Porky Pig / Four Color #48 - Carl Barks art

Porky Pig / Four Color Comics #48, 1944 - Porky Pig joins up with the Canadian Mounties in this fairly early Carl Barks tale. According to a source, the publisher and/or Warner Brothers was unhappy with his rendition of their characters. Consequently, Porky Pig, Petunia and Bugs Bunny were redrawn by other artists in nearly all instances. Barks' hand is most obvious on the secondary characters, most of which are recognizable types often used in his Disney comics. The second story, "Porky and the Pirate", closely resembles Barks, but not enough for an attribution. It's possible another artist may have emulated him for the sake of consistency. Compare this sixty year old issue with Barks' gorgeous Porky Pig cover commissioned for the 1977 Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. This is number 1 of 1 Porky Pig issues with Barks art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Barks or Four Color issues.
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"Porky of the Mounties" Barks story pencils and inks 24 pages = **
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Rip Hunter Time Master #7 - Alex Toth art

Rip Hunter Time Master #7, 1962 - Two thousand years before the current era, Rip Hunter and crew delve into the past to find a cure for a present day disease. Alex Toth's art is looser and more spontaneous than his previous effort. His drawings lack much needed clarity, suggesting they may have been rushed. Depictions of various prehistoric creatures also seem rife with inaccuracies. Finally, Toth relinquishes the inks to Mike Esposito on the last eight pages, with no significant improvement. Despite three splash pages, the artwork mostly disappoints. This is number 2 of 2 Rip Hunter Time Master issues with Toth art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Toth or Rip Hunter Time Master issues. See also this blog's Toth checklist.
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"Lost Wanderers in Time" Toth story pencils (Mike Esposito, Toth inks) 25 pages = **
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Police Action v2 #3 - Mike Ploog art

Police Action v2 featuring Lomax NYPD and Luke Malone, Manhunter #3, 1975 - In this final issue of the series, Mike Ploog's layouts fall quite a bit below expectations. His hurriedly planned sequences are further hindered by poorly defined drawings. Inker Frank Springer suppresses much of Ploog's pencils, which emerge sporadically and just enough to be recognizable. Other artists in this issue include Al McWilliams, Mike Sekowsky and Frank Thorne (cover). This is number 3 of 3 Police Action issues with Ploog art and/or covers. See more Ploog or Police Action issues. See also this blog's Ploog checklist or Top 10 Ploog comics.
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"Rock and Robbery" Ploog story pencils (Frank Springer inks) 9 pages = **
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Wolverine #1 - Frank Miller art & cover

Wolverine (limited series) #1, 1982 - During the late 1970s, Wolverine's increasing popularity in the X-men leads to his first solo book. Frank Miller, nearing the end of his historic run on Daredevil, brings his film noir approach to a storyline centered around the Japanese underworld. Despite the tongue-in-cheek cover, the pages are eloquently designed and expertly paced. His layouts emphasize strongly vertical or horizontal panels, a hallmark of his 1980s style that coincidentally suggests an Asian flair. The story art is least compelling on the first few pages (particularly the unconvincing grizzly on page 3), but these are counter-balanced by the clever, triptych-style window on page 8 and Wolverine's appearance in full costume on page 9. While the entire limited series has been reprinted in trade paperback form, I still prefer the originals. This is number 1 of 4 Wolverine issues with Miller art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Miller or Wolverine issues. See also this blog's Frank Miller checklist.
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Miller cover pencils (Joe Rubenstein inks) = ***
Untitled Miller story pencils (Joe Rubenstein inks) 21 pages = ****
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Western Kid #10 - Al Williamson art

Western Kid #10, 1956 - A young cowboy shows off his precision shooting skills for the crowd's entertainment. Despite being only four pages, the tale is told in uncommonly large panels. Al Williamson's loose yet carefully designed drawings may have been inked by frequent collaborator Angelo Torres (?). Curiously, the last page employs more fine lines and cross-hatching, a noticeable change from the heavy blacks on previous pages. Fortunately, the inconsistency is only mildly distracting. Other artists this issue include John Romita and Joe Maneely (cover). This is number 2 of 2 Western Kid issues with Williamson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Williamson or Western Kid issues. See also this blog's Williamson checklist.
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"Genius with a Gun" Williamson story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
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Demon with a Glass Hand graphic novel - Marshall Rogers art & cover

Demon with a Glass Hand graphic novel, 1986 - In the 1980s, DC began a series of science fiction stories adapted to the graphic novel format. All featured famous authors including Ray Bradbury, Larry Niven, and in this issue, Harlan Ellison. "Demon with a Glass Hand" was originally written as a teleplay for the tv show The Outer Limits, The story is realized here for the first time in unabridged form. Marshall Rogers was tasked to visualize the story, which eventually stretched forty-plus total pages. He uses only a single splash page in the entire book, but widely varies the page designs to avoid monotony. Known for his mastery of sequential pacing, the artist takes the typical rectangular shapes and creates rhythms appropriate to each scene. Like many of Rogers' comics, his knowledge of architecture not only establishes the settings but plays a major role in the book's aesthetic. Panels on pages 10, 36 and 41 are prime examples of his mastery of perspectives. Rogers does a commendable job on one of his longest assignments to date. See today's posts or more Rogers issues. See also this blog's Rogers checklist or Top 10 Rogers comics.
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Rogers cover pencils and inks = ***
"Demon with a Glass Hand" Rogers story pencils and inks 48 pages = ***
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Police Lineup #1 - Wally Wood art & cover

Police Lineup #1, 1951 - Crime comics were at their most violent in the early 1950s, but the contents of this issue still seem mild by comparison. Although there are scenes of mass shootings and bodies in cement barrels, other publishers reveled in much gorier scenarios. Wally Wood illustrates the mug shots on the cover, aside a pulp fiction-style painting. Even better is his luscious black and white artwork for the inside front cover (see interior page above). His montage of crime scenes serves as a teaser for the interior stories. Wood's superb inking is augmented by his masterful use of mid-tones. This is number 1 of 1 Police Lineup issues with Wood art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Wood issues. See also this blog's Wood checklist.
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Wood partial cover pencils and inks = ***
Wood inside front cover pencils and inks (black and white) = ***
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Red Sonja #14 - Frank Brunner cover

Red Sonja #14, 1979 - While traversing an underground cavern, Red Sonja is confronted by hellish creatures rising up from the water. Frank Brunner purposely tilts the horizon to add tension and uses the boat's figurehead and upraised sword to increase depth. And yet overall his inks seem roughly applied, especially on the title heroine. The fine lines that permeate his best works are nowhere to be seen on this effort. Other artists in this issue include Sal Buscema and Al Milgrom. This is number 3 of 3 Red Sonja issues with Brunner art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Brunner or Red Sonja issues. See also this blog's Brunner checklist or Top 10 Brunner comics.
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Brunner cover pencils and inks = **
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Ricky Nelson / Four Color Comics #1192 - Russ Manning art

Ricky Nelson / Four Color Comics #1192, 1961 - An actor from the 1960s tv show Ozzie and Harriet, Ricky Nelson soon became a much bigger celebrity, as evidenced in this special issue. The teen heartthrob embarks on a journey to Hong Kong, giving artist Russ Manning an opportunity to depict more exotic settings. His research is evident in the convincing details of Chinese objects, interiors and architecture. Among the many highlights: the scenic view of Victoria Harbor on page 5 (see interior page shown above) and the "Festival of the Dragons" celebration on page 16. The follow-up Manning tale is more domestic and not surprisingly, pales by comparison. This is number 1 of 1 Ricky Nelson issues with Manning art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Manning or Ricky Nelson issues. See also this blog's Russ Manning checklist.
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"Seat of the Mighty" Manning inside front cover pencils and inks (black and white) = ***
"Hong Kong Adventure" Manning story pencils and inks 22 pages = ****
"Fall Guy" Manning story pencils and inks 8 pages = ***
"Harriet's Helper-Men" Manning inside back cover pencils and inks (black and white) = ***
"An Eye for Color" Manning back cover pencils and inks = **
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Secrets of Sinister House #7 - Nestor Redondo art

Secrets of Sinister House #7, 1972 - Running afoul of gangsters and a little girl with magical powers, a simple accountant finds himself on a mysterious boulevard. This Nestor Redondo tale begins with an exquisitely drawn splash page, full of architectural details. A conjured-up dragon appears on page six (see interior pages shown above) seems more delightfully twisted than a standard fairytale version. Other artists in this issue include June Lofamia, Sam Glanzman, Sergio Aragones (gag page) and Michael Kaluta (cover). This is number 1 of 1 Secrets of Sinister House issues with Redondo art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Redondo or Secrets of Sinister House issues. See also this blog's Redondo checklist or Top 10 Redondo comics.
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"Panic!" Redondo story pencils and inks 10 pages = ***
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Picnic Party #8 - Carl Barks art

Walt Disney's Picnic Party (Dell Giant) #8, 1957 - Within this giant Dell issue, Carl Barks draws a brief but enjoyable Gyro Gearloose picnic story. He employs larger panels than usual, suggesting the spaciousness of the outdoor setting. Lovingly rendered, the artwork is spare without being simplistic. There is no significant lack of detail, especially in the backgrounds. Other characters featured in this issue include Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Brer Rabbit, Bongo & Lumpjaw, Big Bad Wolf, Pluto, Jiminy Cricket and Huey, Louie and Dewey. This is number 1 of 1 Picnic Party issues with Barks art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Barks issues.
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"Picnic" Barks story pencils and inks 6 pages = ****
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Marvel Feature #1 / The Defenders - Neal Adams cover

Marvel Feature v1 #1 featuring The Defenders, 1971 - The Defenders make their first appearance in this historic king-sized issue. Are they responding to the destruction around them or did they cause it? Neal Adams' depiction of founding members Doctor Strange, Sub-mariner and the Hulk is easily among his best Marvel covers. The artist's skill is evident throughout, but the foreshortened limbs of the Hulk are especially convincing. I believe this cover is also Adams' first rendition of each of the characters. Bill Everett inks Ross Andru's pencils on the interior story, accompanied by a golden age Sub-mariner reprint by Bill Everett. Other artists in this issue include Don Heck and Frank Giacioa. This is number 1 of 1 Marvel Feature v1 issues with Adams art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Adams, Defenders or Marvel Feature issues. See also this blog's Adams checklist or Top 10 Adams comics.
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Adams cover pencils and inks = ***
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Lost Worlds #5 - Alex Toth art

Lost Worlds #5, 1952 - Alex Toth gives us a darker look at Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" in this contemporary science fiction tale. The artist strives to distill the essence of each scene through relatively close views within the panels. This approach makes the story appear confined, even claustrophobic at times. Toth's storytelling continues to push the boundaries while displaying keen draftsmanship. This is number 1 of 2 Lost Worlds issues with Toth art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Toth or Lost Worlds issues. See also this blog's Toth checklist.
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"Alice in Terrorland" Toth story pencils (John Celardo inks) 5 pages = ***
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Vigilante #4 - Don Newton art

Vigilante #4, 1984 - DC introduced this new version of the Vigilante during the 1980s, starting as a supporting character in the New Teen Titans. Four issues into the character's own solo series, Don Newton completes one of the stories of his career. His layouts and pacing are adequate, but could have been helped by more aggressive inking by Pablo Marcos. The issue's highlight is the opening splash, showing a romantic scene from a classic Hollywood film. Although the well-dressed couple are the intended focal point, the elaoborately drawn interiors hold their own weight visually. As a nice touch, Newton places a cherub statue in the foreground as a romantic symbol. Keith Pollard is the cover artist. This is number 1 of 1 Vigilante issues with Newton art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Newton or Vigilante issues. See also this blog's Don Newton checklist.
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"Passion Play" Newton story pencils (Pablo Marcos inks) 23 pages = ***
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Police Action v2 #2 - Mike Ploog art

Police Action v2 #2 featuring Lomax NYPD and Luke Malone, Manhunter, 1975 - After a successful collaboration in the first issue, Mike Ploog and Frank Springer's second effort falls short. The layouts diminish in quality, starting with the opening scene of a hostage situtation. Springer's inks tend to dominate, resulting in panels that seem sloppy and erratic. Sadly, there are few semblances of Ploog's original intent. Other artists in this issue include Al McWilliams, Mike Sekowsky and Larry Lieber (cover). This is number 2 of 3 Police Action issues with Ploog art and/or covers. See more Ploog or Police Action issues. See also this blog's Ploog checklist or Top 10 Ploog comics.
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"Whatever Happened to Luke Malone?" Ploog story pencils (Frank Springer inks) 10 pages = **
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Special Marvel Edition #16 - Jim Starlin art & cover

Special Marvel Edition featuring Master of Kung Fu #16, 1973 - In only his second adventure, Master of Kung Fu encounters the shadowy assassin Midnight. Jim Starlin's Z-shaped cover layout is very effective, leading the reader's eye from the masthead above to the central characters below. Midnight's flowing cape curves downward toward the text box on the right. While not at the level of Starlin's previous issue, "Midnight Brings Dark Death" is more than capable. The story climaxes on page 30 as the fighting escalates atop a massive construction crane. The artist's ambitious view from above, while inaccurate in its one-point perspective, is an interesting splash page nonetheless. The series changes its name to Master of Kung Fu beginning with the next issue. This is number 2 of 2 Special Marvel Edition issues with Starlin art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Starlin, Special Marvel Edition or Master of Kung Fu issues. See also this blog's Starlin checklist or Top 10 Starlin comics.
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Starlin cover pencils (Al Milgrom inks) = ***
"Midnight Brings Dark Death" Starlin story pencils (Al Milgrom inks) 20 pages = ***
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Rawhide / Four Color Comics #1097 - Russ Manning art

Rawhide / Four Color Comics #1097, 1960 - A Clint Eastwood photo graces the cover of this television-based comic. Russ Manning does a decent job at drawing the likenesses of the actor and also costar Eric Fleming. The inside front cover serves as a contents page, re-using a panel from each of the interior stories. While Manning's second tale is competent, his first is noticeably superior in its detail and layouts. Several dramatic scenes are further heightened by a keen distribution of light colors and black areas. Manning's westerns may be cleaner and more streamlined, but no other artist's landscapes are more open and spacious. This is number 1 of 1 Rawhide issues with Manning art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Manning or Rawhide issues. See also this blog's Russ Manning checklist.
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"The Outlaw's Trail" Manning story pencils and inks 18 pages = ****
"Wishbone's Luck" Manning story pencils and inks 14 pages = ***
"Sure Crossing" Manning inside back cover pencils and inks = **
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The Rook #4 - Alex Toth art, non-attributed Nestor Redondo cover

The Rook magazine #4, 1980 - Nestor Redondo does a fairly impressive job with one of the few (non-attributed) covers he did for Warren Publishing. Analogous greens and teals fill the scene, reinforcing the creature's underwater origins. Alex Toth concludes the adventures of Hollywood stunt pilot Jesse Bravo. Like the previous issue, Toth's high degree of craftsmanship is evident throughout. The story's 1930s-era setting is very convincing, especially the various aerial scenes. Other artists in this issue include Lee Elias and Alfredo Alcala. This is number 2 of 2 Rook issues with Toth art and/or covers and number 1 of 2 Rook issues with Redondo art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Toth, Redondo or Rook issues. See also this blog's Toth checklist, Redondo checklist or Top 10 Redondo comics.
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Redondo painted cover = ***
"Bravo for Adventure (pt. 2)" Toth story pencils and inks 25 pages (black & white) = ****
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Red Sonja #13 - Frank Brunner cover

Red Sonja #13, 1979 - Red Sonja leaps toward the viewer with weapons drawn, while a woolly mammoth bursts through the background. Frank Brunner cleverly uses the massive tusks to emphasize the title heroine. Their symmetrical paths lead the eye toward her while creating a subtle circular frame. Unfortunately, the artist's characteristic brushwork is mostly absent, except for the foreground cavemen. Brunner's rendition of Red Sonja seems more influenced by artist Frank Thorne (who drew the earlier issues) than his own style. It should also be noted that the interior story by John Buscema (inked by Al Milgrom) is among his best bronze age works I've ever seen. This is number 2 of 3 Red Sonja issues with Brunner art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Brunner or Red Sonja issues. See also this blog's Brunner checklist or Top 10 Brunner comics.
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Brunner cover pencils and inks = **
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