Dell Giant #32 / Bugs Bunny Beach Party - Al Hubbard art

Dell Giant #32 / Bugs Bunny Beach Party, 1960 - In a typical format for this series, Bugs Bunny acts as narrator for a bevy of humorous tales. Among them is a brief Mary Jane and Sniffles story, impeccably drawn by Al Hubbard. Compared to the rest of the book, the adventures of the miniature girl and her mouse companion look almost painterly. Hubbard's brushstrokes have an appealing innocence, and in this case a touch of femininity. Other characters in this issue include Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig, Penelope Pig. Yosemite Sam, Henry Hawk, Daffy Duck, Tweety and Sylvester, Little Pancho Vanilla, Roadrunner and Coyote. See today's posts or more Hubbard or Bugs Bunny issues. See also this blog's Hubbard checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
"The Ghost Book Battle" Hubbard story pencils and inks 6 pages = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Hubbard issues, >more Bugs Bunny issues

Spellbound #29 - Steve Ditko art

Spellbound #29, 1956 - Distraught by financial woes, a carnival ride owner wanders off and encounters equally sad beings from another world. Told in four concise pages, Steve Ditko uses an impressive amount of artistic details without sacrificing the story. His first panel is a myriad of figures and shapes within the merry chaos of an amusement park. Just as interesting is his almost statuesque rendering of the aliens on page three, panel five (see interior page shown above). Amidst these wonderfully drawn pages is Ditko's modest signature, quietly inserted on the bottom of a ticket booth (page 1). Other artists in this issue include Jack Abel, Bill Draut, Bob Forgione, Al Hartley, Tony Mortellaro, George Roussos, Robert Q. Sale and John Severin (cover). This is number 1 of 1 Spellbound issues with Ditko art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Ditko or Spellbound issues. See also this blog's Ditko checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
"None Are So Blind" Ditko story pencils and inks 4 pages = ****
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Ditko issues, >more Spellbound issues

Robin Hood Tales - comic series checklist

- - - - - - - - - -

Robin Hood Tales v1
Quality
1956-56

1 - mis-attributed Matt Baker cover
2 - Matt Baker art & mis-attributed cover
3 - Matt Baker art & mis-attributed cover
4 - Matt Baker art & mis-attributed cover
5 - Matt Baker art & mis-attributed cover
6 - Matt Baker art & mis-attributed cover

- - - - - - - - - -

Robin Hood Tales v2

DC

1957-58

7-12

- - - - - - - - - -

See today's posts, more series checklists or the master list of series. See also this blog's artist checklists, top 10 lists or readers polls.

Tomb of Dracula #4 - non-attributed Neal Adams cover

Tomb of Dracula #4, 1972 - Not widely known, this early Tomb of Dracula cover was heavily reworked from a Neal Adams illustration. The two villagers are all that remain from the original, their stances and facial expressions consistent with the artist's style. The encroaching vampires and background were added by John Romita, presumably to satisfy the publisher's request (I have yet to see a scan of the original). Other artists in this issue include Gene Colan and Tom Palmer. This is number 2 of 3 Tomb of Dracula issues with Adams art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Adams or Tomb of Dracula issues. See also this blog's Adams checklist or Top 10 Adams comics.
- - - - - - - - - -
Adams partial cover pencils (Tom Palmer? inks) = **
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Adams issues, >more Tomb of Dracula issues

John Carter Warlord of Mars #26 - Frank Miller cover

John Carter Warlord of Mars #26, 1979 - Unlike the previous issue, Frank Miller's hand is clearly evident here. It is a complex patchwork of multiple figures, but three are emphasized by color. The main characters are in the thick of the action, and the artist's figure drawings are better than most. Foreground swords tilt toward the focal point, a common but effective device often used by Miller. As chaotic as the scene looks at first glance, it is surprisingly balanced and well designed. This is number 3 of 3 John Carter Warlord of Mars issues with Miller art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Miller or John Carter Warlord of Mars issues. See also this blog's Frank Miller checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
Miller cover pencils (Mike Vosburg inks) = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Miller issues, >more John Carter Warlord of Mars issues

Cowboy Action #7 - Russ Heath cover

Cowboy Action #7, 1955 - As a posse descends on a group of bank robbers, Russ Heath portrays one of the thieves with toughness and bravado. The simplicity of the layout is somewhat offset by the meticulous pen-and-ink work on the main figure. Heath's signature is quietly placed in the center of the composition, between the rifle and the fallen log. Other artists in this issue include Ross Andru, Dick Ayers, Syd Shores, Ernie Bache and others. This is number 1 of 2 Cowboy Action issues with Heath art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Heath or Cowboy Action issues. See also this blog's Russ Heath checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
Heath cover pencils and inks = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
>Find this issue on ebay
>Find more Russ Heath issues on ebay
>Find more Cowboy Action issues on ebay

The Unexpected #194 - non-attributed Nestor Redondo art, Michael Kaluta art

The Unexpected #194, 1979 - This three-in-one horror issue begins with a tale of a gold-digger intent on finding a rich husband. Artist Nestor Redondo (not attributed in comic book guides) delivers a merely adequate effort. His handiwork is evident on the first three pages, but becomes less recognizable from there. It becomes clearer that some of the pencils and most of the inks are executed by less polished professionals. Redondo Studios employed many young artists at the time, and it seems likely they contributed here. Other artists in this issue include Rubeny, Noly Zamora, Tenny Henson, Jess Joldoman and Luis Domingez (cover). This is number 6 of 7 Unexpected issues with Redondo art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Redondo or Unexpected issues. See also this blog's Redondo checklist or Top 10 Redondo comics.
- - - - - - - - - -
"Have I Got a Ghoul for You" Redondo story pencils (inks by assistants) 5 pages = **
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Redondo issues, >more Unexpected issues

1st Issue Special #5 / Manhunter - Jack Kirby art & cover

First Issue Special #5 featuring Manhunter, 1975 - Originally a civilian adventure hero, Joe Simon and Jack Kirby drastically revamped Manhunter during the 1940s. The character was briefly resurrected in Detective Comics #437 with a new interpretation by Walt Simonson. The original re-emerges here for the first time under Kirby's direction. The decapitated head on the cover is unusually gory for a superhero book, but still tame compared to pre-code horror comics. A mirror image is used on the opening splash, with slight modifications. An arresting two page spread follows, but the artwork tends to slightly diminish from there. This is number 2 of 3 First Issue Special issues with Kirby art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Kirby or 1st Issue Special issues.
- - - - - - - - - -
Kirby cover pencils (D. Bruce Berry inks) = ***
"Manhunter" Kirby story pencils (D. Bruce Berry inks) 18 pages = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
>Find this issue on ebay
>Find more Jack Kirby issues on ebay
>Find more 1st Issue Special issues on ebay

Thor #347 - Walt Simonson art & cover

Thor #347, 1984 - Detail and precision are lacking in Walt Simonson's cover, carrying over into certain panels inside as well. A few faces and figures (page twelve for example) appear hurriedly drawn. Still, most of the art maintains an enthusiasm thanks to the artist's skillful and dynamic layouts (see interior page shown above). Among the story's artistic highlights: the cold, imposing fortress on the opening splash and the beautifully designed mythical gates on page ten. This is 22 of 41 Thor issues with Simonson art. See today's posts or more Simonson or Thor issues. See also this blog's Walt Simonson checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
Simonson cover pencils and inks = **
"Into the Realm of Faerie" Simonson story pencils and inks 21 pages = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Simonson issues, >more Thor issues

Alien Worlds #8 - non-attributed Al Williamson art

Alien Worlds #8, 1982 - In this touching short story by science fiction writer William F. Nolan, a dying astronaut heads home to see his parents for the last time. Al Williamson's scenes of spaceship travel are heavily inked, suggesting the cold loneliness of space. These are contrasted with lighter, optimistic panels interspersed throughout the story. Devoid of battles or action scenes, Williamson focuses on the interaction of characters. Other artists in this issue include Paul Rivoche, Rand Holmes and Ken Steacy. This is number 3 of 3 Alien Worlds issues with Williamson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Williamson or Alien Worlds issues. See also this blog's Williamson checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
"And Miles to Go Before I Sleep" Williamson story pencils and inks 6 pages = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Williamson issues, >more Alien Worlds issues

Black Hood #3 - Alex Toth art & cover

Black Hood #3, 1983 - Rarely seen, Alex Toth draws a wrap-around cover on his final issue of the series. And typical of the format, the illustration is stronger when viewed as a complete spread. Artist Gray Morrow is tasked with the Black Hood feature inside, giving the story a newspaper strip-like realism. Toth's secondary tale, The Fox, is graphically rendered and visually concise. Abundant text fills the final two pages, consequently minimizing the artwork. Fortunately, this is offset by the artist's innovative layouts at the beginning of the story. This is number 3 of 3 Black Hood issues with Toth art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Toth or Black Hood issues. See also this blog's Toth checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
Toth wrap-around cover pencils and inks = ***
"The Most (blank) Man in the World" Toth story pencils and inks 12 pages = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Toth issues, >more Black Hood issues

Limited Collectors Edition #C-36 / The Bible - Nestor Redondo art, Joe Kubert art & cover

Limited Collectors' Edition #C-36 / The Bible, 1975 - This edition takes on the momentous task of depicting stories from the Old Testament: notably the Creation, Noah's Ark, the Tower of Babel and Sodom and Gomorrah. Joe Kubert designs one of the few wrap-around covers that actually looks good as both a front cover and a complete spread. Nestor Redondo completes the lengthiest story of his career: sixty pages including thirteen splash pages and two double page spreads. Purposely drawn to work in the larger format, his illustrations are breathtaking in scale. His superb draftsmanship and level of detail on every page is phenomenal. Among the highlights: the opening splash of a grandfather and his children (page 1), the creation of Eve (see interior page shown above), and the idol worshiping scene (page 39). Although intended as the first of a collection of Bible stories, no other issues were ever produced. See today's posts or more Redondo, Kubert, or Limited Collectors Edition issues. See also this blog's Redondo checklist, Top 10 Redondo comics or Kubert checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
Kubert wrap-around cover pencils and inks = ***
"Digging into the Past" Kubert story pencils and inks 1 page = ***
"School Days in Bible Times" Kubert story pencils and inks 1 page = ***
"The Ziggurat" Kubert story pencils and inks 1 page = ***
"Soldiers in the Time of Abraham" Kubert story pencils and inks 1 page = ***
Redondo story pencils and inks 60 pages = *****
Redondo inside front cover illustration pencils and inks (black & white) = ****
- - - - - - - - - -
>Find this issue on ebay
>Find more Joe Kubert issues on ebay
>Find more Nestor Redondo issues on ebay
>Find more Limited Collectors Edition issues on ebay

Conan the Barbarian #47 - Wally Wood reprint

Conan the Barbarian #47, 1975 - Gil Kane and Tom Palmer's cover is one of many dynamic efforts seen on this series. The main Conan feature is ably handled by John Buscema and Dan Adkins. Surprisingly, a sword and sorcery reprint by Wally Wood is used to fill out the book. The reproduction is passable but I prefer and recommend the original issue, Tower of Shadows #8. See today's posts or more Conan the Barbarian or Wood issues. See also this blog's Wood checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Wood issues, >more Conan the Barbarian issues

The Spectre #3 - Neal Adams art & cover

The Spectre #3, 1968 - The Spectre is joined by his Justice Society teammate from the golden age, Wildcat. Neal Adams' rendition of the character is one of the best, showing off the hero's pugilistic skills for lack of a super-power. The movement and power of the figures is evident in many scenes, especially page six. Diagonal borders on many panels keep the layouts varied and the pacing fresh. Interestingly, the Spectre only enters the storyline on page fourteen, giving the supporting character equal prominence in the issue. This is number 2 of 4 Spectre issues with Adams art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Adams or Spectre issues. See also this blog's Adams checklist or Top 10 Adams comics.
- - - - - - - - - -
Adams cover pencils and inks = ***
"Hang 'Em Up Wildcat, You're Finished" Adams story pencils and inks 24 pages = ****
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Adams issues, >more Spectre issues

Annie Oakley and Tagg - comic series checklist

- - - - - - - - - -

Annie Oakley and Tagg v1
Dell
1953-65

4
5-10
11,12
13 - Russ Manning art
14-18

- - - - - - - - - -

See today's posts, more series checklists or the master list of series. See also this blog's artist checklists, top 10 lists or readers polls.

Racket Squad in Action #12 - Steve Ditko cover

Racket Squad in Action #12, 1954 - Considered a classic Steve Ditko cover by enthusiasts, the image is vaguely relevant to an interior story about mob coercion. The scene is unabashedly violent, depicting a bomb at the moment of its explosion. The shopkeeper's clothes are blasted away but his body curiously shows no wounds or shrapnel. Most disturbing is the inclusion of a little boy also bearing the brunt of the blast. These shocking comic book images were not uncommon during the 1950s and more than likely resulted in increased sales. Ditko's equivalent of stop motion photography may have been a first of its kind in comics. Few can deny the cover's powerful and memorable aesthetics. This is number 2 of 2 Racket Squad in Action issues with Ditko art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Ditko or Racket Squad in Action issues. See also this blog's Ditko checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
Ditko cover pencils and inks = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Ditko issues, >more Racket Squad in Action issues

Weird Western Tales #45 - Jim Starlin cover

Weird Western Tales #45 featuring Scalphunter, 1978 - Bat Lash, an earlier DC western hero, meets the savage Scalphunter for the first time. Unlike his previous cover on this series, Jim Starlin gives readers the more gripping scene of the hero under fire during a moonlit night. Nicely done is the clear hierarchy between the title character and supporting figures. Note how the oversized moon echoes the circular opening below. Other artists in this issue include Dick Ayers and George Evans. This is number 2 of 2 Weird Western issues with Starlin art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Starlin or Weird Western Tales issues. See also this blog's Jim Starlin checklist or Top 10 Jim Starlin comics.
- - - - - - - - - -
Starlin cover pencils and inks = ***
- - - - - - - - - -
>Find this issue on ebay
>Find more Jim Starlin issues on ebay
>Find more Weird Western Tales issues on ebay

Alarming Adventures #1 - Al Williamson art

Alarming Adventures #1, 1962 - Although better known for their Casper and Richie Rich titles, this series is one of Harvey Publications' forays into science fiction during the silver age. A surprisingly well drawn Reed Crandall story anchors this issue, beautifully inked by Al Williamson. The opening panel of a spaceship approaching a cratered planet is comparable to some of his best stories for EC during the 1950s. His skill in this genre is impeccable and evident in many of the pages. This is number 1 of 3 Alarming Adventures with Williamson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Williamson or Alarming Adventures issues. See also this blog's Williamson checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
"Hermit" Williamson story inks (Reed Crandall pencils) 5 pages = ****
- - - - - - - - - -
>Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Williamson issues, >more Alarming Adventures issues

Psycho magazine #6 - Jeff Jones art

Psycho magazine #6, 1972 - Jeff Jones' subtle science fiction tale seems oddly out of place for this horror magazine series. And yet the art exemplifies the artist's typically graphic approach and his mastery of light and shade. Background details are sparse, putting the focus of attention on the clearly defined figure drawings. The final scene is a full page splash, beautifully emphasizing the change in scale from a simple spaceship to a wider planetary view. Other artists in this issue include Sean Tood, Ross Andru, Pat Boyette, Pablo Marcos and Vic Segrelles (cover). This is number 1 of 3 Psycho magazine issues with Jones art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Jones or Psycho magazine issues. See also this blog's Jones checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
"Sleep" Jones story pencils and inks 5 pages = ****
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Jones issues, >more Psycho magazine issues

Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love #3 - Jeff Jones cover

Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love #3, 1972 - One of two gothic romance titles DC published in the 1970s, Dark Mansion changed its format to mystery/horror by the fifth issue. Jeff Jones would contribute this masterful cover design, one of only a handful in his comics career. His delicate brushwork focuses on the heroine, particularly the undulating folds of her white dress. The silhouetted flying creatures in the background (perhaps guided by the mysterious background figure) further add to the eerie setting. Other artists in this issue include Don Heck. This is number 1 of 1 Dark Mansion issues with Jones art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Jones or Dark Mansion issues. See also this blog's Jones checklist.
- - - - - - - - - -
Jones cover pencils and inks = ****
- - - - - - - - - -
Find on ebay: >this issue, >more Jones issues,  >more Dark Mansion issues