Detective Comics #505

Detective Comics v1 #505, 1981 - To save a little from cancer, the Batman must track down her brother in the Alaskan wilderness. This werewolf-themed story refers back to Batman #255. Don Newton's artwork is captivating, reminiscent of his earlier work for Charlton horror comics. Naturally, his best scenes occur toward the climax, pitting the Batman against the monster. Other artists in this issue include Jose Delbo. Cover by Rich Buckler. This is 24 of 39 Detective Comics issues by Newton. 
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"Werewolf Moon" Newton story pencils (Dan Adkins inks) 17 pages = ***

Don Newton

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X-men #128

X-Men v1 #128, 1979 - Proteus takes over his estranged father's body, wreaking havoc throughout the city. The X-men attack, trying to separate him from his hostage, Moira MacTaggart. The villain's reality twisting powers are most evident on John Byrne's opening page. The buildings undulate around him like images in a funhouse mirror. Toward the end, a final confrontation between combatants results in a massive crackling explosion. Byrne simulates this beautifully with a pattern of finely interwoven lines in concentric loops. This bronze age issue also includes cover art by George Perez. This is 20 of 35 X-men issues by Byrne. 

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"The Action of the Tiger!" Byrne story pencils (Terry Austin inks) 17 pages = ***

John Byrne

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Jack Kirby

Avengers v1 #28, 1965 - Focusing on Giant Man's return, Jack Kirby ensures his prominence on the cover design. In the foreground, the artist displays each Avenger equally, each rendered in an iconic pose. Note how the ground's radial lines add to the excitement. Hank Pym changes his name from Giant Man to Goliath. This issue also includes the first appearance of the Collector, a billion-year old alien who gathered lifeforms and artifacts from around the universe. This silver age Stan Lee story is drawn by Don Heck and Frank Giacoia. This is 22 of 38 Avengers issues by Kirby. /// key 1st appearance Collector

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Kirby cover pencils (Frank Giacoia inks) = **

"Among Us Walks a Goliath" 20 pages

1st Collector

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War and Attack v1
Charlton
1964

1 - Wood art key

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War and Attack v2
Charlton
1966-67

54-63

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Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #62

Walt Disney's Comics and Stories v1 #62, 1945 -Without a boat or the proper equipment, Donald Duck enters the town's water skiing contest in pursuit of a cash prize. Carl Barks slightly reduces the number of panels, but gains clarity and greater visual interest. The plot requires more movement and rapid pacing, which the artist delivers with confidence. This story was later reprinted in >Mickey and Donald #5. Other artists in this golden age comic include Al Taliaferro. Cover by Walt Kelly. This is 31 of 280 Walt Disney's Comics and Stories issues by Barks.
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Untitled Barks story pencils and inks 10 pages = ***

Carl Barks

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Matt Baker

Authentic Police Cases v1 #22, 1952 - Bursting into a generic office, three gunmen commit a robbery while taking an attractive female hostage. The figures are in close quarters but Matt Baker's composition maintains clarity. A subtle circular path leads the eye clockwise from the bespectacled man to each character's face to the pistol. Though the gun is a relatively small element, the black-on-white contrast adds emphasis. Other artists in this golden age crime comic include Enrico Bagnoli. This is 16 of 28 Authentic Police Cases issues by Baker.
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Baker cover pencils and inks = ***

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Tarzan #87

Tarzan v1 #87, 1956 - Her city surrounded by Tuaregs, Queen Zulena and Natonga escape through the mountain to bring much needed reinforcements. Russ Manning opens with more banal scenes, but picks up the pace as the story quickens. Aside from the underground cavern scenes, the work is largely mediocre. Other artists in this golden age comic include Jessie Marsh. This is 48 of 133 Tarzan issues by Manning.
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Untitled Brothers of the Spear story Manning pencils and inks 6 pages = **

Russ Manning

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Witching Hour #5

Witching Hour v1 #5, 1969 - A mad sea captain sails through a deadly storm, losing his ship and all hands. In the aftermath, the tide brings him to a deserted island. Bernie Wrightson's supple linework brings a richness and texture to the story. His scenes of the storm are especially good, depicting the destructive power of enormous waves (see interior page below). Alex Toth continues to draw the framing pages, appropriately setting a dark, ominous tone. Other artists in this silver age horror comic include Pat Boyette. Cover by Nick Cardy. This is 2 of 2 Witching Hour issues by Wrightson and 4 of 10 Witching Hour issues by Toth. 
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"The Sole Survivor" " Wrightson story pencils and inks 7 pages = ***
Toth pencils and inks 3 framing pages = ***

Alex Toth

Bernie Wrightson

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Mr. Bubbles Tub Tales

Mr. Bubble's Tub Tales comic book ad, 1980s - Buy some merch! T-shirts, sweatshirts and watches sold alongside bubble bath to promote the brand. Weirdly, the kids in the strip above somehow grew older after getting their shirts. Published in Wolverine v2 #17.

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Steve Ditko / Wally Wood

Stalker v1 #4, 1976 - Like Dante in the Divine Comedy, Stalker enters his own inferno, confronting the demon who took possession of his soul. Steve Ditko's drawings gain interest as the story progresses, culminating in a battle of two underworld armies. Not quite as impactful as previous issues, Wally Wood does a merely adequate job inking. This is 4 of 4 Stalker issues by Ditko and 4 of 4 Stalker issues by Wood. 

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Ditko cover pencils / Wood inks = **
"Invade The Inferno" Ditko story pencils / Wood inks 14 pages = ***

Steve Ditko / Wally Wood

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X-men #94

X-men v1 #94, 1975 - Following the debuts of several characters in Giant-size X-men #1, this issue features a new team and the start of their first series. Angel, Marvel Girl, Iceman, Polaris, Sunfire and Havok depart. Professor X and Cyclops remain to lead newcomers Storm, Colossus, Thunderbird, Nightcrawler (all making their second appearances) and veterans Banshee and Wolverine. In their first assignment, they must rescue an air force base overtaken by Count Nefaria and his Ani-Men. Dragonfly makes her debut as the newest villain to join their ranks. This Len Wein story was drawn by Dave Cockrum and Bob McLeod. Cover by Gil Kane. /// key 1st appearance Dragonfly, 1st series, 2nd appearance bronze age X-men

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"The Doomsmith Scenario" 18 pages

X-men #94

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Alarming Adventures #3

Alarming Adventures v1 #3, 1962 - The discovery of an unusual gold-spotted fish prompts an expedition to its source: an underwater cavern on a remote island. Uncredited by comic book guides, Al Williamson delivers a capable effort. The main scientist's face looks suspiciously repetitious, as if retraced to save time. That aside, spacious layouts and sensitive rendering make this story the highlight of the issue. This story was later reprinted in Double-Dare Adventures #2. Other artists in this silver age comic include Bernard Baily, Carl Burgos and Dick Ayers. Cover by John Severin. This is 3 of 3 Alarming Adventures by Williamson.
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"The Secret of the Mountain" Williamson story pencils (Angelo Torres inks) 5 pages = ***

Al Williamson

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Alex Nino

Original page from Weird War Tales #13, 1970s.

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Adventure Comics #431

Adventure Comics v1 #431, 1973 - With this issue, the Spectre takes over as the central feature. Controversial at the time, writer Michael Fleisher brings the character back to his disturbingly violent roots of the 1940s. Alex Toth's back-up tale, of a dystopian future where animals talk and reason, is tame by comparison. Drawn in thick expressionistic lines and heavy shadows, the artwork nonetheless is masterful in its pacing and storytelling. Other artists in this bronze age comic include Jim Aparo. This is 4 of 7 Adventure Comics issues by Toth. 

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"Is a Snerl Human?" Toth story pencils and inks 8 pages = ***

Alex Toth

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Neal Adams

Challengers of the Unknown v1 #81, 1977 - Newly revived by DC, this series begins with a largely symmetrical cover by Mike Nasser. His style emulates Neal Adams, who inks the young artist's pencils. Extra modeling and detail are added, but the overall result still falls short of Adams' usual bronze age standards. The issue also includes art by Nasser and Bob Wiacek. This 6 of 6 Challengers of the Unknown issues by Adams. 

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Adams cover inks (Mike Nasser pencils) = **

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