House of Mystery #283 - Alex Nino art, Joe Kubert cover

House of Mystery #283, 1978 - A scientist returns from a remote island with his native bride, only to suspect her of poisoning him with a strange brew. Alex Nino's layouts are exceptionally designed, coupled with his graphic (sometimes raw) drawing style. The large borderless panel on page one makes the living room setting more spacious and open. Nino's monsters are among the most grotesque of DC horror comics, and his rendition of a man's transformation into an insect certainly applies here. His last story for House of Mystery is also one of his most memorable. By comparison, Joe Kubert's related cover is merely adequate. This is number 14 of 14 House of Mystery issues with Nino art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Nino, Kubert or House of Mystery issues.  See also this blog's Nino checklist or Kubert checklist.
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Kubert cover pencils and inks = ***
"Kill Me Gently" Nino story pencils and inks 8 pages = ****
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Marvel Treasury Edition #4 / Conan - Barry Windsor Smith cover & reprints

Marvel Treasury Edition #4 / Conan the Barbarian, 1975 - The oversized comic is comprised of Barry Smith Conan stories published only a few years before. "Rogues in the House" is reprinted from Conan #11 and looks comparable in quality to the original. The two-part "Red Nails" saga, initially published in Savage Tales #2 and Savage Tales #3, is reprinted in its entirety and in color for the first time. The drawings take on new dimension and clarity, and the larger size format seems to reinforce the beauty in each page. The result is stunning, equal to the original black and white publication. Even in an issue full of exceptional artwork, Smith's covers exceed even further. Conan fights savagely atop a mountain of bodies while rain pours from the nighttime sky. His magnificent illustration is cropped on the front cover, but reveals its full potential on the back cover. Ironically, one his last bronze age efforts for Marvel would become one of his finest masterpieces. This is the only Marvel Treasury cover by Smith. See today's posts or more Smith, Conan the Barbarian or Marvel Treasury issues. See also this blog's Smith checklist.
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Smith cover pencils and inks = ***
"Red Nails" Smith story pencils and inks (first time in color) = *****
Smith back cover pencils and inks = *****
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Durango Kid #13 - Frank Frazetta art

Durango Kid #13, 1951 - George Washington himself gives Dan Brand and Tipi the mission of capturing and bringing back a British spy. Frank Frazetta's art falters a bit, lacking the zest and enthusiasm of previous issues. The backgrounds on certain panels are much less detailed, something the opening scene could have sorely needed. Even the faces of many of the characters appear hurried and not conscientiously drawn. The issue is among Frazetta's weakest efforts on an otherwise exceptional run on Durango Kid. This is one of four Frazetta / Dan Brand tales nicely reprinted in White Indian #13. This is number 13 of 16 Durango Kid issues with Frazetta art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Frazetta or Durango Kid issues. See also this blog's Frazetta checklist or Top 10 Frazetta comics.
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"The Trail of the Traitor" Frazetta story pencils and inks 7 pages = **
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Spectacular Spider-man v2 #102 - John Byrne cover

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-man v2 #102, 1985 - Set in total darkness, Killer Strike's blast illuminates both himself and his foe. John Byrne's electrifying design is masterful both in form and composition. Parts of Spider-man's figure blend into the background, yet the artist leaves just enough definition to maintain clarity. Other artists in this issue include Larry Lieber and Jim Mooney. This is number 5 of 5 Spectacular Spider-man issues with Byrne art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Byrne or Spectacular Spider-man issues.
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Byrne cover pencils and inks = ****
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Big Town #11 - non-attributed Alex Toth cover?

Big Town #11, 1951 - This odd cover layout takes full advantage of the series' left leaning masthead. Two gunmen shoot through a small opening at the lead characters, a daring reporter and his assistant. While not attributed to Alex Toth in comic book guides, other sources do make the claim. The hero's profile resembles his style, but the foreshortening of the gunmen's arms are poorly executed. If it's by Toth, it's certainly not representative of his best work. This is number 3 of 4 Big Town issues with Toth art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Toth or Big Town issues. See also this blog's Toth checklist.
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Toth cover pencils? = *
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Out of This World v2 #3 - Steve Ditko art & cover

Out of This World v2 #3, 1957 - Steve Ditko begins his run on this science fiction/fantasy title, although his cover is a little too spare for my tastes. Greater effort is shown in the artist's three short stories. "The Supermen" tells of a group of men whose exposure to radiation makes their brains expand and evolve. The artwork tends to simplify toward the end, perhaps too much so. "My Secret" is more creatively laid out. Interestingly, it seems to be inked by Rocco Mastroserio with mostly pleasing results. Finally, "What Happened?" is more typical of Ditko's style and approach, but is the shortest of the three tales. This is number 1 of 11 Out of This World issues with Ditko art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Ditko or Out of This World issues. See also this blog's Ditko checklist.
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Ditko cover pencils and inks = **
"The Supermen" Ditko story pencils and inks 6 pages = **
"My Secret" Ditko story pencils (Rocco Mastroserio inks?) 6 pages = ***
"What Happened?" Ditko story pencils and inks 3 pages = ***
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Captain America #101 - Jack Kirby art & cover

Captain America #101, 1968 - The Red Skull returns to awaken his fourth Sleeper, a legendary destructive entity. In this second issue of Captain America's self-titled series, Jack Kirby seems to revel in his character's resurgence. A dynamic opening splash, large panels, and kinetic fight scenes are all present in this edition. Inker Syd Shores does justice to the explosive penciling, adding his own subtle enhancements in every panel. The combat scene on page ten (see inset above) is indicative of Kirby's outstanding Marvel work of the late 1960s. This is number 2 of 34 Captain America issues with Kirby art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Kirby or Captain America issues.
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Kirby cover pencils (Syd Shores inks) = ***
"When Wakes The Sleeper" Kirby story pencils (Syd Shores inks) 20 pages = ****
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Plop #15 - Wally Wood cover

Plop #15, 1975 -Wally Wood creates yet another monstrosity for this weird humor series for DC. Though grotesque and more than a little disturbing, the rendering of highlights and shadows on the creature's body is still consistent with the artist's work in other genres. There is no lack of effort here and this was probably a welcome change. Keep in mind Wood drew almost exclusively for DC during the mid 1970s, and mostly inking jobs at that. This issue also contains additional art by Sergio Aragones. This is 3 of 11 Plop issues with Wood art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Plop or Wood issues. See also this blog's Wood checklist.
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Wood cover pencils and inks = ***
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Spectacular Spider-man v2 #101 - John Byrne cover

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-man v2 #101, 1985 - Spider-man's black costume era was the perfect excuse for a black and white cover design. John Byrne had made previous attempts on other titles, but this one exceeds them all. Shape and form define the central character and surrounding skyscrapers. Not only do the window patterns create perspective and depth, but their sheer variety increases visual interest. Other artists in this issue include Juan Alacantara and Jack Abel. This is number 4 of 5 Spectacular Spider-man issues with Byrne art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Byrne or Spectacular Spider-man issues.
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Byrne cover pencils and inks = *****
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House of Mystery #282 - Jim Starlin art, Joe Kubert cover

House of Mystery #282, 1978 - Joe Kubert's disturbing cover of a modern day Jack the Ripper had only a faint resemblance to the story inside, an all-too-common occurrence in comics. The "bonus"comic touted at the top is actually a Superman story promoting a Radio Shack computer. Jim Starlin's art is incredibly lackluster, perhaps due to the commercial content. The inks by Dick Giordano only further sanitize the pages, making the pencils mostly unrecognizable. This insert made its appearance in several DC comics during the late 1970s, as well as being a stand-alone giveaway at Radio Shack stores. This is 3 of 3 House of Mystery issues with Starlin art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Starlin, Kubert or House of Mystery issues. See also this blog's Starlin checklist or Top 10 Starlin comics or Kubert checklist.
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Kubert cover pencils and inks = **
"The Computer That Saved Metropolis" Starlin story pencils (Dick Giordano inks) 29 pages = *
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Readers' Poll: Best Alex Toth Comics Decade

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Strange Terrors #4 - Joe Kubert art

Strange Terrors #4, 1952 - Joe Kubert does his second story for this title, one of many horror titles that were pervasive during the early 1950s. The strange and compelling cover by William Elgren is almost too sophisticated, and resembles the ancient wall paintings in Rome. Kubert's story about a murdered fortune teller is effectively gruesome, yet tame compared to other horror comics of the era. His loose, spontaneous strokes nicely fit the genre. This is number 2 of 4 Strange Terrors issues with Kubert art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Kubert or Strange TerrorsKubert checklist.
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"The Curse of Khar" Kubert story pencils and inks 6 pages = ***
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Vampirella #31 - Frank Frazetta cover

Vampirella magazine #31, 1974 - Jungle-themed characters always seem to among Frank Frazetta's favorite things to draw. The savage yet sensuous Luana the Beast Girl is prominently featured on his last cover for Vampirella. Exotic and beautiful, she glares at the viewer accompanied by a pair of jungle cats and a chimpanzee. Interestingly, the more typical Frazetta subject of a weapon-wielding machismo and his timid female are relegated to the background. Curiously, his signature also appears to have been cropped out. Yet the artist's mastery of form and composition are still evident in this alluring painting. The issue also contains a full color Richard Corben tale. This is number 5 of 5 Vampirella issues with Frazetta art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Frazetta or Vampirella issues. See also this blog's Frazetta checklist or Top 10 Frazetta comics.
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Frazetta cover painting = ***
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Tales to Astonish #5 - Jack Kirby art & cover, Al Williamson & Steve Ditko art

Tales to Astonish #5, 1959 - Jack Kirby brings the Easter Island monuments to life in a sci-fi adventure tale. Unlike his unusually drab cover, the artist does a much better job on the story itself. Steve Ditko's contribution tells of a space explorer daring to visit a forbidden planet. Though the ending is far from surprising, his art comfortably meets expectations. The issue's high point is Al Williamson's story, about an audiophile who uses sound frequencies to commit robberies. His sophisticated drawing style nicely fits the unusual plot. On page two, you can almost feel the fur on his rendition on an ordinary house cat. The interior page above is by Williamson. This is number 1 of 1 Tales to Astonish issues with Williamson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Williamson, Ditko, Kirby or Tales to Astonish issues. See also this blog's Williamson checklist or Ditko checklist.
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Kirby cover pencils = **
"I Was Trapped by the Things on Easter Island" Kirby story pencils 5 pages = ***
"I Found the Nightmare Note" Williamson story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
"I Landed on the Forbidden Planet" Ditko story pencils and inks 5 pages = ***
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Frontline Combat #13 - Wally Wood art & cover

Frontline Combat #13, 1953 - A World War I biplane makes a strafing run, killing numerous Nazis on the ground. Wally Wood's cover, though meticulously rendered, lacks a strong focal point in the overall composition. Inside, his unusual tale of a young shepherd and his faithful hawk are more representative of his talent. Wood's depiction of the peaceful forest scene contrasts against the violent siege of a medieval castle. The vast number of soldiers and weapons within the panels is impressive, and consistent with much of his EC work. Additional art by Jack Davis, John Severin and George Evans. This is number 11 of 13 Frontline Combat issues with Wood art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Wood or Frontline Combat issues. See also this blog's Wood checklist.
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Wood cover pencils and inks = ***
"Wolf" Wood story pencils and inks 6 pages = ****
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Brave and the Bold #153 - Don Newton art

Brave and the Bold #153, 1979 - The Batman teams up with his fellow Justice League member Red Tornado to defeat a robotic menace. Don Newton proved himself worthy of rendering the Batman due to his respectable runs in both Batman and Detective Comics. His approach to dramatic lighting is well suited for the character, but less effective on the garishly costumed android hero. Nevertheless, Newton's art is as appealing and engaging as other DC efforts during this period. This is number 1 of 3 Brave and the Bold issues with Newton art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Newton or Brave and the Bold issues. See also this blog's Don Newton checklist.
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"Menace of the Murder Machines" Newton story pencils (Bob Smith inks) 17 pages = ***
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Authentic Police Cases #10 - Matt Baker art, cover & reprint

Authentic Police Cases #10, 1950 - After illustrating several covers, Matt Baker begins doing some of the interior stories as well. An inordinate amount of narration and dialogue fills the panels, leaving little room for images. Still, Baker does his best. His opening splash page to "Midwest Cops Smash the Crimson Gang" is well designed within a triangular layout (see interior page above). His second story, "The Case of the Red Bearded Rogue", is reprinted from Northwest Mounties #3. The issue's highlight is clearly Baker's arresting cover. Despite the nearing confrontation, the violently manhandled  woman in red serves as the focal point. This is number 5 of 27 Authentic Police Cases issues with Baker art and/or covers. See today's posts, more Baker or Authentic Police Cases issues. See also this blog's Baker checklist.
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Baker cover pencils and inks = ****
"Midwest Cops Smash the Crimson Gang" Baker story pencils and inks 8 pages = ***
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House of Mystery #281 - Jim Starlin cover

House of Mystery #281, 1978 - While not quite accurate to the inside story, Jim Starlin's cover is superbly drawn. The worm's-eye view is twisted just enough to include the viewer in the crowd of rowdy spectators. The red circle in the background is purely a graphic device calling more attention to the two combatants. The clever insertion of Cain, the series host, as the referee is a nice touch. Starlin rarely inked his own pencils, and this is a good example of his talented inking skills. This is 2 of 3 House of Mystery issues with Starlin art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Starlin or House of Mystery issues. See also this blog's Jim Starlin checklist or Top 10 Jim Starlin comics.
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Starlin cover pencils and inks = ****
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Lovers #30 - Joe Kubert art

Lovers #30, 1950 - Joe Kubert adeptly draws a tale of a small town girl turned movie star. Narrated by her best friend, most of the scenes are interactions between the various characters. The artwork is straightforward while maintaining clarity. Kubert shines brightest on the first panel, showing the friend's arrival amidst the glamorous symbols of Hollywood. This number is 2 of 2 Lovers issues with Kubert art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Kubert or Lovers issues. See also this blog's Kubert checklist.
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"Blind Love" Kubert story pencils and inks 9 pages = ***
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