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Yellow Claw v1
Atlas
1956-57

1
2 - Jack Kirby art
3 - Jack Kirby art
4 - Jack Kirby art

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Detective Comics #225

Detective Comics v1 #225, 1955 - A major character makes his debut in a back-up tale within this Batman-centered series. While testing his new invention, Dr. Erdel inadvertently transports a martian shapeshifter to Earth. Now stranded, J'onn J'onzz takes on human form and becomes detective John Jones. This DC golden age superhero comic features the key first appearance of the Martian Manhunter. More alien and sinister-looking at first, his appearance would soften and become more human-like in subsequent issues. This story was later reprinted in World's Finest Comics #175 and #226. See more Detective Comics issues.
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"The Strange Experiment of Dr. Erdel" 6 pages
1st Martian Manhunter appearance

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Jack Kirby
Tales of Suspense v1 #52, 1964 - After getting access to a secure building, a pair of Russians steal the Crimson Dynamo suit and wreak havoc on the Stark Industries. The Black Widow makes her key first appearance as a spy, using her beauty to distract Tony Stark. Her skills appear limited in her early appearances. This story was later reprinted in Marvel Collectors' Item Classics #12. Though colorful, Jack Kirby's cover is oddly composed with little attention to scale and perspective. Other artists in this Marvel silver age superhero comic include Don Heck. This is number 50 of 91 Tales of Suspense issues with Kirby art and/or covers (not including reprints). 
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Kirby cover pencils (Sol Brodsky inks) = **
"The Crimson Dynamo Strikes Again" 13 pages 
 
1st Black Widow appearance

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Star Spangled War v1 #139 enemy ace dc comic book cover art by Joe Kubert
Joe Kubert
Star Spangled War Stories v1 #139 featuring Enemy Ace, 1968 - Germany's greatest ace once again meets his French counterpart known as the Hangman. Interestingly, part of the story recalls his youth, training and lessons from his nobleman father. Whether aerial dogfights or opulent estates, Joe Kubert illustrates with great skill and confidence. His first page is powerful, depicting the god of war holding symbolic pieces on a grand chess set. Kubert follows this with a bold two-page spread of a full-on aerial attack. Equally stunning, both scenes set the sophisticated tone for the rest of the book. Also included is a two-page Battle Album on WWII aircraft, later reprinted in DC Special #26. This silver age war comic was published by DC. This is number 39 of 96 Star Spangled War issues with Kubert art and/or covers (not including reprints). 
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Kubert cover pencils and inks = ***
"Death Whispers - Death Screams" Kubert story pencils and inks 23 pages = ****
"Battle Album" Kubert pencils and inks 2 pages = ***

Star Spangled War v1 #139 enemy ace dc comic book page art by Joe Kubert
Joe Kubert
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Daredevil v1 #170 kingpin marvel comic book cover art by Frank Miller
Frank Miller
Daredevil v1 #170, 1981 - The Kingpin returns to New York, turning over evidence that would convict his former cronies. Frank Miller continues to hone his design skills, starting with the opening splash of DD in his urban environment. Settings such as a Japanese household (pages 10-12) and the stark interiors of a high-rise (pages 21-23) benefit from his clever use of geometric patterns. Some panels are more detailed than others but Miller's work continues to evolve. This copper age superhero comic was published by Marvel. This is number 12 of 33 Daredevil issues with Miller art and/or covers. 
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Miller cover pencils (Klaus Janson inks) = **
"The Kingpin Must Die" Miller story pencils (Klaus Janson inks) 22 pages = ***

Daredevil v1 #170 marvel comic book page art by Frank Miller
Frank Miller
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DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest v1 #16
DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest v1 #16 / Green Lantern, 1981 - Collecting the adventures of Green Lantern and Green Arrow from the early 1970s, this digest is filled with some of Neal Adams' most influential works. The stories originate from Green Lantern v2 #81, #82, #84 (with Bernie Wrightson), Flash #217, #218 and #219. The cover figure is reprinted from in interior panel from Green Lantern v2 #76. This copper age superhero digest was published by DC. See more Green Lantern issues.
Wyatt Earp v2 #4

Wyatt Earp v2 #4, 1959 - A fight ensues when a giant stranger arrives in Dodge City. Like previous issues, Russ Manning makes great effort portray Earp similarly to actor Hugh O' Brien. His superb figure drawings permeate the story. His second tale, about the dangers faced by newly arrived city prosecutor, focuses instead on various western settings. The most gripping scene occurs on page 6 panel 3, as an assassin takes aim from a distance. This is number 4 of 13 Wyatt Earp v2 issues with Manning art and/or covers. This Dell golden age western comic is also included in this Manning gallery. 
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"Giant of Dodge City" Manning story pencils and inks 16 pages = ***
"Renegade Trap" Manning story pencils and inks 10 pages = ***
"Terrible Traffic" Manning story pencils and inks 1 page = ***
"Portable Prize" Manning inside back cover pencils and inks (black & white) = ***
Russ Manning
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Whiz Comics (#1)
Whiz Comics v1 #nn (#1), 1940 - Beckoned by a stranger, young Billy Batson follows him into an abandoned subway station, where he is transported to a mysterious cavern. There, a three thousand year old wizard named Shazam bestows him with superhuman powers. Along with the key 1st appearance of the golden age Captain Marvel, the issue also introduces his nemesis Sivana. In a separate tale, an Egyptian prince awakens from a museum sarcophagus and proclaims himself Ibis the Invincible. Two more features introduce Spy Smasher and the Golden Arrow, but in far less spectacular terms. Confusingly, this first issue has no issue number on the cover and says #2 on the inside. See more Whiz Comics issues.
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"Captain Marvel" 13 pages
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1st Captain Marvel appearance



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Carl Barks
Walt Disney's Comics and Stories v1 #171, 1954 - In an attempt to secure his trillions, Uncle Scrooge encases his entire fortune in Gyro Gearloose's impervi-wax. What could go wrong? Carl Barks' cover is not among his best, but his feature story is excellent in both its drawing and pacing. Barks even employs some uniquely funny special effects. This tale was later reprinted in >Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #400. Other artists in this Dell golden age humor comic include Paul Murry. This is number 131 of 280 Walt Disney's Comics and Stories issues with Barks art and/or covers (not including reprints). 
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Barks cover pencils and inks = **
Untitled Barks story pencils and inks 10 pages = ****
Jiggs and Maggie #16
Jiggs and Maggie v1 #16, 1950 - Created by George McManus, this colorful married couple makes the transition from newspapers to comic books. Wally Wood's sole contribution to this issue are two text illustrations for a two-page text story. The drawings are small, but the artist's style is immediately recognizable. Like most of his early works, the artwork is fairly unpolished, almost primitive. Other artists in this Standard golden age humor comic include George McManus. This is number 1 of 1 Jiggs and Maggie issues with Wood art and/or covers. 
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"Gus Goes to the Beach" Wood text illos pencils and inks 2 pages = **

Wally Wood
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Al Williamson
Daredevil Man without Fear v1 #5, 1994 - Attacking the lair of a child prostitution ring, Matt Murdock is outgunned and outnumbered. In this final issue of DD's revamped origin, Al Williamson's inks are a tad sloppy on several pages. The linework is inconsistent with its varying thicknesses. Despite this, the artist's best efforts are the first two splashes and the spectacular two-page spread at the end. John Romita Jr.'s dynamic pencils hold their own. This copper age superhero comic was published by Marvel. This is number 5 of 5 Daredevil Man without Fear issues with Williamson art and/or covers.
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Williamson cover inks (John Romita Jr. pencils) = **
"Chapter 5" Williamson story inks (John Romita Jr. pencils) 25 pages = **

Al Williamson
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Tales of the Teen Titans #68
Tales of the Teen Titans v1 #68, 1986 - The Titans begin an assault on Olympus to rescue the imprisoned Amazons. Blocking their way is Kole, a previous character who can turn others into crystal. Perhaps due to the classical theme, Barry Smith is tasked with the cover. Beautifully drawn and composed, it sets the tone for the impressive story art inside. This is only one of two issues Smith drew for DC. Other artists in this copper age superhero comic include Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. This is number 1 of 1 Tales of the Teen Titans issues with Smith art and/or covers
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Smith cover pencils and inks = ***

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New York World's Fair Comics (#1)
New York World's Fair Comics v1 (#1), 1939 - To commemorate this historical event, DC publishes this special issue with an array of comic book characters from the superhero, humor and adventure genres. Stories of Superman, Zatara the Magician, Slam Bradley and others share a World's Fair-related theme. Most noteworthy is the tale of Wesley Dodds, a millionaire playboy inventor whose plans for a ray gun are stolen by international spies. Donning a hat, gas mask and cape, he becomes the Sandman and subsequently foils the plot. This is the golden age hero's key first appearance. See more New York World's Fair Comics.
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"The Sandman" 10 pages

1st golden age Sandman
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Heroic Comics #94
Heroic Comics v1 #94, 1954 - Seeing his horse stuck in the water, a boy unhesitatingly dives in to save her. Frank Frazetta's lines are almost too fine, pushing the limits of the printing process. Regardless, plenty of details remain in a story with a phenomenal level of draftsmanship. The artist draws horses better than any of his peers, revealing a mastery of the animal's anatomy and movements. Despite the short page length, Frazetta's last story of the series is also his finest. This is number 15 of 15 Heroic Comics issues with Frazetta art and/or covers. This issue is also included in this Frazetta gallery. 
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"Cindy is Saved" Frazetta pencils and inks 2 pages = ****

Heroic Comics #94 golden age 1950s comic book page art by Frank Frazetta
Frank Frazetta
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Avengers #57
Avengers v1 #57, 1968 - The Wasp is attacked by an intruder who phases through walls, prompting the Avengers to act. The Vision, making his key first appearance, collapses and eventually overcomes the control of his creator Ultron-5. This is Marvel's silver age version of the superhero from the 1940s. Goliath, Wasp, Hawkeye and the Black Panther would invite him into the Avengers' ranks within the same issue. This story was later reprinted in Marvel Treasury Edition #7. See more Avengers issues.
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"Behold the Vision" 20 pages

1st silver age Vision
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