a stagecoach robber with a bag of salt and a lot of luck. Despite this short story being sandwiched between two features, Russ Manning does a superlative job with only four meager pages. There's no lack of detail, especially in the backgrounds and outdoor scenery. The pacing and layouts are well organized, streamlined and like many Manning stories, typically enjoyable to read. Dan Spiegle's two stories are equally commendable. This is number 1 of 1 Annie Oakley and Tagg issues with Manning art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Manning issues. See also this blog's Russ Manning checklist.
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"A Bag of Salt " Manning story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
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Weird War Tales #9 - non-attributed Alex Nino art

Weird War Tales #9, 1972 - In the future, the US east and west coasts wage nuclear war, determined to finish each other off. Though set on Earth, Alex Nino's tale (his first on the series) has an otherworldly look and feel. This is reinforced by sharply drawn lines and willfully distorted shapes. Some of Nino's panels have a textural quality, perfectly suited to the technological settings. Other artists in this issue include Alfredo Alcala and Gerry Talaoc. This is number 1 of 9 Weird War Tales issues with Nino art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Nino or Weird War Tales issues. See also this blog's Alex Nino checklist.
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"The Last Battle" Nino story pencils and inks 7 pages = ***
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Spectacular Spider-man v2 #58 - John Byrne art & cover

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-man v2 #58, 1981 - After breaking into a fellow criminal's workshop, the Ringer challenges Spidey with his newfound abilities. His only story art on Spectacular Spider-man, John Byrne does delivers a largely competent job. Many of the character faces are oversimplified by inker Vince Colletta, but most of the fight scenes remain intact. Byrne's cover design is smartly executed. It also echoes one of his better story panels inside (see interior page above). This is number 3 of 5 Spectacular Spider-man issues with Byrne art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Byrne or Spectacular Spider-man issues.
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Byrne cover pencils and inks = ***
"Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New" Byrne story pencils (Vince Colletta inks) 22 pages = ***
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Vampirella #12 - Wally Wood, Jeff Jones, Frank Brunner art

Vampirella magazine #12, 1971 - Many bronze age artists did some of their best work for Warren, freed from the constraints of the mainstream comic book publishers. Jeff Jones and Wally Wood both display extraordinary effort in their respective stories, yet with completely different styles. Jones' tale of primeval man is told in narration, without word or thought balloons encumbering his perfectly composed panels. The graphic quality of his drawings are powerful yet sophisticated, perfecting the balance between light and darkness. Wood, by contrast, takes a non-minimalist approach, infusing each panel and page with texture and detail. Set in ancient Egypt, the artist details everything from the Roman centurion's breastplate on the magnificent opening splash to the endless mound of skulls on pages 62-63. There is ample nudity and violence, but in support of the story. Both Wood and Jones authored the tales they illustrated. Frank Brunner's early but adequate attempt at mythology resides on the inside front cover. The interior page above is by Wood. This is number 3 of 3 Vampirella issues with Wood art and/or covers, number 4 of 8 Vampirella issues with Jones art and/or covers and number 1 of 1 Vampirella issues with Brunner art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Brunner, Jones, Wood, or Vampirella issues. See also this blog's Jones checklist, Brunner checklist, Wood checklist or Top 10 Brunner comics.
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"To Kill a God" Wood story pencils and inks 8 pages = *****
"Quest" Jones story pencils and inks 7 pages = *****
"The Sirens" Brunner inside front cover pencils and inks = ***
***
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Justice League Europe #20 - Marshall Rogers art & cover

Justice League Europe #20, 1990 - Marshall Rogers delivers a surprisingly good effort on this Justice League spin-off. The pages are well designed and paced, and despite the comedic tone of the story, his drawings feel naturalistic. The two splash pages add little to the overall aesthetic, but the Beefeater's initial appearance emerging from a crowd is a highlight (see interior page above). The Union Jack design behind him nicely reinforces his country of origin while giving the panel some much needed panache. This is number 1 of 3 Justice League Europe issues with Rogers art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Rogers or Justice League Europe issues. See also this blog's Rogers checklist or Top 10 Rogers comics.
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Rogers cover pencils (Bob Smith inks) = ***
"Rue Britannia" Rogers story pencils (Bob Smith inks) 22 pages = ***
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Frontier Western #9 - Matt Baker art

Frontier Western #9, 1957 - Matt Baker's western stories were surprisingly rugged but artistically sensitive. In this case, most of his panels are well executed but a few seem uncharacteristically sloppy. The face of the foreground cowboy on the opening panel puts the eyes too close to the profile. The second panel of page three depicts a fistfight, but the hero's arm is poorly foreshortened. The entire page seems lacking in definition compared to the rest of the tale, nearly suggesting another artist's hand. While not a tragedy, Baker certainly has better efforts within the western genre. This is number 2 of 3 Frontier Western issues with Baker art and/or covers. See today's posts, more Baker or Frontier Western issues. See also this blog's Matt Baker checklist.
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"Mystery on Calamity Trail" Baker story pencils and inks 5 pages = **
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Durango Kid #10 - Frank Frazetta art

Durango Kid #10, 1951 - Tipi falls into a death-like coma, poisoned by a competing tribe. Dan Brand makes it his mission to find a cure, even if he has to approach his enemies. Stunningly rendered throughout, Frank Frazetta illustrates one of his best Dan Brand tales yet. His wilderness scenes are idyllic and convincing, and his character faces and figures are a showcase of his draftsmanship. The large opening panel of the hero cradling his unconscious friend is almost pieta-like in composition, and effectively conveys peril of the task. This is one of four Frazetta / Dan Brand tales nicely reprinted in White Indian #12. This is number 10 of 16 Durango Kid issues with Frazetta art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Frazetta or Durango Kid issues. See also this blog's Frazetta checklist.
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"Sleep of Death" Frazetta story pencils and inks 8 pages = ****
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Green Lantern v2 #187 – non-attributed Marshall Rogers art

Green Lantern v2 #187, 1985 – In this Tales of the Green Lantern Corps backup tale, a Green Lantern from a remote planet uses her civilian glass blowing skills to foil interplanetary thieves. The artwork by Marshall Rogers is fairly straightforward, but well crafted (so to speak) nonetheless. While some panels appear sterile within their simplistic layouts, the long view of an alien cityscape (see page inset above) on the second page is a marvelously engaging. Rogers’ inking is minimalist, sometimes resembling the pen and ink work of frequent partner Terry Austin. This is number 1 of 1 Green Lantern issues with Rogers art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Rogers or Green Lantern issues. See also this blog's Rogers checklist or Top 10 Rogers comics.
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“Forever Blowing Bubbles” Rogers story pencils and inks 6 pages = ***
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Frontline Combat #12 - Alex Toth, Wally Wood art

Frontline Combat #12, 1953 - This special Air Force issue focuses on the various military aircraft in use during the Korean War. Their designated names become the actual story titles, and each has a unique perspective. Alex Toth gives readers the sensation of being in an American fighter jet with his fine effort. Most of his artwork is minimalist but perfectly appropriate for the pilot's feeling of solitude within a vastness of sky. Wally Wood's tale of a downed pilot's helicopter rescue is equally enlightening. Despite the mis-proportioned figures on the opening panel, the artwork is straightforward but enjoyable and informative. Several repetitive panel sequences slow down the pace, but enhance the overall visual storytelling. George Evans and Jack Davis also lend their talents in this issue, and Davis' cover is one of his finest for EC. The interior page shown above is by Toth. This is number 2 of 2 Frontline Combat issues with Toth art and/or covers and number 10 of 13 Frontline Combat issues with Wood art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Wood, Toth or Frontline Combat issues. See also this blog's Wood checklist or Toth checklist.
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"F-86 Sabre Jet" Toth story pencils and inks 7 pages = ***
"H-5" Wood story pencils and inks 8 pages = ***
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Uncle Scrooge #23 - Carl Barks art & cover

Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge #23, 1955 - The ghost of a long-dead pirate is responsible for the wreck of several cargo ships, including those belonging to Uncle Scrooge. Naturally, he and his nephew Donald Duck travel to the shipwrecks to investigate further. Carl Barks does his best on larger panels, and there are two beautifully rendered scenes of pirate-era and modern day vessels. Just as engaging is the kitchen fight scene on page eleven, with its flurry of flying pans, utensils and cooking ingredients. Two shorter tales round out the book, both superbly plotted and drawn. Gyro Gearloose surreptitiously tries to learn how to swim in one story, giving Barks plenty of opportunity for visual gags. This is 23 of 70 Uncle Scrooge issues with Barks art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Barks, Disney or Uncle Scrooge issues.
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Barks cover pencils and inks = ***
Barks inside front cover pencils and inks (black & white) = ***
"The Strange Shipwrecks" Barks story pencils and inks 21 pages = ****
"Uncle Scrooge and the Fabulous Tycoon" Barks story pencils and inks 5 pages = ***
Gyro Gearloose "learning to swim" story Barks pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
Uncle Scrooge "choke a horse" story Barks pencils and inks 1 page = ***
Barks inside back cover pencils and inks (black & white) = ***
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Readers' Poll: Best Joe Kubert Comics Decade

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War Comics v2 #49 - Angelo Torres art

War Comics v2 #49, 1957 - Angelo Torres draws a brief tale about a Chinese colonel whose secret strategy becomes his undoing. The artwork falls a tad below expectations. The opening battle fails to capture much interest or excitement. Too much sky and not enough action make the mood much more reserved than it should be. Torres' second page (see inset above) is a bit more representative of his talents. Other artists in this issue include Gene Colan, Jay Scott Pike, Richard Doxsee, Paul Reinman and Carl Burgos (cover). This is number 2 of 2 War Comics issues with Torres art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Torres or War Comics issues. See also this blog's Torres checklist.
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"On Target" Torres story pencils and inks 4 pages = **
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Heroic Comics #43 - Alex Toth art

Heroic Comics #43, 1947 - Four boys find themselves adrift on their raft and heading out to sea before a pilot concocts an innovative way to rescue them. Longer than your typical Heroic Comics tale, Alex Toth makes full use of the extra panels. His nicely drawn pencils are further enhanced by his carefully considered inking. The policeman and pilot’s clothing, the light sport plane, and the ocean waves are given much-needed dimension. Toth’s admirable effort stands out from a collection of otherwise poorly illustrated stories. See today's posts or more Toth or Heroic Comics issues. See also this blog's Toth checklist.
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"Rescue by Air" Toth story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
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Green Lantern v2 #181 – Don Newton art

Green Lantern v2 #181, 1984 – Dave Gibbons draws the cover and feature story, done around the same time as his seminal work on The Watchmen. Don Newton reprises a character from a previous issue, the squirrel-like Green Lantern named Ch’p. Set in an interplanetary bar and populated with a variety of alien characters, the visuals appear influenced by the cantina scene in Star Wars. Nevertheless, Newton’s artwork is both approachable and appealing. The opening panel’s scene in a decrepit bar is painstakingly rendered. The artist rarely inked his own pencils, which makes this issue that much more special. Note the story title's reference to the vintage comedy team of Laurel and Hardy. This is number 3 of 3 Green Lantern issues with Newton art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Newton or Green Lantern issues.
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“One Night in a Bar on Lawrel-Hardee XI” Newton story pencils and inks 6 pages = ***
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Durango Kid #9 - Frank Frazetta art

Durango Kid #9, 1951 - The opening panel for Dan Brand and Tipi is capably drawn, but with conflicting views of perspective. The hero stands triumphant at eye level, yet his vanquished foe lies flat on the floor at ground level view (as does the ceiling). While not painfully obvious, this Frank Frazetta scene feels unnatural and stunted. The remaining pages are more meticulous and lovingly rendered. The scenes of the wild, pristine frontier and of colonial buildings and interiors are breathtaking. The story culminates in an especially violent duel between Dan Brand and a Tory traitor. Disturbingly, the antagonist's blood spews from his mouth at the moment of his impalement. This is one of four Frazetta / Dan Brand tales nicely reprinted in White Indian #12. This is number 9 of 16 Durango Kid issues with Frazetta art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Frazetta or Durango Kid issues. See also this blog's Frazetta checklist.
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"Tory Treachery" Frazetta story pencils and inks 7 pages = ***
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Readers' Poll: Best Silver Surfer Rendition

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Six-Gun Western #3 - Al Williamson art

Six-Gun Western #3, 1957 - A posse of deputies loses own of their own while tracking down a killer. Al Williamson's deftly rendered pencils are inked by Ralph Mayo, whose concise brushstrokes add clarity and polish. The opening nighttime scene is a especially exceptional with its main figures backlit from a campfire. My only criticism is that the sheriff and missing deputy look confusingly alike on the first few pages. Other artists in this issue include Gene Colan, Bob Powell and Joe Maneely (cover). This is number 3 of 3 Six-Gun Western issues with Williamson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Williamson or Six-Gun Western issues. See also this blog's Williamson checklist.
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"One of Our Deputies is Missing" Williamson story pencils (Ralph Mayo inks) 4 pages = ***
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Fantastic Worlds #5 - Alex Toth art

Fantastic Worlds #5, 1952 - For both science fiction stories, Alex Toth uses graphically simple layouts to house panels that sometimes reveal too little information. An abundance of shadows and silhouettes reinforce this effect. It works well in establishing mood in some cases (first story, page seven), but seems lackluster on others (page one, panel one of same story). An online source credits Mike Peppe for inking both tales, but "Triumph Over Terror" seems distinctly different by comparison. The style is closer in resemblance to the work of Bernard Sachs, but regardless, both Toth efforts are less than stellar visually. This is number 1 of 2 Fantastic Worlds issues with Toth art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Toth or Fantastic Worlds issues. See also this blog's Toth checklist.
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"Triumph Over Terror" Toth story pencils (Bernard Sachs? inks) 8 pages = **
"The Invaders" Toth story pencils (Mike Peppe inks) 7 pages = **
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Where Monsters Dwell #20 - Jim Starlin cover, Jack Kirby reprint

Where Monsters Dwell #20, 1973 - As is often the case, the alien and marauding robot on the cover bears almost no resemblance to the story inside. Jim Starlin's layout is overcrowded with figures and his pencils seem buried under Frank Giacioa's inks. Suspiciously inconsistent in style, the soldiers may have been last minute additions by the Marvel bullpen. This issue features a Jack Kirby reprint from Tales of Suspense #21. This is number 2 of 2 Where Monsters Dwell issues with Starlin art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Starlin, Kirby or Where Monsters Dwell issues. See also this blog's Starlin checklist or Top 10 Starlin comics.
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Starlin cover pencils (Frank Giacioa inks) = *
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Weird War Tales #7 - Joe Kubert art, cover & reprint, Russ Heath reprint

Weird War Tales #7, 1972 - Joe Kubert and Russ Heath reprints reside in this issue, both taken from old DC war comics. It's Kubert's new contributions, however, that stand out. His cover portrays the grim reaper (suggested only in shadow) extending a hand to a blind and desperate soldier. Inside, a GI survives a German attack, then forges ahead to seek help for his injured buddies. In both cases, Kubert depicts the brutality of war with a gritty realism few others can match. His reprinted story from decades past is capable, but tame by comparison. See today's posts or more Kubert, Heath or Weird War Tales issues. See also this blog's Kubert checklist or Heath checklist.
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Kubert cover pencils and inks = ***
Kubert framing pages pencils and inks 5 pages = ****
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