Savage Tales #2 - Barry Windsor Smith, Al Williamson, Frank Brunner art, Bernie Wrightson reprint

Savage Tales magazine #2 featuring Conan the Barbarian, 1973 - Barry Smith delivers one of his greatest bronze age works, an adaptation of Robert E. Howard's "Red Nails". In the first of two chapters, Conan and his companion Valeria discover an underground city, current in the midst of a tribal war. Smith's level of detail is phenomenal. Blades of grass, decorative motifs, ancient architecture and more are finely delineated in black and white. Exquisite draftsmanship and concise storytelling reveal an artist at his very best. Al Williamson, Frank Brunner and Bernie Wrightson (via a reprint from Creatures on the Loose #10) make smaller but much less significant contributions. Other artists in this issue include Pablo Marcos, Gray Morrow, Joe Maneely (reprint) and John Buscema (cover). The interior page shown above is by Smith. This is number 2 of 3 Savage Tales issues with Smith art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Smith, Williamson, Brunner or Savage Tales issues. See also this blog's Williamson checklist, Smith checklist, Wrightson checklist, Top 10 Wrightson comics, Brunner checklist or Top 10 Brunner issues.
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"Red Nails" Smith story pencils and inks 21 pages = *****
"Robert E. Howard: Lone Star Fictioneer" Brunner text illos pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
"Hyborian Rage" Williamson text illos pencils and inks 2 pages = **
"Cimmeria" Smith pencils and inks 5 pages = ****
"A Probable Outline of Conan's Career" Smith text illo pencils and inks 1 page = **
Wrightson unpublished cover pencils and inks for Creatures on the Loose #10 = ***
Smith ad for next issue pencils and inks 1 page = ***
(all pages above in black and white)
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Conan the Barbarian #64 - Jim Starlin reprint

Conan the Barbarian #64, 1976 - This fill-in issue features a Jim Starlin reprint from Savage Tales #5. Originally drawn in the larger magazine format, certain pages do show a minimal loss of details. Still, this full color version brings a refreshingly new dimension to the story. Other artists in this issue include John Buscema (cover). This is number 1 of 1 Conan the Barbarian issues with Starlin art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Conan the Barbarian or Starlin issues. See also this blog's Starlin checklist or Top 10 Starlin comics.
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"Secret of Skull River" Starlin story pencils (Al Milgrom inks) 20 pages (first time in color) = ****
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Uncle Scrooge #20- Carl Barks art & cover

Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge #20, 1957 - Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck go to Indochina to sell tape players and enormous stoves, respectively, to the natives. Carl Barks appears to have reference National Geographic for many of the details, as he often did to add a touch of realism to the stories. An especially splendid panel is one of Scrooge riding a herd of elephants. This is 20 of 70 Uncle Scrooge issues with Barks art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Barks, Disney or Uncle Scrooge issues.
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Barks cover pencils and inks = ***
"City of Golden Roofs" Barks story pencils and inks 26 pages = ****
Untitled Gyro Gearloose story Barks pencils and inks 11 pages = ***
Barks inside back cover pencils and inks = ***
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Uncle Scrooge #19 - Carl Barks art & cover

Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge #19, 1957 - Barks places Scrooge and Donald in a middle eastern desert looking for ancient treasure. His artwork is immensely enjoyable, and his larger panel of multiple animals approaching Scrooge is terrific. This is 19 of 70 Uncle Scrooge issues with Barks art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Barks, Disney or Uncle Scrooge issues.
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Barks cover pencils and inks = ***
"The Mines of King Solomon" Barks pencils and inks 27 pages = ****
Untitled Gyro Gearloose pillow house story Barks pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
Barks inside front cover pencils and inks = ***
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Tarzan of the Apes #155 - Russ Manning art

Tarzan of the Apes #155, 1965 - Adaptations of the Edgar Rice Burroughs novels begin. This issue starts with Tarzan's origin and his first encounter with Jane. The novel is excessively abridged, but Manning's art is beautiful throughout. Included is a full page promo for the next issue. The layout matches the upcoming cover. A short but nicely done Brothers of the Spear tale rounds out the book. This is number 2 of 18 Tarzan issues with Manning art (Tarzan stories). See today's posts or more Manning or Tarzan issues. See also this blog's Russ Manning checklist.- - - - - - - - - -
"Tarzan of the Apes" Manning story pencils and inks 24 pages = ***
"Vanished" Manning story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
Manning next issue advertisement pencils and inks 1 page = ***
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Tarzan of the Apes #154 - Russ Manning art

Tarzan of the Apes #154, 1965 - Manning draws the entire issue, including two Tarzan stories and a Brothers of the Spear tale. All are superbly drawn with illustrations of saber-tooth tigers, giant sloths, and hyenas. This is number 1 of 18 Tarzan issues with Manning art (Tarzan stories). See today's posts or more Manning or Tarzan issues. See also this blog's Russ Manning checklist.
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"Descent into the Past" Manning story pencils and inks 15 pages = ***
"The Giant" Manning story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
"The Fury of Gayat" Manning story pencils and inks 9 pages = ***
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Tarzan of the Apes #149 - Russ Manning art

Tarzan of the Apes #149, 1965 - This story is part of Russ Manning's run on the back up series Brothers of the Spear. Though short, by the mid 1960s his style is polished and mature. His layouts are well designed and his inking confident. Manning's terrific work on this series would eventually assign him to the lead Tarzan feature. See today's posts or more Manning or Tarzan issues. See also this blog's Russ Manning checklist.
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"The Courage of Shala" Manning story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
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Our Army at War #254 - Alex Toth art, Joe Kubert cover

Our Army at War #254 featuring Sgt. Rock, 1973 - This back up story features a WWI fighter pilot and the number of his confirmed kills in battle. Toth draws period biplanes better than anyone, and his page layouts are masterful. Even his opening page echoes the pilot's feeling of height and solitude. This is number 3 of 3 Our Army at War issues with Toth art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Toth, Kubert or Our Army at War issues. See also this blog's Kubert checklist or Toth checklist.
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Kubert cover pencils and inks = ***
"The Tally" story pencils and inks 8 pages = ****
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Witching Hour #53 - Nestor Redondo cover

Witching Hour #53, 1974 - Nestor Redondo did few covers for DC comics, which makes this one a rarity. The series often depicted witches and hags on the covers, often juxtaposing them with young beautiful women. Redondo takes his turn on this theme, resulting in an extraordinary effort. Every highlight and shadow on the old woman's face is carefully delineated. Its complexity directly contrasts against against the smooth purity of the younger mask. This is number 4 of 4 Witching Hour issues with Redondo art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Redondo or Witching Hour issues. See also this blog's Redondo checklist or Top 10 Redondo comics.
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Redondo cover pencils and inks = ****
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Witching Hour #47 - Alex Nino art

Witching Hour #47 - Alex Nino's story about a fake haunted castle has some fine moments. The sharp textural quality of his inking can be disturbing, but his panel layouts tell the tale with great efficiency. The silent panel of a dead actor on page four is as shocking as it is impactful. This is number 4 of 4 Witching Hour issues with Nino art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Nino or Witching Hour issues. See also this blog's Alex Nino checklist.
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"Haunted Any Houses Lately?" Nino story pencils and inks 8 pages = ***
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Witching Hour #45 - Alex Nino art

Witching Hour #45, 1974 - A man keeps his promise to his dead wife in this appropriately creepy Alex Nino tale. Page one has a terrific panel sequence and layout that emphasizes the gallow's height. The art is rich and highly textured, contributing to the overall horrific tone. This is number 3 of 4 Witching Hour issues with Nino art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Nino or Witching Hour issues. See also this blog's Alex Nino checklist.
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"For Whom the Ghost Bells Toll" Nino story pencils and inks 7 pages = ***
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Uncle Scrooge #15 - Carl Barks art & cover

Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge #15, 1956 - Despite an ordinary opening page, Barks capably draws this competition between Scrooge and billionaire Flintheart Glomgold. The story is exceptionally written and Barks includes many funny visual gags. See today's posts or more Barks, Disney or Uncle Scrooge issues.
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Barks cover pencils and inks = ***
"The Second Richest Duck" Barks pencils and inks 20 pages = ****
Untitled Uncle Scrooge money bin moving story Barks pencils and inks 7 pages = ****
Untitled Gyro Gearloose language translator story Barks pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
Barks inside front cover pencils and inks = ***Barks inside back cover pencils and inks = ***
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Witching Hour #40 - Alex Nino art

Witching Hour #40, 1974 - A tale about a mentally unstable woman and her son is drawn in Alex Nino's consistent graphic style. While not as distorted as some of his other works from the 1970s, the close up of the son's face on page six is rougher than normal. Still, Nino's detailing on the opening panel more than makes up for it. This is number 2 of 4 Witching Hour issues with Nino art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Nino or Witching Hour issues. See also this blog's Alex Nino checklist.
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"The Madwoman of Mashwood Lane" Nino story pencils and inks 7 pages = ***
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Uncle Scrooge #11 - Carl Barks art & cover

Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge #11, 1955 - Scrooge and Donald raise an old steamboat from the depths, and Barks illustrates it brilliantly. The climactic panel itself is dramatically drawn. Barks' second story is well done, though not quite as adventurous. This is 11 of 70 Uncle Scrooge issues with Barks art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Barks, Disney or Uncle Scrooge issues.
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Barks cover pencils and inks = ***
"The Great Steamboat Race" Barks story pencils and inks 16 pages = ****
"Riches Riches Everywhere" Barks story pencils and inks 16 pages = ***
Barks inside back cover pencils and inks = ***
Barks back cover pencils and inks = **
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Conan the Barbarian #57 - Mike Ploog art

Conan the Barbarian #57, 1975 - Arriving in the port city of Messantia, Conan and his compatriots seek employment as mercenaries in an upcoming war. The ancient, gritty setting and its varied population of soldiers, merchants and peasants seem perfectly suited for Mike Ploog. His spacious opening splash gives way to smaller, more confining panels that suggest the crowded urban environment. Ploog's brutish figure drawings reside compatibly within nicely detailed backgrounds. This superb effort invariably draws comparisons to his brief run on Kull. Other artists in this issue include Gil Kane (cover). This is the number 1 of 1 Conan the Barbarian issues with Ploog art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Conan the Barbarian or Ploog issues. See also this blog's Ploog checklist or Top 10 Ploog comics.
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"Incident in Argos" Ploog story pencils and inks 18 pages = ****
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Conan the Barbarian #49 - Neal Adams cover

Conan the Barbarian #49, 1975 - A pack of hungry wolves surround Conan at the behest of their master, the Wolf-Woman. Gil Kane's cover receives additional depth and modeling from Neal Adams' inks. A tad more subtle than usual, the artist's handiwork is splendid, especially on the title character. Other artists in this issue include John Buscema and Dick Giordano. This is number 4 of 4 Conan the Barbarian issues with Adams art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Conan the Barbarian or Adams issues. See also this blog's Adams checklist or Top 10 Adams comics.
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Adams cover inks (Gil Kane pencils) = ***
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Conan the Barbarian #45 - Neal Adams art & cover

Conan the Barbarian #45, 1974 - Conan befriends a young minstrel, helping him find answers to his dark and obscure past. One of several "Crusty Bunkers" providing the inks, Neal Adams seems less involved than his efforts on the previous issue. His delicate linework appears on the opening splash and the renditions of Conan throughout the story. Otherwise the bulk of the work falls on Dick Giordano and others. Adams' inks on Gil Kane's cover is far more compelling and well crafted. This is number 3 of 4 Conan the Barbarian issues with Adams art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Conan the Barbarian or Adams issues. See also this blog's Adams checklist or Top 10 Adams comics.
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Adams cover inks (Gil Kane pencils) = ***
"The Last Ballad of Laza-Lanti" Adams partial story inks (John Buscema pencils) 18 pages = **
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Uncle Scrooge #9 - Carl Barks art & cover

Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge #9, 1955 - A locket containing Scrooge's safe combination finds its way around a lemming's neck. He and Donald pursue the animal back to his homeland in Norway, encountering millions of them. As in much of Barks' work in the 1950s, his attention to details provide realistic settings. His Norwegian landscapes greatly enhance the story. One particular panel of millions of migrating lemmings is as awe-inspiring as it is humorous. The second story, of an animal race, is competently done. This is 9 of 70 Uncle Scrooge issues with Barks art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Barks, Disney or Uncle Scrooge issues.
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Barks cover pencils and inks = ***
"Lemming with the Locket" Barks story pencils and inks 22 pages = ****
Untitled animal race Barks story pencils and inks 10 pages = ***
Barks back cover pencils and inks = ***
Barks inside back cover pencils and inks = ***
Barks inside front cover pencils and inks = ***
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Uncle Scrooge #8 - Carl Barks art & cover

Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge #8, 1955 - Donald and his nephews accompany Scrooge to an uncharted island. They encounter both the Beagle Boys and a hermit scientist who can turn people into stone. Barks draws convincing scenes of a exotic island, and his climactic panel of the stone-turning machine is the issue's artistic high point. This is 8 of 70 Uncle Scrooge issues with Barks art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Barks, Disney or Uncle Scrooge issues.
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Barks cover pencils and inks = ***
Untitled Stone Ray story Barks pencils and inks 28 pages = ****
Untitled McDuck for Treasurer story Barks pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
Barks back cover pencils and inks = ***
Barks inside back cover pencils and inks = ***
Barks inside front cover pencils and inks = ***
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Tarzan of the Apes #141 - Russ Manning art

Tarzan of the Apes #141, 1964 - In this Brothers of the Spear tale, Dan-el accepts a winner take all challenge from a murderous traitor. Russ Manning employs some decent panel sequences for the battle scene, and is comparable to his other Brothers stories. See today's posts or more Manning or Tarzan issues. See also this blog's Russ Manning checklist.
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"The Strong Man" Manning story pencils and inks 5 pages = ***
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Tarzan #130 - Russ Manning art

Tarzan #130, 1962 - Manning's Brothers of the Spear story is competent, though not extraordinary. His smooth, clean style is still a stark contrast to the rough edges of the main Tarzan feature. See today's posts or more Manning or Tarzan issues. See also this blog's Russ Manning checklist.
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"A Captive People" Manning story pencils and inks 5 pages = ***
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Uncle Scrooge #7 - Carl Barks art & cover

Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge #7, 1954 - Scrooge, Donald and the gang travel through deserts to find the lost golden cities, but the Beagle Boys are not far behind. A wonderfully drawn tale with Indiana Jones-like pitfalls. This is 7 of 70 Uncle Scrooge issues with Barks art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Barks, Disney or Uncle Scrooge issues.
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Barks cover pencils and inks = ***
Untitled Seven Cities of Cibola story Barks pencils and inks 28 pages = ****
Untitled Uncle Scrooge messenger pigeon story Barks pencils and inks 4 pages = ****
Barks inside front cover pencils and inks = ***
Barks inside back cover pencils and inks = ***
Barks back cover pencils and inks = ***
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