Maverick #10 - non-attributed Alex Toth art

Maverick #10, 1960 - A dapper young suitor arrives into town, hoping to impress his fiancee and his future father-in-law. In the process of settling in, his fine clothes get roughed up, leaving him in a quandary. The sometimes gritty approach of Alex Toth works perfectly for the western genre and for this tale in particular. His opening panel is small, but packs enough information to establish the setting and main characters. Note that some comic book guides have neglected to credit this story to Toth. Dan Spiegle ably illustrates the remaining two stories in the book. This is number 1 of 2 Maverick issues with Toth art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Toth or Maverick issues. See also this blog's Toth checklist.
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"The Suitor" Toth story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
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Uncle Scrooge #25 - Carl Barks art & cover

Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge #25, 1959 - Carl Barks takes the legend of the Flying Dutchman and adapts it for his own purposes. Uncle Scrooge and company set out on the high seas in search of gold bullion, encountering the ghostly vessel along the way. The artist saves the largest panels for depicting the centuries-old ship, establishing a sense of scale within the settings. The bigger sizes also allow for greater detail, showing the multiple masts, sails, and rigging relevant to ships of that era. Similarly, Barks' rendition of a pyramid in the second Scrooge story is equally impressive. An enjoyable Gyro Gearloose short rounds out the rest of the book. This is 25 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 = ***
Barks inside front cover pencils and inks (black & white) = ***
"The Flying Dutchman" Barks story pencils and inks 20 pages = ****
Gyro Gearloose untitled wishing well story Barks pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
Uncle Scrooge untitled pyramid story Barks pencils and inks 6 pages = ***
Two Uncle Scrooge half-page gags Barks pencils and inks = ***
Barks inside back cover pencils and inks (black & white) = ***
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Weird War Tales #13 - Nestor Redondo, Alex Nino art

Weird War Tales #13, 1973 - The Nazis occupy a small Eastern European village, only to fall victim to vampire attacks. Nestor Redondo's artwork is seductively graceful, even as he depicts the soldiers' brutal means to ferret out the perpetrator. His inking skills are extraordinary, even in the smallest panels. Alex Nino's tale tells of a brutal Japanese baron intent on conquering all of medieval Japan. By contrast, he emphasizes design over drawing, perfectly constructing and placing each panel. The layout to his opening splash is stunning, centered around a looming red gate (torii) that emphasizes height and leads the reader to the main characters. Purposely or not, his graphic approach also suggests Japanese woodblock prints. This is one of Nino's best bronze age efforts. The interior page above is drawn by Redondo. This is number 3 of 9 Weird War Tales issues with Nino art and/or covers and 1 of 1 Weird War Tales issues with Redondo art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Redondo, Nino or Weird War Tales issues. See also this blog's Nino checklist, Redondo checklist or Top 10 Redondo comics.
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"The Die-Hards" Redondo story pencils and inks 8 pages = ***
"Old Samurai Never Die" Nino story pencils and inks 8 pages = ****
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Vampirella #78 - Jim Starlin, Russ Heath art

Vampirella magazine #78, 1979 - Jim Starlin provides the art for one of the back-up stories in this issue. A male space traveler visits a different woman on every planet, attending to her needs. This Bruce Jones script cleverly revamps the role of gender and sexuality in a science fiction setting. Sadly, Starlin's pencils are submerged beneath the heavy handed inks of Alfredo Alcala. Except for an interesting repeat pattern of bedroom scenes on several pages, the innovative layouts he's known for are largely absent. More noteworthy "Zooner or Later", a twelve pager about a selfish millionaire seeking to cure his cancer, very capably drawn by Russ Heath. The page shown above is by Starlin. This is number 1 of 1 Vampirella issues with Starlin art and/or covers and number 6 of 6 Vampirella issues with Heath art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Starlin, Heath or Vampirella issues. See also this blog's Heath checklist, Starlin checklist or Top 10 Starlin comics.
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"The Service" Starlin story pencils (Alfredo Alcala inks) 11 pages = *
"Zooner or Later" Heath story pencils and inks 12 pages = ***
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Haunted #1 - Steve Ditko art & cover

Haunted #1, 1971 - Steve Ditko's unusual cover design incorporates the issue's contents within a ghostly, abstract face. All three stories are beautifully drawn in his trademark graphic style, but his first deserves special attention. In "The Room Of Madness", an antique Persian rug is bought and sold over the decades as its owners are driven mysteriously insane. The tale opens with full page splash of a room literally coming to life. Ditko uses cross-hatching and patterns for both variety and visual interest. Of the artist's many bronze age Charltons, this comic stands out as one of the few all-Ditko issues. This is number 1 of 23 Haunted issues with Ditko art and/or covers (reprints not included). See today's posts or more Ditko or Haunted issues. See also this blog's Ditko checklist.
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Ditko cover pencils and inks = ***
"The Room Of Madness" Ditko story pencils and inks 8 pages = ****
"Revenge Of The Slave Ghost" Ditko story pencils and inks 8 pages = ***
"It's About Tyme" Ditko story pencils and inks 8 pages = ***
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Navy Tales #2 - Al Williamson art

Navy Tales #2, 1957 - The Japanese military construct an enormous warship. Outgunned and outnumbered, an American PT boat must devise a way to fight it. Al Williamson's opening page is not immediately recognizable, but the remaining pages make it for it. The inks (by Ralph Mayo?), begin loosely then tighten up as the story progresses. A nice touch is the inclusion of a tropical bird (see interior page above) to reinforce the exotic locale. Other artists in this issue include Paul Reinman, Don Heck, Syd Shores, Reed Crandall, Carl Massey and Joe Mnaeely (cover). This is number 1 of 1 Navy Tales issues with Williamson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Williamson or Navy Tales issues. See also this blog's Williamson checklist.
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"Dreadnought" Williamson story pencils (Ralph Mayo? inks) 5 pages = ***
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Marvel Team-Up #53 - John Byrne art

Marvel Team-Up #53, 1977 - Spider-man finds himself in a mysteriously empty town in New Mexico, running into both the Incredible Hulk and the satyr-like character Woodgod. John Byrne begins his run on this title, doing a mostly adequate job with the pencils. Frank Giacoia's inking tends to water down certain scenes, even losing details here and there. Byrne's layouts are still recognizable, however, and the page with an electrified Hulk (see inset above) is the issue's artistic highlight. Additionally, the new X-men appear on the first several pages, continuing the story begun in Marvel Team-Up Annual #1. One of their earliest appearances in another title, John Byrne presents them dramactically in a double page spread. This is also his first rendition of the team just prior to taking over their own series. This is number 1 of 22 Marvel Team-Up issues with Byrne art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Byrne or Marvel Team-Up issues.
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"Nightmare in New Mexico" Byrne story pencils (Frank Giacoia inks) 17 pages = ***
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Two-Fisted Tales #19 - Wally Wood art

Two-Fisted Tales #19, 1951 - In the 18th century, British warships often kidnapped young men for service on the high seas. The story of one particular citizen is visualized by Wally Wood, still honing his drawing skills but a slight improvement from just the previous issue. His opening page is the most arresting, introducing the sadistic ship captain. The heavy inking bears a resemblance to another EC colleague, Jack Davis, but it's clear Wood has yet to find his own voice. Additional story art by John Severin, Johnny Craig, and Harvey Kurtzman. This is number 2 of 18 Two-Fisted Tales issues with Wood art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Wood or Two-Fisted Tales issues. See also this blog's Wood checklist.
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"Brutal Capt. Bull" Wood story pencils and inks 7 pages = **
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Power Man and Iron Fist #70 - Frank Miller cover

Power Man #70, 1981 - Frank Miller's chaotic is generally well composed, especially Luke Cage's seemingly outnumbered fight in the background. The figures fit snugly within negative spaces without seeming forced. Various limbs and weapons are at or near forty-five degrees for the sake of cohesion. Still, Miller's drawings and finishing touches are less polished than usual. Other artists in this issue include Kerry Gammill and Ricardo Villamonte. This is number 4 of 9 Power Man issues with Miller art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Miller or Power Man issues. See also this blog's Miller checklist.
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Miller cover pencils and inks = **
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Rex Allen #29 - Russ Manning art

Rex Allen #29, 1958 - Only the second time Russ Manning drew the lead feature in this title, "Battle Canyon" is one of the artist's best western stories. A leader of an outlaw gang uses military practices to make daring thefts, and Rex Allen is tasked with finding their elusive hideout. Manning's opening splash is not as compelling as the previous issue, but many other pages compensate. His western scenery comprised of rocky topography and waterfalls creates stunning backdrops for the characters. The climactic large panel on the top of page sixteen is the high point among many exceptionally drawn pages. This is number 4 of 5 Rex Allen issues with Manning art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Manning or Rex Allen issues. See also this blog's Manning checklist.
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"Battle Canyon" Manning story pencils and inks 17 pages = ****
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Captain America #104 - Jack Kirby art & cover

Captain America #104, 1968 - The action begins instantly with Jack Kirby's bombastic splash page of Captain America in mid-leap. The artist continues to excel on this series with superb layouts and precision pacing. The intricate machinery on the top of page 11 shows his effort and enthusiasm is no less diminished. Dan Adkins, taking over from the previous inker, does an equally terrific job at maintaining the drawings' integrity. The issue's group of villains appear together on a neatly-fitted and expertly composed splash (page 4). This contrasts starkly against Kirby's less than eye-catching cover. Multiple figures surround Captain America in circular formation, but their similarity in size and the readers' birds-eye view result in a less interesting, flatter picture plane. This is number 5 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 (Dan Adkins inks) = **
"Slave of the Skull" Kirby story pencils (Dan Adkins inks) 20 pages = ****
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Vampirella #76 - Alex Nino, Russ Heath art

Vampirella magazine #76, 1979 - Alex Nino continues his experimental layouts and pacing on "Time for a Change", a futuristic tale of alien infestation. The five pages are technically splash pages, each is rendered in exquisitely complex graphic textures.Each is completely devoid of any panel borders, allowing one scene to flow to the next in a innovative meandering pattern. The dialogue of the space travelers, in the form of word balloons, form paths for the reader to follow (though not without difficulty). Nino often pushed artistic boundaries within his magazine work, freed from the restrictions of his more well known horror comics for DC. "The Haunted", a lengthier tale about competitive twins and a haunted house, is Russ Heath's fine contribution to the issue. The interior page shown above is by Nino. This is number 4 of 5 Vampirella issues with Nino art and/or covers and number 4 of 6 Vampirella issues with Heath art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Nino, Heath or Vampirella issues. See also this blog's Heath checklist or Nino checklist.
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"Time for a Change" Nino story pencils and inks 5 pages = ****
"The Haunted" Heath story pencils and inks 5 pages = ***
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Two-Fisted Tales #18 - Wally Wood art

Two-Fisted Tales #18, 1950 - Formerly the horror title Haunt of Fear, Two-Fisted Tales begins an impressive run starting with this issue. Along with Frontline Combat, this was one of only two ongoing war books in the 1950's EC lineup. Harvey Kurtzman's covers adorn most of the issues, but like this example his graphic rendering sometimes undermines the intensity of the scene. Wally Wood illustrates a tale of two professional soldiers, fighting on the opposite sides of a Central American revolution. One of his early works, the art generally lacks polish and maturity. Most of the page layouts and figure drawings are especially clumsy. Fortunately, Wood would progress quickly working on one of the most sophisticated war titles of the era. Additional story art by Al Feldstein, Johnny Craig, and Harvey Kurtzman. This is number 1 of 18 Two-Fisted Tales issues with Wood art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Wood or Two-Fisted Tales issues. See also this blog's Wood checklist.
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"Revolution" Wood story pencils and inks 6 pages = **
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E-Man #9 - John Byrne art

E-Man #9, 1975 - John Byrne's robotic creation, Rog 2000, turns into a man thanks to a grateful modern day witch. This humorous back-up tale is primitively drawn and perhaps tries too hard to elicit a reaction. On the positive side, Byrne employs a gradated halftone panel is used to signal the transformation, a unique approach that works successfully and is surprisingly efficient. This story was later reprinted in the compilation Rog 2000 in 1985. Joe Staton continues his run on the main E-man feature. This is number 3 of 4 E-Man issues with Byrne art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Byrne or E-man issues.
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"The Wish" Byrne story pencils and inks 7 pages = **
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Power Man and Iron Fist #68 - Frank Miller cover

Power Man #68, 1981 - Frank Miller turns comedic with this sparse cover design. Power Man and Iron Fist are well-drawn, although hurriedly. Iron Fist's left arm is presumably behind Power Man, perhaps slowing the brunt of his fall. However, the kung fu fighter's left knee is in front of his partner's leg, creating a somewhat awkward configuration. Other artists in this issue include Kerry Gammill and Ricardo Villamonte. This is number 3 of 9 Power Man issues with Miller art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Miller or Power Man issues. See also this blog's Miller checklist.
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Miller cover pencils and inks = **
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Vampirella #67 - Alex Nino, Russ Heath art

Vampirella magazine #67, 1978 - Mankind establishes an underwater civilization on a distant planet, only to find frequent sea-quakes impeding their progress. Alex Nino's "Fish Bait" is one of his most ambitious works. Within only eight pages, the artist uses three panoramic spreads interspersed with smaller panels. These scenes comprise of multi-layered drawings in differing shades of gray. The opening spread displays a futuristic underwater city. Although a tad chaotic, the progression from one panel to the next is manageable. Nino's last page is a full page splash, illustrated in horrific style worthy of the genre. This same issue boasts a terrific, but brief Russ Heath tale of a couple's cannibalistic practices on a deserted island. The interior page shown above is by Nino. This is number 3 of 5 Vampirella issues with Nino art and/or covers and number 3 of 6 Vampirella issues with Heath art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Nino, Heath or Vampirella issues. See also this blog's Heath checklist or Nino checklist.
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"Fish Bait" Nino story pencils and inks 8 pages = ****
"Choice Cuts" Heath story pencils and inks 3 pages = ***
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Readers' Poll: Best X-men Rendition

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Mystery Tales #51 - Al Williamson art

Mystery Tales #51, 1957 - Confining himself to a remote Tibetan mountain, a rogue scientist completes his controversial growth serum. In a mere four pages, Al Williamson tells the story succinctly and beautifully. From the cabin interior's disheveled bookcases to the massive rock formations outside, the artist renders this lonely setting with realistic flair. Every page shows exceptional detail, thanks to Ralph Mayo's deft inking. Other artists in this issue include Joe Orlando, Ross Andru, Mike Esposito, Dave Berg, Ed Winiarski and Bill Everett (cover). This is number 4 of 4 Mystery Tales issues with Williamson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Williamson or Mystery Tales issues. See also this blog's Williamson checklist.
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"The Lizard" Williamson story pencils (Ralph Mayo inks) 4 pages = ****
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