Two-Gun Western v2 #9 - Al Williamson art

Two-Gun Western v2 #9, 1957 - Excitedly anticipating a shootout, a young boy narrates a confrontation between two of the best gunfighters west of the Mississippi. Aside from the opening scene (see interior page above), Al Williamson mostly populates the tale with small, varied panels. His reliably drawn pencils are further refined by Ralph Mayo's inks. Faces and figures have more definition, while maintaining fine details in the backgrounds. Their combined artistic effort, as usual, has unerring appeal. Other artists in this issue include Gray Morrow, Joe Maneely, Doug Wildey, Dick Ayers and Jay Scott Pike (art & cover). This is number 1 of 2 Two-Gun Western v2 issues with Williamson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Williamson or Two-Gun Western issues. See also this blog's Williamson checklist.
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"Showdown at Noon" Williamson story pencils (Ralph Mayo inks) 5 pages = ***
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Incredible Hulk #2 - Jack Kirby/Steve Ditko art & cover

Incredible Hulk #2, 1962 - The Hulk changes his skin color to green, contrasting directly with the previous issue (a decision attributed to Stan Lee). This decision would prove fortuitous, firmly distinguishing the character from a growing pantheon of Marvel heroes. Jack Kirby's competent pencils are inked by another artistic giant, Steve Ditko. Unfortunately, the second half of the book is weakened by a lack of adequate detail on many pages. Ditko's most significant enhancements are in the chapter title pages, especially Bruce Banner's sudden reappearance amidst twisted wreckage (page 12). This is number 2 of 5 Incredible Hulk issues with Kirby art and/or covers and number 1 of 2 Incredible Hulk issues with Ditko art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Kirby, Ditko or Incredible Hulk issues. See also this blog's Ditko checklist.
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Kirby cover pencils / Ditko inks = ***
"The Terror of the Toad Men" Kirby story pencils / Ditko inks 24 pages = **
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Texas Rangers in Action #8 - Steve Ditko art

Texas Rangers in Action #8, 1957 - One of many Charlton western titles at the time, Steve Ditko contributes a short back-up tale. A wealthy landowner is intent on driving out homesteaders on his property, only to have his past catch up to him. Ditko's drawings are appropriately rugged. Highlights include the stubborn portrait on page 1 and the elegant panorama on page 3 (see interior page above). Other artists in this issue include Sal Trapani. This is number 1 of 2 Texas Rangers in Action issues with Ditko art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Ditko or Texas Rangers in Action issues. See also this blog's Ditko checklist.
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"The Only One" Ditko story pencils and inks 5 pages = ***
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Superman Family #185 - Neal Adams cover

Superman Family #185, 1977 - Jimmy Olsen's high flying kick sends Superman reeling, even as their concerned friends look on from a smaller panel. Neal Adams employs a strong triangular composition for the figures, adding tension and dynamism. Simple but effective, it also leads the eye across and then down toward the other featured characters. Other artists in this issue include Steve Mitchell, Juan Ortiz, Win Mortimer, Kurt Schaffenberger, Vince Colletta, John Calnan, Joe Giella, Jose Delbo, Ken Landgraf and Romeo Tanghal. This is number 4 of 4 Superman Family issues with Adams art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Adams or Superman Family issues. See also this blog's Adams checklist or Top 10 Adams comics.
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Adams cover pencils and inks = ***
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Zorro / Four Color Comics #920 - Alex Toth art

Walt Disney's Zorro / Four Color Comics #920, 1958 - In this complete two-part story, a corrupt comandante surrounds a Spanish mission in pursuit of his quarry. Alex Toth's art is a bit more hurried than the previous issue and adheres more strictly to a nine panel grid. Regardless, the artist makes do with the layouts, offsetting the repetitive pace with more varied drawings. Toth's illustrations on the back cover are surprisingly exquisite. This is number 2 of 8 Zorro issues with Toth art and/or covers (not including reprints). See today's posts or more Toth or Zorro issues. See also this blog's Toth checklist.
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"Ghost of the Mission" Toth story pencils and inks 26 pages = ***
"A Bad Day For Bernardo" Toth story pencils and inks 6 pages = ***
"El Camino Real" Toth back cover pencils and inks = ***
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The Hulk #27 - Walt Simonson art

The Hulk magazine #27, 1981 - Long after his run on this title (formerly Rampaging Hulk), Walt Simonson contributed this fine frontispiece for the final issue. Enraged and arms outstretched, the Hulk seems poised to leap toward the viewer. While his early works were hampered by an overpowering inker, this illustration is more faithful to Simonson's unique style. Other artists in this issue include Gene Colan, Dave Simons, John Tartaglione and Joe Jusko (cover). This is number 4 of 4 Rampaging Hulk issues with Simonson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Simonson or The Hulk issues. See also this blog's Simonson checklist.
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Simonson inside front cover pencils and inks (black and white) = ***
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Ghost Rider #4 - Frank Frazetta cover

Ghost Rider v1 #4, 1951 - The Ghost Rider and his horse emerge from an empty grave, terrifying three cowboys. The art is more stylistic and less realistic than Frank Frazetta's previous covers on the series. The anatomical distortions, such as the curvature on the horse's neck, are effective and eerily expressive. The figure on the bottom left, however, reeks of an unintentionally comic feel. This is number 3 of 4 Ghost Rider issues with Frazetta art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Frazetta or Ghost Rider issues. See also this blog's Frazetta checklist or Top 10 Frazetta comics.
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Frazetta cover pencils and inks = **
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Outlaw Kid #8 - Al Williamson art

Outlaw Kid #8, 1955 - A US marshal commits to bringing in a young gunslinger called the Hawk, no matter what the consequences. George Woodbridge's inks tend to dominate Al Williamson's pencils in this case, especially in the various characters' faces. Still, the resulting artwork is not displeasing, just less expected. Their combined efforts on the opening panel, depicting two men waiting in ambush, is rich with texture and detail. Other artists in this issue include Doug Wildey and Joe Maneely (cover). This is number 1 of 4 Outlaw Kid issues with Williamson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Williamson or Outlaw Kid issues. See also this blog's Williamson checklist.
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"No Turning Back" Williamson story pencils (George Woodbridge inks) 5 pages = ***
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Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter #2 - Jim Starlin art

Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter #2, 1975 - This adaptation of the Jim Dennis character marks one of DC's forays into the kung fu genre. Cover artist Al Weiss appears to have pencilled many of the pages, but Jim Starlin's hand is clearly visible on pages 6,7,14-18. Their respective styles are glaringly dissimilar. Despite inker Al Milgrom's attempt to bring consistency, the artwork overall struggles to appear uniform. Starlin's contribution is quite frankly mediocre. This is number 1 of 1 Richard Dragon issues with Starlin art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Starlin or Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter issues. See also this blog's Jim Starlin checklist or Top 10 Jim Starlin comics.
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"A Dragon Fights Alone" Starlin partial story pencils (Al Weiss partial story pencils/Al Milgrom inks) 18 pages = **
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The Mask of Dr. Fu Manchu - Wally Wood art and cover

The Mask of Dr. Fu Manchu, 1951 - Created by writer Sax Rohmer almost two decades earlier, this Chinese criminal mastermind makes his debut in comics. This one-shot issue showcases the artistic potential of a young Wally Wood. With the exception of the title page, this lengthy story is rife with small panels, often crowded with dialogue. Regardless, the artist demonstrates a knack for finely detailed faces and backgrounds. His inside front cover is devoid of color but rich in black and grey tones (see interior page above). Wood's cover is equally impressive, with its carefully composed elements and atmospheric portrait of Fu Manchu. Not surprisingly, it evokes some of the cinematic posters from that same era. See today's posts or more Wood issues. See also this blog's Wood checklist.
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Wood cover pencils and inks = ****
Wood story pencils and inks 25 pages = ***
Wood inside front cover pencils and inks = ****
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Rom (Spaceknight) #2 - mis-attributed Frank Miller cover

Rom spaceknight #2, 1979 - No Frank Miller cover, despite what some comic book price guides say. Al Milgrom is the cover artist and Sal Buscema draws the interior story. See today's posts, more Miller or Rom issues. See also this blog's Frank Miller checklist.
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Weird Worlds #2 - Neal Adams art

Weird Worlds #2, 1972 - A showcase for Edgar Rice Burroughs' less known heroes, the series features John Carter, Warlord of Mars and David Innes in Pellucidar. Alan Weiss ably draws the latter feature, aided by C. Bunker, an abbreviation of "Crusty Bunker". This pseudonym was used during the bronze age by an informal group of artists, often led by Neal Adams. Weiss' style has a striking similarity, but as the story progresses Adams' inks become more recognizable. His detailed shading adds dimension and clarity to the pencils. Other artists in this issue include Murphy Anderson and Joe Orlando (cover). This is number 1 of 2 Weird Worlds issues with Adams art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Adams or Weird Worlds issues. See also this blog's Adams checklist or Top 10 Adams comics.
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"Slaves of the Mahars" Adams story partial inks (Alan Weiss pencils, partial inks) 12 pages = ***
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Adventures on the Planet of the Apes - comic series checklist

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Adventures on the Planet of the Apes v1
Marvel
1975-76

1 - Jim Starlin cover, mis-attributed Mike Ploog art
2 - mis-attributed Mike Ploog art
3 - mis-attributed Mike Ploog art
4 - mis-attributed Mike Ploog art
5 - mis-attributed Mike Ploog art
6 - Jim Starlin cover, mis-attributed Mike Ploog art

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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.

Strange World Of Your Dreams #3 - Jack Kirby art & cover

Strange World Of Your Dreams #3, 1952 - Jack Kirby's cover is arguably the most surreal and interesting of the series. In his unrelated opening story, a young woman has dreams of drowning in her own grave. Kirby's pencils are straightforward but greatly benefit from Joe Simon's textural inks. Other artists in this issue include Mort Meskin. This is number 3 of 4 Strange World Of Your Dreams issues with Kirby art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Kirby or Strange World Of Your Dreams issues.
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Kirby cover pencils (Joe Simon inks) = ***
"The Woman in the Tower" Kirby story pencils (Joe Simon inks) 4 pages = ***
"You Sent Us This Dream" Kirby story pencils (Joe Simon inks) 2 pages = ***
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Marvel Classics Comics #2 / The Time Machine - Alex Nino art

Marvel Classics Comics #2, 1976 - I had always thought that Alex Nino's style was well suited for the science fiction genre. This adaptation of the H. G. Wells classic only reinforces my opinion. One of this lengthiest tales, this splendid Nino effort is actually a reprint of the Pendulum Classics paperback (originally printed in black and white). This larger format bolsters his unique futuristic drawings. In addition to two artfully drawn splash pages, the artist also completes a spectacular spread (pages 36-37) of the hero amidst an army of Morlocks. Other artists in this issue include Gil Kane (cover). Compare this issue to the earlier Alex Toth version in Four Color Comics #1085. This is number 1 of 3 Marvel Classics Comics issues with Nino art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Nino or Marvel Classics Comics issues. See also this blog's Alex Nino checklist.
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"The Time Machine" Nino story pencils and inks 48 pages (first time in color) = ***
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Romantic Marriage #24 - non-attributed Matt Baker cover

Romantic Marriage #24, 1954 - This suggestive cover has a thematic feel similar to Gone with the Wind. The man's smoking jacket and slippers suggest evening time while the woman's attire hints at her recent arrival. The ornate door and stairwell convey wealth and stature. Interestingly, the picture frames are all empty, which could be a metaphor or simply an artistic omission. Matt Baker's capably drawn cover is unattributed in most comic book price guides. This is number 2 of 2 Romantic Marriage issues with Baker art and/or covers. See today's posts, more Baker or Romantic Marriage issues. See also this blog's Matt Baker checklist.
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Baker cover pencils and inks = ***
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Outer Space #21 - Steve Ditko cover

Outer Space #21, 1959 - Despite the annoying size and placement of a contest graphic, Steve Ditko delivers a more than capable science fiction cover. Human captives are tethered to a small spacecraft, while an alien ship looms in the distance. The diminishment of the figures nicely form the perspective, leading the eye toward the background. Other artists in this issue include Sal Trapani and E. H. Hart. This is number 4 of 4 Outer Space issues with Ditko art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Ditko or Outer Space issues. See also this blog's Ditko checklist.
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Ditko cover pencils and inks = ***
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World of Krypton v2 #2 - John Byrne / Walt Simonson cover

World of Krypton v2 #2, 1987 - John Byrne and Walt Simonson continue partnering up on the covers for this limited series. Although busy, the visuals are balanced and not quite in disarray. Simonson's inks seem to dominate in this case, perhaps due to his penchant toward intricate machinery. The explosions form the middle distance areas, but the black shape on the right seems little more than a graphic device to lead the eye from the masthead toward the central figure. Other artists in this issue include Mike Mignola and Rick Bryant. This is number 2 of 4 World of Krypton issues with Byrne art and/or covers and 2 of 4 World of Krypton issues with Simonson art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Byrne, Simonson or World of Krypton issues. See also this blog's Simonson checklist.
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Byrne cover pencils / Simonson inks = ***
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The Phantom v2 #70 - Don Newton art & cover

The Phantom v2 #70, 1976 - A missing artifact prompts the Cairo Museum to seek the help of the Phantom. This issue pays homage to both the exotic mystery genre and Humphrey Bogart films. The actor appears in character (along with Lauren Bacall and others) throughout the story, even replicating certain scenes from Casablanca and The African Queen. Don Newton captures their likenesses perfectly within his dark, brooding style. His opening splash is a well-designed montage, providing necessary context for the plot. The following page is even more super, depicting the Phantom and Bogart in dramatically cinematic lighting. This is number 4 of 7 Phantom issues with Newton art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Newton or Phantom issues. See also this blog's Don Newton checklist.
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Newton cover painting = **
"The Mystery of the Mali Ibex" Newton story pencils and inks 21 pages = *****
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