Vault of Evil #2 - non-attributed Mike Ploog cover

Jim Starlin / Mike Ploog
Vault of Evil v1 #2, 1973 - The masthead takes up roughly half the space on this crowded bronze age cover. The perspective seems dubious, but the grim reaper's scythe increases depth by extending beyond the frame. Based on a Gil Kane layout, Mike Ploog's superb pencils and inks offer further enhancement. Note the drapery on the reaper's robe and the reflections on the suit of armor below. Ploog's contribution is also omitted from certain comic book price guides. Other artists in this issue include Howie Post. This is 1 of 1 Vault of Evil issues by Ploog. /// Ploog gallery
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Ploog cover pencils and inks (Gil Kane layouts) = ***

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Vault of Evil #2 - non-attributed Mike Ploog cover Vault of Evil #2 - non-attributed Mike Ploog cover Reviewed by Ted F on 3:56 PM Rating: 5

3 comments:

Britt Reid said...

The Jim Starlin credit is a misattribution.
According to the GCD, Gil Kane is the penciler.
"Credits from the original artwork as reported by Nick Caputo (April 1, 2006)."
https://www.comics.org/issue/76435/

Ted Ignacio @ Pencil Ink said...

Noted and corrected. I had a source that credited the pencils to Starlin, but I could never easily recognize his style on this cover. When you pointed out Gil Kane, it also seemed inconsistent with his style. Once I located Kane's original sketch though, I was convinced Ploog used the design as a foundation for his own pencils and inks. You can even see his modifications. Thanks for pointing this out and helping me keep this blog accurate. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjQ3qSo4vrYAhWMvVMKHS0FDqIQFgguMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.comicartfans.com%2Fgallerypiece.asp%3Fpiece%3D846743&usg=AOvVaw3KABCsrlsEiRWAqAI38xlJ

Britt Reid said...

I admire the astounding accuracy of the art IDs on this blog.
So when I came across this one, I had to look really closely.
Both the man's hand and the Grim Reaper figure seemed more Kane than Starlin.
But, early Starlin had a LOT of Kane influence, so it's easy to see how the piece could have been misidentified as such.
And Starlin WAS doing a lot of reprint book covers in 72-73!
Please keep up the GREAT work!

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