Justice Inc. #1 - Joe Kubert cover

Justice Inc. #1, 1975 - DC begins the first comic book adaptions of the pulp hero Avenger, created by Kenneth Robeson. The interiors are drawn by Al McWilliams, an artist more often seen in Gold Key comics than DC. Joe Kubert supplies the adventurous cover, showcasing the Avenger with his trademark weapons (named Mike and Ike oddly enough). Kubert is usually at his best on adventure and war titles, but this one falls a little short. This is number 1 of 2 Justice Inc. issues with Kubert art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Kubert or Justice Inc. issues. See also this blog's Joe Kubert checklist.
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Kubert cover pencils and inks = **
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Nick Fury #2 - Jim Steranko art & cover

Nick Fury, Agent of Shield #2, 1968 - Jim Steranko's exceptional cover demonstrates what can be accomplished without the overuse of cover blurbs. Like the previous issue, Nick Fury is less prominent and the scale of the two figures is purely metaphorical. The story's double page spread and three splash pages nicely occupy the interior, but it's the silent, multi-paneled scene on page five that stands out. This intimate moment between Nick Fury and his lady friend is artfully paced, culminating in a sexually suggestive gun slipped into its holster. Overall the layouts seem more crowded than usual, and Frank Giacoia's inks impose a little too much of his own style. This is number 2 of 7 Nick Fury issues with Steranko art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Steranko or Nick Fury issues. See also this blog's Steranko checklist or Top 10 Steranko comics.
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Steranko cover pencils and inks = *****
"So Shall Ye Reap Death" Steranko story pencils (Frank Giacoia inks) 20 pages = ***
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Wild Boy of the Congo #14 - Matt Baker cover

Wild Boy of the Congo #14, 1955 - An all too common theme for jungle covers, the title character saves a damsel in distress from a stampeding herd. Although the scene is drawn from a straightforward bird's eye view, Matt Baker opts for minimal foreshortening and a more complete rendition of the main figures. The drawing nicely contrasts the graceful rescue against the chaotic background below. This is number 4 of 5 Wild Boy of the Congo issues with Baker art and/or covers. See today's posts, more Baker or Wild Boy of the Congo issues. See also this blog's Matt Baker checklist.
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Baker cover pencils and inks = ****
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Classics Illustrated #144 / First Men in the Moon - Al Williamson, Angelo Torres art

Classics Illustrated #144 / First Men in the Moon, 1958 - Adapting the H. G. Wells novel of the same name, artist George Woodbridge shows a less than impressive effort. At an ample forty-five pages, the publisher's strict panel grid almost always ensures monotonous layouts. Al Williamson and Angelo Torres lend their colleague a hand, contributing at least partial inks. One source specifies their involvement only on some of the backgrounds and pages 15, 17 and others seem to reinforce this. The lunar aliens also appear to be of Williamson's design, given their similarity to earlier works. Torres' hand is the more difficult to spot given their collaborative nature. In general, the artwork is far from the capabilities of all three artists. This is number 1 of 1 Classics Illustrated issues issues with Williamson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Williamson, Torres or Classics Illustrated issues. See also this blog's Williamson checklist or Torres checklist.
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"First Men in the Moon" Williamson partial story inks, Torres partial story inks / George Woodbridge pencils 45 pages = *
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Marvel Preview #8 - Mike Ploog art & cover

Marvel Preview magazine #8 presents The Legion of Monsters, 1976 - Rampant hallucinations follow a man who accidentally careens into a female pedestrian. In one of Mike Ploog's most horrific efforts, figures ooze and drip callously amidst their swamp surroundings. The interlocking tree branches in the first scene (see interior page above) seem to suggest a broken windshield pattern. Several of the more violent scenes are further heightened by the artist's menacing brushwork, aided by Marie Severin's skillful washes. With this tale, Ploog proves himself to be a master of the horror genre. Other artists in this issue include Val Mayerik, Vicente Alcazar, Dave Cockrum, John Warner, Gene Colan, Sonny Trinidad and Ken Barr (cover). This is number 1 of 1 Marvel Preview issues with Ploog art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Ploog or Marvel Preview issues. See also this blog's Ploog checklist or Top 10 Ploog comics.
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"The Reality Manipulators" Ploog story pencils and inks 11 pages = ****
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Scorpion #2 - Bernie Wrightson, Walt Simonson art

The Scorpion #2, 1975 - Series artist and creator Howard Chaykin gathers several colleagues to ink over his sometime erratic pencils. Bernie Wrightson appears to have confined his inks to the old "Hoodoo Lady" character on pages 9 and 11. Walt Simonson's contributions are scattered and generally less distinguishable. Throughout most of the pages, Chaykin's style dominates but to the detriment of the whole. Overall, none of the talented inkers is able to improve upon the artwork significantly. Other artists in this issue include Mike Kaluta and Ernie Colon (cover). This is number 1 of 1 Scorpion issues with Wrightson art and/or covers and number 1 of 1 Scorpion issues with Simonson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Wrightson or Simonson issues. See also this blog's Wrightson checklist, Top 10 Wrightson comics or Simonson checklist.
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"The Devil Doll Commission" Wrightson, Simonson partial story inks (Howard Chaykin pencils) 20 pages = **
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Caught - comic series checklist

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Caught v1

Atlas
1956-57

1
2
3 - Angelo Torres art
4,5

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See today's posts, more series checklists or the master list of series. See also this blog's artist checklists, top 10 lists or readers polls.

Marines in Battle #25 - Angelo Torres art

Marines in Battle #25, 1958 - During his infamous March to the Sea, Union general William Sherman encounters resistance by a small but determined group of farmers. The artwork is capable, but not extraordinary. Angelo Torres' best moments are page two, panel five's rural vista stretching out into the distance and page three, panel four's moment of attack (see interior page above). Other artists in this issue include Sol Brodsky, Gene Colan, Jay Scott Pike, Paul Reinman and Carl Burgos (cover). This is number 2 of 2 Marines in Battle issues with Torres art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Torres or Marines In Battle issues. See also this blog's Angelo Torres checklist.
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"The Conquerers" Torres story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***
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Meet Angel #7 - Wally Wood art

Meet Angel #7, 1969 - Originally Angel and the Ape, this final issue makes an unexpected title change. Preceding this, the series masthead began to emphasize Angel starting in issue four, most likely due to greater interest in the character. Counter to that assumption is the fact that her gorilla detective partner appears throughout most of the book (excepting the lead story). Regardless, the two solo Bob Oksner stories pale compared to the ones inked by Wally Wood. The well-designed opening splash to "The Inside Job" is further enhanced by his contributions, and there seems to be more cheesecake poses of Angel than in previous issues. Two of the single gag pages appear to be penciled and inked by Wood. Cover by Bob Oksner. This is the only Meet Angel issue with Wood art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Wood or Angel and the Ape issues. See also this blog's Wood checklist.
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"The Inside Job" Wood story inks (Bob Oksner pencils) 3 pages = ***
"Sore Spot" Wood story inks (Bob Oksner pencils) 1/2 page = **
"Seeing Isn't Believing" Wood story pencils and inks 1 page = ***
"The Haircut" Wood story pencils and inks 1 page 1 page = ***
"The Case of the Millionaire Cat" Wood story inks (Bob Oksner pencils) 6 pages = ***
"Nature Study" Wood story inks (Bob Oksner pencils) 1 page = ***
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Gunsmoke Western #56 - Matt Baker art, Jack Kirby / Steve Ditko cover

Gunsmoke Western #56, 1960 - While it's always challenging to fit two features on a cover, Jack Kirby's division of space is quite clumsy. The meandering border dividing the two main characters makes little sense. Steve Ditko's inking is terrific but not enough to compensate. Conversely, Matt Baker illustrates a tale of outlaws preparing to ambush the much-feared Lightning Kid. The opening splash properly sets the tone, but the layout is a little too straightforward for my tastes. The remaining pages are stronger, varying perspectives without sacrificing storytelling. Other artists in this issue include Dick Ayers, Jack Keller, George Klein, Joe Maneely and Doug Wildey. This is number 4 of 4 Gunsmoke Western issues with Baker art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Baker, Ditko, Kirby or Gunsmoke Western issues. See also this blog's Baker checklist or Ditko checklist.
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Kirby cover pencils / Ditko cover inks = **
"The Fastest Gun" Baker story pencils and inks 5 pages = ***
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Thrilling Adventure Stories #1 - Russ Heath art

Thrilling Adventure Stories magazine #1, 1975 - The contents in this issue are as widely diverse, ranging from super-hero and prehistoric adventure tales to articles on the Doc Savage movie and the films of Alistair McClean. Both Frank Thorne and Jack Sparling make superb contributions, though I'm not a fan of the latter artist. Russ Heath appropriately enough draws one of the two war stories, centered around a daring escape from a WWII prisoner-of-war camp. His mastery of dramatic lighting comes through on many of the pages, as well as his deft use of silent panels. Other artists in this issue include Leo Summers and Ernie Colon (art & cover). This is number 1 of 2 Thrilling Adventure Stories issues with Heath art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Heath or Thrilling Adventure Stories issues. See also this blog's Russ Heath checklist.
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"Escape from Nine By 1" Heath story pencils and inks 8 pages = ***
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The Unexpected #164 - non-attributed Nestor Redondo cover

The Unexpected #164, 1975 - Although Nestor Redondo drew an ample amount of bronze age stories for DC, his covers are a rarity. This illustration of a ghostly encounter is noteworthy due to the deftly applied inks on the floating apparition. The two children below, though well drawn, seems more consistent with the style of Luis Domingez, another frequent horror artist. Given that Redondo signs the cover on the lower left, this may be purely coincidental. Other artists in this issue include Frank Redondo, John Calnan and Ruben Yandoc. This is number 4 of 7 Unexpected issues with Redondo art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Redondo or Unexpected 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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1984 magazine #5 - Alex Nino, Wally Wood art

1984 magazine #5, 1978 - Alex Nino's textural drawings create an inter-dimensional world that engulfs a lone rider from the frontier era. Though well drawn, it lacks some of the inventiveness of his previous work on this series. Wally Wood helps illustrate a tale of a man suspicious of his wife's infidelity. Rife with nudity, the theme could have benefited from more subtlety. Still, Wood's inks add the intended effects beautifully. The interior page shown above is by Wood. Other artists in this issue Rudy Nebres, Mike Nassar, Alfredo Alcala, Herb Arnold, Abel Laxamana, Jose Ortiz, Esteban Maroto and Patrick Woodroffe (cover). This is number 5 of 10 1984 magazine issues with Nino art and/or covers and 3 of 3 1984 magazine issues with Wood art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Wood, Nino or 1984 issues. See also this blog's Nino checklist or Wood checklist.
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"Timonthy Sternbach and the Multi-colored Sunrise" Nino story pencils and inks 8 pages = ***
"I Wonder Who's Squeezing Her Now" Wood story inks (Ernie Colon pencils) 7 pages = ***
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Giant-Size Dracula #5 - John Byrne art

Giant-Size Dracula #5, 1975 - Like many giant-size annuals of the 1970s, this series comprised of some new material and old Atlas horror reprints from the decade before. In addition to the main Dracula feature is John Byrne's very first effort for Marvel: a stand-alone story about a man trapped within his own nightmare. The opening splash depicting an attack of a demonic hound is arresting, as are several experimental page designs that follow. Still, Rudy Nebres' heavy-handed inking suppresses most of Byrne's pencils beyond recognition. Other artists in this issue include Virgilo Redondo, Dan Adkins and Gil Kane/Tom Palmer (cover). This is number 1 of 1 Giant-Size Dracula issues with Byrne art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Byrne or Tomb of Dracula issues.
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"Dark Asylum" Byrne story pencils (Rudy Nebres inks) 8 pages = *
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Jann of the Jungle #16 - Al Williamson art

Jann of the Jungle #16, 1957 - Having done an earlier cover on the series, Al Williamson draws three exceptional stories in this issue. It's a departure from his usual western and science-fiction comics, but no less impressive. Williamson's drawings are augmented by the superb inks of Ralph Mayo, who may have had a hand in the pencils as well. Each tale displays exotic and beautiful backgrounds, resulting in some of the finest jungle depictions of the era. Other artists in this issue include Bill Everett (cover). This is number 2 of 3 Jann of the Jungle issues with Williamson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Williamson or Jann of the Jungle issues. See also this blog's Al Williamson checklist.
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"Cry Danger" Williamson story pencils (Ralph Mayo inks) 5 pages = ****
"Jungle Vengeance" Williamson story pencils (Ralph Mayo inks) 5 pages = ****
"Fangs of the Black Orchid" Williamson story pencils (Ralph Mayo inks) 5 pages = ****
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Doc Savage v2 #3 - Jim Steranko cover

Doc Savage v2 #3, 1973 - A mysterious villain named Silver Death's Head orders his assassins to converge upon the hero. Doc Savage readies to defend himself in typical Jim Steranko fashion: heroically poised, one arm cocked and ready to strike. The map below serves as a metaphor for the story's international setting. The perspective lines add much needed depth and gravity to this nearly symmetrical layout. Other artists in this issue include Ross Andru and Tom Palmer. This is number 2 of 2 Doc Savage issues with Steranko art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Steranko or Doc Savage issues. See also this blog's Steranko checklist or Top 10 Steranko comics.
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Steranko cover pencils and inks = ***
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Love Confessions #39 - Matt Baker art

Love Confessions #39, 1954 - Matt Baker's romance tales for Quality Comics are fewer in number and generally less well known. Interestingly, his artwork for this issue is not immediately recognizable due to a difference in inking style. This unknown collaborator appears to have drawn other stories within the book but most importantly, he maintains the integrity of Baker's pencils. While the opening scene lacks zest, the contrast between the troubled main characters and an idyllic couple in the background is a nice touch. This is number 1 of 2 Love Confessions issues with Baker art and/or covers. See today's posts, more Baker or Love Confessions issues. See also this blog's Baker checklist.
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"A Daydream Romance" Baker story pencils 7 pages = ***
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Mister Miracle #8 - Jack Kirby art, cover & reprint

Mister Miracle #8, 1972 - The last of the 52 pagers in this series, Jack Kirby's art continues to entertain and delight. His two full page splashes and roomy panels are this time overshadowed by one of his best double page spreads. Upon entering the barracks of the Female Fury Battalion, Big Barda witnesses a chaotic array of woman warriors. Kirby's complex layout is perfectly balanced with a clear hierarchy of figures, each creatively and individually costumed. An added bonus this issue is the reprinting of the first appearance of the Boy Commandos, created by Simon & Kirby and first presented in Detective Comics #64. This is number 8 of 18 Mr. Miracle issues with Kirby art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Kirby or Mister Miracle issues.
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Kirby cover pencils (Mike Royer inks) = ***
"The Battle of the Id" Kirby story pencils (Mike Royer inks) 26 pages = ****
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