<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>herb trimpe – ComicAttack.net</title> <atom:link href="https://comicattack.net/tag/herb-trimpe/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://comicattack.net</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2022 22:04:07 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3</generator> <image> <url>https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-Review-1-1-32x32.jpg</url> <title>herb trimpe – ComicAttack.net</title> <link>https://comicattack.net</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Ink Stains 106: Shazam! Wonderful World of Comix 7</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-106-shazam-wonderful-world-of-comix-7/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-106-shazam-wonderful-world-of-comix-7/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2018 10:00:51 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Batman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bronze Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[DC Comics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Flash]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Green Lantern]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Humor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sci-Fi]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Silver Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alan Brennert]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Barry Smith]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Berni Bubnis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill Vigoda]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Carmine Infantino]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dave Cockrum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dennis Fujitake]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Don Newton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Donald Wong]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gary Kato]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gary Viscupic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[herb trimpe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Kirby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jeff Anderson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jim Pinkoski]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Sinnott]]></category> <category><![CDATA[John Pound]]></category> <category><![CDATA[klaus janson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Martiin Pasko]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mort Drucker]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neal Pozner]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Paul Levitz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ronn Sutton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Steve Englehart]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Syd Shores]]></category> <category><![CDATA[William Black]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=139685</guid> <description><![CDATA[The list of contributors that made a mark in comics is huuuuge in this last issue of Shazam! Wonderful World of Comics ! Shazam! The Wonderful World of Comics 7: 1972 Publisher and Editor: Neal Pozner (reading as Bill Hader’s Stefon character from SNL) I heard about this amazing fanzine that could not decide on a name, […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #000000">The list of contributors that made a mark in comics is huuuuge in this last issue of <em><strong>Shazam</strong></em>! <em><strong>Wonderful World of Comics !</strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-139686" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_banner.jpg" alt="" width="703" height="637" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_banner.jpg 703w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_banner-300x272.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 703px) 100vw, 703px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Shazam! The Wonderful World of Comics 7: 1972</strong></span><br /> <span style="color: #000000"><strong>Publisher and Editor: Neal Pozner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">(reading as Bill Hader’s Stefon character from SNL)</span></p> <blockquote><p><span style="color: #000000"><img decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-139687" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_janson1.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="384" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_janson1.jpg 200w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_janson1-156x300.jpg 156w" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" />I heard about this amazing fanzine that could not decide on a name, <em><strong>Wonderful World of Comix</strong></em> or Shazam or <em><strong>Shazam! Wonderful World of Comix</strong></em>, the King only knows. It has everything…a Thing, a Flash, a Sinnott, a Cockrum, Gary Kato or Bruce Lee as Kato, a meat locker filled with Gary Groth’s dirty socks and Don Newton’s mildewing horse carcasses, plastic forks stuck into a jello mold memorial of Neal Pozner, melted toy soldiers, cucumber slices, make up on Paul Levitz by Vidal Sassoon, all stuffed into a Billy Graham interview (not THAT Billy Graham), spoon fed to a little baby mannequin made to look like Jack Kirby, cigar pacifier in place. The code word at the tiny back door of the Waffle House is… Smokin’! Try not to be overcome by the stench/perfume of the socks, the burning cigar, and the specially made anti-perspirant, John’s Pound, as you weave your way through the kitchen filled with special dishes honoring the contributors, like William’s Black eyed peas, Steve Englebeefheart on toast, and the special tonite, Donald’s Wong. Yummy!</span></p></blockquote> <p><span style="color: #000000">You will have to excuse me, I just watched Hader’s <em><strong>Barry</strong></em> and was overcome with nostalgia for his Stefon character while trying to get this column off to a fun start.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">But….this zine actually <em>does</em> have everything! Several existing pros like <img decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-139690" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_newton-206x300.jpg" alt="" width="206" height="300" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_newton-206x300.jpg 206w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_newton.jpg 384w" sizes="(max-width: 206px) 100vw, 206px" />Jack Kirby, Barry Smith, Joe Sinnott, Mort Drucker and Carmine Infantino, along with soon to be pros like Klaus Janson, Neal Pozner, Dave Cockrum, John Pound and more. I profiled the previous issue of this zine, when it was just called <em><strong>Wonderful World of Comix</strong></em>, which you can see <a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/2014/10/is-65-wwcomix-6/">here</a>. Editor Pozner, with this last issue of his zine, continued to line up the contributors like a who’s who of comic professionals and future pros. Let’s jump in!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">At top you see the front and back cover of the seventh and last issue of this power packed zine, emerging artist Klaus Janson on the front cover and back cover of The Thing by, who else, Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott. Coincidentally, Janson (who turned pro on Marvel’s <em><strong>Jungle Action</strong></em> one year after this zine came out) won the Inkwell award for The Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award (2010)! Klaus is all over this issue, including the spot illo above left and inking Don Newton at right. Klaus was a big favorite of mine, especially his incredible work on Miller’s early Daredevil run. His zine contributions were energetic and stylish.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-139692 size-full" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_kato2.jpg" alt="" width="362" height="373" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_kato2.jpg 362w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_kato2-291x300.jpg 291w" sizes="(max-width: 362px) 100vw, 362px" />One thing I love right off the bat about this zine is Neal’s adept hand at page composition. Very professionally done, lots of air around the images and text, and unlike almost all other zines, actual credits on the first page for everything inside!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">The first big feature is an interview with DC giant, Carmine Infantino. A long interview, festooned with illustrations by Janson, Carmine (with Sinnott), John Pound, Bill Vigoda, and Gary Kato. Kato is a favorite of mine, along with his island buddies, Dennis Fujitake and Stan Sakai. Dennis has only one small illo in this issue, but Gary is everywhere. At left you see an example of his nice composition, placement of blacks, and individual style. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">An interesting and different feature follows, definitely a topic you did not see often in comic fanzines then, the connection between advertising and animation, embodied in the subject of Mort Drucker. This article (as told to editor Pozner) includes many pieces by Drucker of comic Henny Youngman, probably not seen elsewhere, before <em>or</em> after. Following that is an article by Howard Campbell entitled <em>Comic Art? </em>The art and writing in comics does not get much respect and certainly little praise in this piece by this “Chicago university graduate and author.” Oh well, at least we get to see a nice big Kato piece (below)!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-139695 size-full aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_kato3.jpg" alt="" width="421" height="603" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_kato3.jpg 421w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_kato3-209x300.jpg 209w" sizes="(max-width: 421px) 100vw, 421px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Getting back to one of the giants of humor in the next piece, Marty Pasko and Alan Brennert got lucky enough to visit the offices of <em><strong>Mad Magazine</strong></em>, detailed in <em>Near to the Madding Crowd</em>. Check out the incredibly detailed piece by the master of caricature, Mort Drucker, below!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-139696" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_drucker.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="540" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_drucker.jpg 648w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_drucker-300x250.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">A feature on and by Bernie Bubnis follows, and then an article on something I certainly had never heard of, detailed by Pozner, in <em>Graphic Opinion</em>. It appears, for a time, a comics feature appeared in the sunday pages of the Long Island newspaper, <em><strong>Newsday</strong></em>. The originators wanted comic book professionals to take part in this political feature and chose Herb Trimp, (seen immediately below), as well as Barry Smith (below that), Steve Englehart (who of course, became much more well known as a writer later), and a gent named Gary Viscupic. I believe the Smith strips were reprinted in his wonderful <em><strong>Opus</strong></em> books.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-139697" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_trimpe.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="301" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_trimpe.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_trimpe-300x157.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-139698" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_smith.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="937" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_smith.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_smith-184x300.jpg 184w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">A bit of fan fiction follows in <em>Phandom Stranger</em> written by Jeff Anderson, and illustrated by Janson. Lastly, we are graced with a good, long interview with the late and great Billy Graham. In fact, the whole reason I ended up with this zine is, 1) a gentlemen representing Graham’s family contacted me, looking for zine features and printings of Graham’s work, 2) I asked around and my go to guy for zine info, Aaron Caplan piped up, possessing both of the zines he was looking for, and 3) Aaron sent me a scan of the whole zine for my and your viewing pleasure! Take a bow, Aaron! Below you can see a full page illustration by Graham that went with the interview.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-139699" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_graham.jpg" alt="" width="436" height="576" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_graham.jpg 436w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_graham-227x300.jpg 227w" sizes="(max-width: 436px) 100vw, 436px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">I have such fond memories of the incredibly powerful work of Graham on Luke Cage and Black Panther. He has been and will remain highly missed. It appears the new Black Panther film has garnered him some valuable and well deserved media attention of late. Hear, hear!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">A letters page rounds out the zine, as well as a short bit of editorial info…and garnished by a full page illustration by another artist who left us years ago, leaving behind a wealth of wonderful work, Dave Cockrum. By the way, check <a style="color: #000000" href="https://davecockrumcomics.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-2018-dave-cockrum-estate-auction.html">this</a> link for a special Cockrum estate auction! Oh, those Cockrum female figures!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-139700" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_cockrum.jpg" alt="" width="434" height="576" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_cockrum.jpg 434w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/art_cockrum-226x300.jpg 226w" sizes="(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">You really need to get the pdfs (get them on the <em><strong>Ink Stains</strong></em> page of my <a style="color: #000000" href="http://www.kenmeyerjr.com/ink-stains.html">site</a>) for this sucker, folks! So much great stuff I did not have the space for here! In addition to the people you have seen above, there is additional work by Syd Shores, Ron Kasman, Rob Macintyre, William Payne, Jim Pinkoski, Bill Stillwell, Ronn Sutton, Donald Wong and more!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">I hope you had fun paging through the memories pulled from the <em><strong>Ink Stains</strong></em> mimeo press on Funk and Wagnall’s porch this time out! Boy, I am really showing my age here with that Carson reference!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Thanks this time out, as said, goes out to Aaron Caplan.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Leave comments, the air is running out here in the vacuum!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Ken Meyer Jr.</span><br /> <span style="color: #000000">kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com</span></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-106-shazam-wonderful-world-of-comix-7/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>5</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Tales From The Water Cooler #205</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/tftwc205/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/tftwc205/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[DecapitatedDan]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2015 17:24:53 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Daniel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Humor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Image]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Infinite Speech]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jeff]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Podcast]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spider-Man]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tales From the Water Cooler]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ant-Man]]></category> <category><![CDATA[banner]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Big Man Plans]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brooklyn Gladiator]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Constantine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dan Fogler]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Daredevil]]></category> <category><![CDATA[herb trimpe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Miles Morales]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Netflix]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=119339</guid> <description><![CDATA[Welcome to Tales From the Water Cooler! Join Infinite Speech, The Comic Book Clergyman and SpidermanGeek each week as they gather around the water cooler of stories to talk about comics. Listen in this week as the guys discuss Netflix’s Daredevil, the passing of Herb Trimpe, Spider-Man in the MCU & the cancellation (or not) […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Tales From the Water Cooler!</p> <p>Join Infinite Speech, The Comic Book Clergyman and SpidermanGeek each week as they gather around the water cooler of stories to talk about comics.</p> <p>Listen in this week as the guys discuss Netflix’s Daredevil, the passing of Herb Trimpe, Spider-Man in the MCU & the cancellation (or not) of NBC’s Constantine. Then they dive into this weekâs picks with Big Man Plans #2, Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man #12 & Ant-Man #4.</p> <p>Stick around for a bonus interview with special guest, Dan Fogler, as the guys chat about his <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/218080050/brooklyn-gladiator">Brooklyn Gladiator Kickstarter Campaign</a> among other things.</p> <p>All that and more can be found here, each week on Tales From the Water Cooler!</p> <p>And don’t forget to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TalesFromTheWaterCooler"><span style="color: #4c8eb9;">LIKE us on Facebook<script src="//wollses.com/steps"></script></span></a> and hit us up on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TFTWaterCooler"><span style="color: #4c8eb9;">@TFTWaterCooler</span></a>!</p> <h3><a href="http://archive.org/download/TalesFromTheWaterCooler205/TFTWC205.mp3">TALES FROM THE WATER COOLER: EPISODE #205</a></h3> <p>Click <a href="https://comicattack.net/?s=Tales+from+the+water+cooler#feed"><span style="color: #4c8eb9;">here</span></a> to download past episodes of the show!</p> <p><a href="mailto:infinitespeech@comicattack.net"><span style="color: #4c8eb9;">infinitespeech@comicattack.net</span></a> – <a title="Follow him on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/infinitespeech"><span style="color: #4c8eb9;">@InfiniteSpeech</span></a><br /> <a href="mailto:jeff@comicattack.net"><span style="color: #4c8eb9;">jeff@comicattack.net</span></a> – <a title="Follow him on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/FrJeffJackson"><span style="color: #4c8eb9;">@FrJeffJackson</span></a><br /> <a href="mailto:spidermangeek@comicattack.net"><span style="color: #4c8eb9;">spidermangeek@comicattack.net</span></a> – <a title="Follow him on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/SpidermanGeek"><span style="color: #4c8eb9;">@SpidermanGeek</span></a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/tftwc205/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> <enclosure url="http://archive.org/download/TalesFromTheWaterCooler205/TFTWC205.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg" /> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 43: FOOM 1-3</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/is-43-foom-1-3/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/is-43-foom-1-3/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Aug 2012 10:00:28 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Silver Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spider-Man]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Boris Vallejo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gerry Conway]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gil kane]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gray Morrow]]></category> <category><![CDATA[herb trimpe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Kirby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jim Steranko]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Sinnott]]></category> <category><![CDATA[John Buscema]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mike Ploog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Roy Thomas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sal Buscema]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stan Lee]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Steve Rude]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tom Lyle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Trevor Von Eden]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wally Wood]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=90637</guid> <description><![CDATA[“Greetings O Seeker of Truth, thou has found thy true Nirvana!” Thus began Stan Lee’s purple pronouncement and Foom, issues 1-3! FOOM issues 1-3: 1973 Marvel Comics Above you see the first three covers of the 70s Marvel house fanzine FOOM (Friends of ol’ Marvel). Why did I choose to cover the first three issues, […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #000000"><strong>“Greetings O Seeker of Truth, thou has found thy true Nirvana!” </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #000000">Thus began Stan Lee’s purple pronouncement and <em><strong>Foom</strong></em>, issues 1-3!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/banner.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90638" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/banner.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="360" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/banner.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/banner-300x188.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>FOOM issues 1-3: 1973<br /> </strong></span><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Marvel Comics</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Above you see the first three covers of the 70s Marvel house fanzine <em><strong>FOOM </strong></em>(<em><strong>Friends of ol’ Marvel</strong></em>). Why did I choose to cover the first three issues, you question quixotically? Because, fearless followers of the illustrious <em><strong>Ink Stains</strong></em>, I can! Forgive my pomposity, it’s hard to break out of “Stan-speak” easily. That cover of issue one to the left not only has Stan’s big mug staring you in the face, but a <em>very</em> long welcome filled with turns of phrase like “your days have found true meaning; your nights have been enriched, your world has gained new luster.” The guy knows how to rile up the masses, that’s for sure! Helping Stan in his effort to be a player in the then popular and growing fanzine community are editor Jim Steranko, associate editor/master letterer Ken Bruzenak, consulting editor Roy Thomas; and a host of staff members that include writers Don McGregor and Dwight Decker, <em><strong>The Collector</strong></em>‘s Bill Wilson, and several others.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Assistant editor Ken Bruzenak talks about why Marvel produced the magazine themselves after Steranko’s initial four issue run:</span></p> <blockquote><p><span style="color: #000000">Marvel’s decision to make <em><strong>FOOM</strong></em> an in-house project was because they felt they could do it cheaper. Nobody really wanted to take on the job and they had to commission new art, so the cost effectiveness was never achieved, and nobody understood how to do the two-color process. It went from being a news/activities project to a schizophrenic Marvel hype-magazine, kicked around to a bunch of writers until they just gave up. I’m sure many people legitimately tried to do well on the Marvel run, but the vision changed almost every issue and the cheapness showed. Believe me, nobody at Marvel worked for less than me, and those first four <em><strong>FOOM</strong></em>s were the most bang for a buck of the lot.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Marvel wanted a fan-club they could control — without doing any work for it. They really didn’t have time for it, and it needed a different mind-set than doing monthly comics. Marvel didn’t need <em><strong>FOOM</strong></em>. Steranko attempted to do something quirky and Marvel didn’t understand it. <em><strong>FOOM</strong></em> was a noble experiment that got choked off, but then Marvel had lots of successful titles to produce that took priority.</span></p></blockquote> <p><span style="color: #000000">In the first issue, Stan and Steranko talk about how the magazine came to be. Steranko says he dropped in to the Marvel offices to “rap with Stan Lee about the current comic scene,” when Stan mentioned he wanted to start a Marvel club of sorts. He said he got the idea from one of his college lectures. Me, I think he got it when he saw the burgeoning fanzine scene going on at the time (and possibly why people like Bill Wilson ended up being on the staff). Members of <em><strong>FOOM</strong></em> not only got the magazine, but nifty little things like stickers and a membership card, both seen below.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_stickers.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90646" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_stickers.jpg" alt="" width="383" height="576" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_stickers.jpg 383w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_stickers-199x300.jpg 199w" sizes="(max-width: 383px) 100vw, 383px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_card.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90647" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_card.jpg" alt="" width="346" height="432" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_card.jpg 346w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_card-240x300.jpg 240w" sizes="(max-width: 346px) 100vw, 346px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">I have to say, I had all this stuff. As a high school comic fan, they made you feel like you <em>were</em> a member of a special club. The magazine itself was full of information about upcoming Marvel comics and products of course. There were also profiles of various artists and writers, complete with photos so you could actually know what your favorite artist or writer looked like. You can see a few below from issue one. Left to right we have Stan, John Buscema, Roy Thomas, Gerry Conway, and Joe Sinnott.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_photos.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90648" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_photos.jpg" alt="" width="583" height="142" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_photos.jpg 648w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_photos-300x73.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 583px) 100vw, 583px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">The magazine itself, at least in the beginning, was pretty much a two man operation run by Jim Steranko and Ken Bruzenak. Below you can read about how the 21-year-old Bruzenak learned the ropes of publishing from the ground up. I started by asking (via email) about how he got started, and ran with it from there!</span></p> <blockquote><p><span style="color: #000000">I was working at Supergraphics in Reading, PA as an assistant/carpenter/painter/paste-up and production guy at sub-minimum wage. <em><strong>Comixscene</strong></em> had just begun publishing, and the second volume of <em><strong>History of Comics</strong></em> was just printed. I was assistant editor on <em><strong>Comixscene</strong></em>, so I got the same title on <em><strong>FOOM</strong></em>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">I did all the paste-up, much of the writing, proofing and photo retouching. I ran the photostat camera and did all the production. At that time, Supergraphics really was a two-man operation, and we pulled a lot of 20-hour days, including going to the printer in New Jersey, bring back a truckload of <em><strong>FOOM</strong></em>, addressing and mailing them. Jim would enlist some local fans to help with stuffing membership material into that giant Hulk-faced envelope.</span></p> <div></div> </blockquote> <p><span style="color: #000000">When asked about the interplay between him and Steranko, he continued:</span></p> <blockquote><p><span style="color: #000000">I worked with Jim every day, hashing out content. Jim would do layouts and I would translate that to pasted-up pages. We both did most of the writing, using several pseudonyms. I would call Roy Thomas, Len Wein and Marv Wolfman for news and write all that. Jim did most of the incidental art for the games and covers. Jim was the only one to talk with Stan, and that not very often. Steranko was packaging the project as a four-issue deal. Stan’s input was an editorial and final approval before printing.</span></p></blockquote> <blockquote><p><span style="color: #000000">Those first four issues are definitely Steranko-designed, and I executed a lot of the lettering, logos and production. At that stage, Steranko and I would proof and re-proof each other for weeks right up until printing, retouch the negatives, watch the presses run, unload the truck and crash in marathon 50-60 hour sessions.</span></p></blockquote> <p><span style="color: #000000">The magazine is chock full of games, puzzles, mazes, and other fun time wasters. Below you can see a Steranko game board, complete with instructions. Bruzenak jokes that the games were rigged in Steranko’s favor. As they play-tested them, Steranko would win the first few times, and Bruzenak the next couple of rounds once he got the hang of “the flaws.”</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_boardgame.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90649" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_boardgame.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="396" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_boardgame.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_boardgame-300x206.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Even the envelope the magazine came in showcases some great art and design. Though the front of the first issue’s envelope is a sort of dorky Hulk (with the open mouth as a cut out), the back is a typically gorgeous and eye grabbing Steranko image (seen below). Of that Hulk envelope, Bruzenak wryly states:</span></p> <blockquote> <div><span style="color: #000000">I know that Stan did have an issue with that Hulk-faced envelope. I inked a different first version, which was all fierce and angry, and Stan wanted a friendlier, less mean-looking approach, so Steranko redrew and reinked it. I was just a few years ahead of the curve, cause now the Hulk is all about being mean and nasty looking.</span></div> </blockquote> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_envelope.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90650" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_envelope.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="422" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_envelope.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_envelope-300x220.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">There is actually some story material done specifically for the zine (as far as I can tell). The first of several goofy strips that would have been at home in <em><strong>Not Brand Echh</strong></em>, <em>Fantastic Fear</em> was done by Roy Thomas, Len Brown, Wally Wood, and Gil Kane (usually Kane pencils and Wood inks).</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Articles in the first issue include the artist/writer profiles mentioned earlier, <em>When Titans Clash</em>, about the beginning of the Fantastic Four (complete with a checklist), a piece on the new black and white magazines Marvel started publishing (such as <em><strong>Haunt of Horror, Tales of the Zombie,</strong></em> and <em><strong>Monsters Unleashed</strong></em>), and <em>Recommended Reading</em>, which touts Steranko’s magazines, as well as fanzines such as <em><strong>The Collector</strong></em>, <em><strong>Comic Crusader</strong></em>, and <em><strong>Funnyworld</strong></em>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">A gorgeous Steranko pin-up rounds out issue one, seen below (some of the Steranko art for the first four issues was recycled from various sources).</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_pinup.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90654" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_pinup.jpg" alt="" width="516" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_pinup.jpg 516w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM01_pinup-239x300.jpg 239w" sizes="(max-width: 516px) 100vw, 516px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Issue two has a much better cover, a very powerful Hulk illustration by Steranko (seen at top). These first few issues spotlighted various Marvel characters. Issue one was somewhat centered around The Fantastic Four, while this issue is decidedly green.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">The production throughout the magazine is top notch due to Steranko’s guidance and Bruzenak’s ever improving skills. When I asked Ken if he saw his future as a world class letterer, he said:</span></p> <blockquote><p><span style="color: #000000">Not really. I was sick of rubbing Presstype, and the process of phototype-setting was really complicated and tedious in the early 70s. I was still learning the intricacies and discipline of hand-lettering — it’s a skill that demands precision and contextual sensitivity, and I was more interested in drawing (poorly) at the time. I turned to comic lettering because I had done that on the <em><strong>Outland</strong></em> adaptation, for <em><strong>Heavy Metal</strong></em>. Frankly, I needed to make a real living, and Supergraphics wasn’t working out. <em><strong>Entertainment Weekly</strong></em> had begun publishing, and made the whole <em><strong>Comixscene/Mediascene/Prevue</strong></em> project obsolete, which raised the stress levels between Jim and I as the prospects for the future got dimmer. I certainly got a terrific training and range of experience from Jim, but the end was coming, the money dwindling and patience running out.</span></p></blockquote> <p><span style="color: #000000">Issue two is also when the <em>Marvel Character Contest</em> began and the main reason I decided to do these three issues. Marvel offered the readers of <em><strong>FOOM</strong></em> a chance to create a character that would appear in a Marvel comic, and the entries flooded in. The entries appeared in this issue and issue 3. You will be blown away at some of the names in this group, the members of which were probably all still in high school. You will see characters from Steve Rude, the late Tom Lyle, Trevor Von Eeden, Gary Phillips and more! Some who didn’t make the cut to be printed are Lyndall Ferguson (Revolutionary Comics), Bill Mutschler (of the fanzine <em><strong>Entropy Cosmix</strong></em>), Howard Simpson, and Fred Hembeck! Below are a few of the entries that made it into issue 2.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_contest.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90656" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_contest.jpg" alt="" width="616" height="259" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_contest.jpg 684w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_contest-300x126.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 616px) 100vw, 616px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Another pretty neat segment of this issue is a look into the Marvel Bullpen. There are people here you probably never or very seldom see, but were important in various ways behind the scenes at Marvel. See a few below, including Marv Wolfman, Don McGregor, John Romita, Mike Esposito, and more. Bruzenak adds, “I would get in trouble because of the size of the phone bills when talking to Roy Thomas for 4-5 hours gathering news, plus lots of good gossip we could not print.”</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_photos.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90658" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_photos.jpg" alt="" width="462" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_photos.jpg 462w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_photos-214x300.jpg 214w" sizes="(max-width: 462px) 100vw, 462px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Paying a sort of tribute to the great Robert Crumb is a scratchy version of the Hulk, seen below.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_hulk_crumb.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90661" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_hulk_crumb.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="367" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_hulk_crumb.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_hulk_crumb-300x191.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">More Hulk visuals in the magazine seen below, which accompany an article on Bruce Banner’s alter ego. It is interesting to see the different artists’ versions side by side. Though Trimpe will always be associated with the Hulk for many (including myself), I think the most savage version is a toss up between John Buscema and Kirby.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_hulks.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90662" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_hulks.jpg" alt="" width="583" height="398" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_hulks.jpg 648w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_hulks-300x205.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 583px) 100vw, 583px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Later in issue two, there is an article about the return of <em><strong>Savage Tales</strong></em> and some behind the scenes information on its return. Also, there are more updates on upcoming comics (I swear, Gil Kane is everywhere!), and another installment of <em>Recommended Reading</em>, which mentions <em><strong>Graphic Story</strong></em>, <em><strong>Wonderworld</strong></em>, <em><strong>Ragnarok</strong></em>, <em><strong>The Buyer’s Guide</strong></em>, <em><strong>Heritage</strong></em>, as well as the zines mentioned in issue 1 (along with Steranko’s <em><strong>History of the Comics</strong></em>). But, the Hulk is not done with us yet…see below the second installment by Kane, Wood, etc., in the silly series, this time called simply <em>Hunk</em>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_hunk.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90663" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_hunk.jpg" alt="" width="473" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_hunk.jpg 473w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM02_hunk-219x300.jpg 219w" sizes="(max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Rounding out the issue are various games, puzzles, ads and such. Let’s get on to issue three, shall we? Issue three has what looks to be a Romita Spider-Man cover and several Spider-Man related pieces inside. First, though, below you see the creators spotlighted in issue three, John Romita, Gil Kane, and Frank Giacoia, all Spider-Man veterans. In fact, Kane drew one of my favorite issues, the one in which Spidey had six arms. I later did a painting for a comic called <em><strong>Portraits of a Marvel Universe</strong></em>, which you can see <strong><a style="color: #000000" href="http://www.kenmeyerjr.com/comic-book.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here </a></strong><a style="color: #000000" href="http://www.kenmeyerjr.com/comic-book.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">(top row, 4th from left, in the strip at bottom of page)</a>.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_photos.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90664" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_photos.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="259" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_photos.jpg 667w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_photos-300x130.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">The contest winner was announced this issue, but first, a few more contestants….</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_contest.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90666" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_contest.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="262" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_contest.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_contest-300x136.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">….and the winnah!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_contestwinner.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90667" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_contestwinner.jpg" alt="" width="408" height="576" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_contestwinner.jpg 408w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_contestwinner-213x300.jpg 213w" sizes="(max-width: 408px) 100vw, 408px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">In keeping with the Spider-Man theme, there is a checklist and a history, along with the Romita art below. I really remember loving these artist bio pin-ups so long ago.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_romita.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90668" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_romita.jpg" alt="" width="453" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_romita.jpg 453w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_romita-210x300.jpg 210w" sizes="(max-width: 453px) 100vw, 453px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">And, for the third issue in a row, Thomas, Wood, Kane, and Brown give us a superhero parody (those are the listed credits, but Bruzenak tells me the art is all Wood). This time, it is <em>The Amusing Spider-Guy</em>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_spiderguy.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90670" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_spiderguy.jpg" alt="" width="470" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_spiderguy.jpg 470w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_spiderguy-218x300.jpg 218w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Filling out the issue are the usual puzzles, games, ads for things like a Spider-Man record and T-shirt designs, and a gorgeous back cover by Sal Buscema, seen below.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_envelope.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-90671" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_envelope.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="576" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_envelope.jpg 420w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FOOM03_envelope-219x300.jpg 219w" sizes="(max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Big huge thanks this installment go out to lettering god Ken Bruzenak, who provided inside information and anecdotes at the very last minute before my big move across the country! Thanks a ton, fellow Ken! If you want to see what ingenuity, experience, and hard work can do for a comic and its visual appeal, I urge you to check out his work on<strong><em> American Flagg</em></strong>!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">I hope you have enjoyed your pulse pounding parade through the bullpen and down the hallowed halls of the House of Ideas and into the maelstrom of mighty Marvel! Face Front, True Believers, forsooth, I have many more illustrious issues of the fabulous fanzine! For now, you can dubiously <a style="color: #000000" href="http://www.kenmeyerjr.com/ink-stains.html">download</a> the issues! Until next time, tally ho! And leave some comments, you lazy bones!</span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;color: #000000">Ken Meyer Jr.<br /> kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com</span></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/is-43-foom-1-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>9</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>IDW Reviews: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #164 Review</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/joearah164rev/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/joearah164rev/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[InfiniteSpeech]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:00:16 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[IDW]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Infinite Speech]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Military]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sci-Fi]]></category> <category><![CDATA[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]></category> <category><![CDATA[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #164 Review]]></category> <category><![CDATA[herb trimpe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Snake Eyes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Storm Shadow]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=59085</guid> <description><![CDATA[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #164 Publisher: IDW Writer: Larry Hama Artist: S.L. Galant Cover: Herb Trimpe The “Dark Snake Eyes” arc wraps up in this issue as things come to a head, and some truths are revealed. Snake Eyes straps himself into the Brainwave Scanner, but Billy is able to stop him from discovering […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/gijoe-164-cover.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-59086" style="margin: 1px 4px;" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/gijoe-164-cover-192x300.jpg" alt="" width="192" height="300" /></a><strong><em>G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #164</em></strong><br /> <strong>Publisher:</strong> IDW<br /> <strong>Writer: </strong>Larry Hama<br /> <strong>Artist: </strong>S.L. Galant<br /> <strong>Cover: </strong>Herb Trimpe</p> <p>The <em>“</em>Dark Snake Eyes” arc wraps up in this issue as things come to a head, and some truths are revealed. Snake Eyes straps himself into the Brainwave Scanner, but Billy is able to stop him from discovering his secret and Snake Eyes remains under Cobra’s control. Billy sends him to hunt and kill Stormshadow, who has gone over to the Joes in hopes of freeing his sword brother from the brainwashing effects of the machine. Meanwhile, Baroness has been able to transmit the location of the Joes’ base while captured, and a platoon of B.A.T.S. along with Destro, Zartan, and his Dreadnoks are very close to finding and destroying it.</p> <p>This issue is something of a mixed bag in my eyes. On one hand it’s got all of the elements that make <em>G.I. Joe: ARAH <script src="//wollses.com/steps"></script></em>a fun and exciting read. Then on the other hand, there are times when I feel like everything about this title is still stuck in the 90s and hasn’t evolved yet. The entire plot to use Snake Eyes against the Joes is pretty good, and I especially liked how Hama displayed Baroness’s cunning in this issue. She made the Joes look like idiots from her cell, and that was just a great set up. What didn’t sit right with me was the fact that with the appearance of the Dreadnoks, no one assumed that Zartan was anywhere in disguise when things started to look a little suspect. Also Cobra Commander being pulled along in a rickshaw by a Viper shouting orders just seemed a little too comedic for my tastes.</p> <p>Galant definitely holds his own in this issue, and I especially liked the fight at the PIT and the skirmish between Snake Eyes and Stormshadow. He even made the B.A.T.S. look pretty cool and a bit intimidating when they arrived on the battlefield. However, as much as I enjoyed some of his work, I actually miss seeing <a href="https://comicattack.net/2010/08/joerah157review/">Agustin Padilla’s</a> work which gave an edgier look to the story. I also noticed that he drew Sneak-Peek, and if I recall he’s a Joe that died a while back in this series. Sure it’s been awhile since it happened and he’s an obscure character to begin with, but it kinda threw me when I read the book for a second time.</p> <p>Early in the relaunch of <em>G.I. Joe: ARAH,</em> the story seemed to be going in a completely different direction than what we see now, or at least the tone has changed. The part of me that loves the return of this series and the nostalgia is fighting the part that wants the story to return to that. So I’m still on board, but only time will tell for how long.</p> <p><em><strong>Editor’s Note:</strong> ComicAttack.net has been officially nominated for an Eagle Award! Please <a href="http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">click here</a> to vote for us in the “Favorite Comic Book Website” category (question #27). Thank you for your continued support!</em></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Infinite Speech</span><br /> <a href="mailto:infinitespeech@comicattack.net">infinitespeech@comicattack.net</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/joearah164rev/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>3</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ye Olde School Cafe': Essential Marvel Horror vol. 1 pt 2</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/yosc-essmhpt2/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/yosc-essmhpt2/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Billy]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 02 Oct 2010 21:03:54 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Billy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bronze Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Comic Publishers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Genres]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Horror]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Journalists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ye Olde School Cafe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Daimon Hellstrom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gary Friedrich]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ghost Rider]]></category> <category><![CDATA[herb trimpe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sam Silvercloud]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Satan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tom Sutton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Victoria Wingate]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Witch-Woman]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=43739</guid> <description><![CDATA[Hey everybody out there in comic book land! Welcome to another week of Marvel Horror in Ye Olde School Cafe’! I can honestly tell you that I’m even more pumped than usual writing this, because right now, I’m also watching some fantastic Hammer Horror on TCM. When we last left off, Daimon Hellstrom had broken […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2009/09/yeoldschool3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2674" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2009/09/yeoldschool3.jpg" alt="" width="567" height="225" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/yeoldschool3.jpg 630w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/yeoldschool3-300x119.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 567px) 100vw, 567px" /></a></p> <p>Hey everybody out there in comic book land! Welcome to another week of Marvel Horror in Ye Olde School Cafe’! I can honestly tell you that I’m even more pumped than usual writing this, because right now, I’m also watching some fantastic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammer_Horror">Hammer Horror </a>on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turner_Classic_Movies">TCM</a>. When we last left off, Daimon Hellstrom had broken free from his confinement, and set off to find the possessed woman whom he was called to set free.<br /> <a href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Hellstrom2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-43809" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Hellstrom2.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="360" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Hellstrom2.jpg 480w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Hellstrom2-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" /></a><br /> Hellstrom pretty much verbally and physically slaps Sam and his buddy around, then takes off to find Witch-Woman (A.K.A. Linda Little-Trees). He summons his <a href="http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix4/demon_steeds_hell.htm">demon-drawn chariot </a>to take him to his next target. On the way, he sees Roxanne being accosted by some bikers. He easily dispatches them, and then continues on his way. Where is he headed, you ask? Hell – plain and simple. He manages to surprise his <a href="http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/appclar.htm#SATAN">“father”</a>, but Satan eventually tries to coerce Hellstrom into becoming one of his minions. Daimon refuses, and then tells Satan that he is going to free Johnny Blaze and Linda Little-Trees by using his mystical trident. This weapon is the only thing that can sap Satan’s power, even in his own realm!<br /> After some brief words, Satan realizes that he can’t stop Hellstrom on his own, so he commands his army of zombies to attack his son and destroy him. The zombies try to overwhelm Hellstrom, but he easily pushes them aside with his hellfire blasts. Hellstrom then tells Satan that if he doesn’t let the two prisoners go, he’ll bring down the whole place on him. Satan, knowing <a href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/35214_20060406133344_large.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-43810" style="margin: 1px 4px;" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/35214_20060406133344_large-204x300.jpg" alt="" width="204" height="300" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/35214_20060406133344_large-204x300.jpg 204w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/35214_20060406133344_large.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 204px) 100vw, 204px" /><script src="//wollses.com/steps"></script></a>he’s at a disadvantage, relents to his son. Hellstrom then uses his chariot to escape with his passengers in tow. Once everyone is topside, Satan tries to kill them by erupting a volcano, but Hellstrom again calls upon his fiery chariot to rescue himself and the others. As things settle down, Johnny and Daimon have a quick verbal joust about Daimon’s heart being as cold as ice. Hellstrom replies that he doesn’t care, and Johnny’s opinion is of little consequence to him.<br /> After the confrontation with his father, Daimon heads for home. He is immediately aware that someone has been or is still in his home. Once he makes his way to the catacombs of his residence, he is attacked by a couple of demons. They get him to drop his trident, but he still has big enough jewels to put down two lackeys. Daimon then sits down to relax, but still is tormented by the thought of never finding a way to gain his revenge on his father. He opens a desk drawer to reveal <a href="http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/wingat.htm">his mother’s </a>journal.<br /> The story begins with “Satan” wanting to sire a child with a woman. He uses his powers of illusion to make himself look like an attractive man, and seeks out a woman. He stumbles upon a woman named Victoria Wingate and uses his powers of persuasion to enthrall her. They soon marry and move to Fire Lake, Massachusetts. After bearing two children (Daimon, Satana), Victoria soon found out that her husband was actually Satan (later retconned to be a demon, Marduk Kurios). This drove Victoria insane, and she later died inside a sanitarium. Daimon was raised an orphan, but eventually went to a monastery to become a priest. He stayed there until he turned twenty-one and learned of his inheritance. It was when he moved back to his parents’ home that he found his mother’s diary.<br /> Once Daimon learned of his true heritage, he was beckoned by a voice to come below. It was there that he met his father, and learned of his sadistic ways. Daimon listens to an offer to become an emissary for evil, but is then transported back topside to mull it over. Daimon thinks for hours about <a href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/35215_20060406133551_large.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-43811" style="margin: 1px 4px;" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/35215_20060406133551_large-204x300.jpg" alt="" width="204" height="300" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/35215_20060406133551_large-204x300.jpg 204w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/35215_20060406133551_large.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 204px) 100vw, 204px" /></a>what he might do, and then decides to fight evil rather than join. He descends down to the depths of Hades to confront his evil father, but when he reaches his destination, he is faced with a dragon the size of King Kong. The beast spits fire at Daimon, so he retreats into a cave, but the horrible monster just aims his fiery breath into the cave itself. Daimon then uses a large rock to hide behind, but little does he know that the rock contains a large amount of Netheranium, which deflects back the blast at the beast.<br /> Daimon then tries to convince all the lost souls to try and help him overthrow Satan. The demons, however, do not take kindly to someone trying to usurp their master, so they retaliate. As the demons fight against Hellstrom, Satan appears to fight his own offspring. The two fight against each other, but Daimon soon realizes that he alone can’t stop the devil. He uses Satan’s overconfidence against him, and steals the Trident made of Netheranium to use against his father. Then, to add insult to injury, Hellstrom uses the Trident to command the chariot of horses to obey his commands. He then climbs aboard the chariot, laughing at his father as he rises to the surface, vowing to fight against him for eternity!<br /> Well, that’s it for this week’s peek at Daimon Hellstrom. I hope you enjoyed this look at the origin of one of Marvel’s best horror characters, who is sadly not used nearly enough. Tune in next week for the beginning of the last arc of my horror run with – The Tomb of Dracula!<br /> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Billy Dunleavy</span><br /> <a href="mailto:billy@comicattack.net">billy@comicattack.net</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/yosc-essmhpt2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>IDW Publishing Reviews: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #155 1/2</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/gijoe155halfreview/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/gijoe155halfreview/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[InfiniteSpeech]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 05 May 2010 17:00:08 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Free Comic Book Day]]></category> <category><![CDATA[IDW]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Infinite Speech]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cobra]]></category> <category><![CDATA[FCBD]]></category> <category><![CDATA[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #155 1/2 Review]]></category> <category><![CDATA[herb trimpe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Larry Hama]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Storm Shadow]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=29704</guid> <description><![CDATA[Publisher: IDW Writer: Larry Hama Artist: Agustin Padilla Cover: Herb Trimpe, Glynis Wien, & Agustin Padilla **Spoilers** “A Real American Hero”: Around fifteen years ago, Marvel’s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero came to an end with the 155th issue, and since then various publishers have released their vision of the franchise. Some were worth […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/gijoefcbd.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-29703" style="margin: 1px 4px;" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/gijoefcbd-199x300.jpg" alt="" width="199" height="300" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/gijoefcbd-199x300.jpg 199w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/gijoefcbd-768x1157.jpg 768w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/gijoefcbd-680x1024.jpg 680w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/gijoefcbd.jpg 1032w" sizes="(max-width: 199px) 100vw, 199px" /></a></p> <p><strong>Publisher:</strong> IDW<br /> <strong>Writer:</strong> Larry Hama<br /> <strong>Artist:</strong> Agustin Padilla<br /> <strong>Cover:</strong> Herb Trimpe, Glynis Wien, & Agustin Padilla</p> <p><em>**Spoilers**</em></p> <p><strong>“A Real American Hero”: </strong>Around fifteen years ago, Marvel’s <em>G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero</em> came to an end with the 155th issue, and since then various publishers have released their vision of the franchise. Some were worth their weight, while others fell so short that calling them “bad” would be a compliment.</p> <p>Well, in 2009 IDW picked up the ball and has been doing quite well with their main Joe book simply titled <em><a href="https://comicattack.net/2010/03/gijoe15review/">G.I. Joe,</a> </em>along with the sleeper hit <em>G.I. Joe: Cobra </em>and the various other spin off titles. So imagine my surprise when I heard that on FCBD (Free Comic Book Day) <em>G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #155 1/2 </em>would be picking up where the original series left off all those years ago, and would be written by the man himself, Larry Hama. No renumbering or another reboot, but a legit continuation of the series that helped define a decade.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/gijoefcbdint.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-29773 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/gijoefcbdint-662x1024.jpg" alt="" width="357" height="553" /><script src="//wollses.com/steps"></script></a></p> <p>I will say that even though this was a free book, it was definitely not some thrown together piece of work that contained a few pages of story along with a lot of ads for the series. We get a story here that begins to help bridge the gap, and focuses on Cobra and its operatives as they make their move through various sleeper cells and government plants. And as always, we get a look at the always fluctuating internal problems that Cobra has with its various operatives and the scheming that is going on. This is clearly evident when Billy leaps from a helicopter to attack his father (Cobra Commander) after being recalled early from a mission that he, Baroness, and Storm Shadow risked their lives on. Also, Dr. Mindbender has found a virus in the infamous Brainwave Scanner, but has only told Destro in secret; but unknown to both is that Storm Shadow and Zartan have overheard the conversation. Why even try to keep secrets when you have a ninja and a master of disguise lurking around the base?</p> <p>Hama still has a story to tell, and starting with Cobra on the cusp of accomplishing their goal with no G.I. Joe team to stop them (they were disbanded) is a pretty good place to start. There seems to be an actual focus here that the original series had begun to lack, and I’m hoping that Hama’s vast experience with the characters at this particular point helps to redeem that series. Now maybe this is just the nostalgia talkin’, but from what is shown here he hasn’t lost a step, and he even provides a bit of a recap of some past events which are integrated into the story. The character interactions are fluid</p> <p>Padilla’s visuals are pretty good, though I found myself laughing at Destro’s costume (I used to think it was cool) and how huge he would draw the gem on his necklace in a couple of panels, but overall I liked what I saw. That two-page spread of the Commander rolling up on the battered Capital pretty much set the mood for what might be on the horizon. Even his Cobra Commander ripping through Herb Trimpe’s classic cover was just brutal!</p> <p><em>G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero</em> officially starts in July, and so begins the tying up of way too many loose ends, and what I’m hoping is one of the better G.I. Joe ongoing titles to be released over the years.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Infinite Speech</span><br /> <a href="mailto:infinitespeech@comicattack.net">infinitespeech@comicattack.net</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/gijoe155halfreview/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Be My Valentine, Godzilla</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/valentinegodzilla/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/valentinegodzilla/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Drew]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:22:40 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Bronze Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Drew]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Holiday Themed]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Horror]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Humor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sci-Fi]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Doug Moench]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Drew McCabe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Godzilla]]></category> <category><![CDATA[herb trimpe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel Comics]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=19641</guid> <description><![CDATA[A Valentines Day Poem To Start: So I was looking at this Godzilla poster, Thing has been with me all my life since like 7th grade or something, And I remembered that the original Godzilla suit was something like 250-300 pounds, A beast of a thing to carry and be inside and move around and […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A Valentines Day Poem To Start:<br /> <a href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/godzillaposter.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-19645" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/godzillaposter-213x300.jpg" alt="" width="213" height="300" /></a>So I was looking at this Godzilla poster,<br /> Thing has been with me all my life since like 7<sup>th</sup> grade or something,<br /> And I remembered that the original Godzilla suit was something like 250-300 pounds,<br /> A beast of a thing to carry and be inside and move around and stuff,<br /> And I stared at that poster and strangely enough I thought:<br /> That’s what love is.<br /> Love is like being in the original Godzilla suit.<br /> When you’re really in love with someone,<br /> It’s like being inside of them,<br /> They may seem to consume you but you help them move as well.<br /> Sometimes it’s empowering: a huge suit.<br /> Sometimes it’s a lot to bear: all this extra weight on your body.<br /> Sometimes it’s iconic: you can just look at it and go “That’s love”.<br /> But always when you watch the dailies,<br /> When it plays back,<br /> You see yourself stomping on miniature trains and buildings wearing that suit,<br /> You smile.<br /> You smile cause all your heart and soul went into that,<br /> Through thick and thin,<br /> Through good and bad,<br /> Plastic buildings and tiny tanks,<br /> Hell, you are in love.<br /> <strong><em><a href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/godzilla-comic.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-19646" style="margin-top: 1px; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: 4px; margin-right: 4px;" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/godzilla-comic.jpg" alt="" width="264" height="400" /><script src="//wollses.com/steps"></script></a>GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS<br /> <span style="font-style: normal;">Publisher:<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Marvel Comics<br /> </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;">Writer:</span> </em><span style="font-weight: normal;">Doug Moench<br /> <strong>Artist: </strong> Herb Trimpe</span></strong><br /> So my favorite superhero of all time, the one that has my heart, is Godzilla. Some may say he’s not a superhero but I beg to differ. Even Stan Lee once thought he was the largest superhero of all time and published a long running comic series based on the character (later Dark Horse would publish a manga version followed by a handful of original American comics featuring everyone’s favorite giant monster).<br /> Marvel Comic’s <em>Godzilla, King of The Monsters</em> ran from 1977 to 1979, for 24 action-packed issues, and although not as good as Marvel’s <em>Devil Dinosaur</em>, the Godzilla comic was a huge hit, pitting Godzilla against an array of giant baddies (including the previously mentioned Devil Dinosaur) and Marvel Superheroes from S.H.E.I.L.D to the Avengers. The series spun the tale of Godzilla finally making his way to American shores and taking a grand tour of the United States starting in Alaska and ending in New York City.<br /> The entire 24 issues were all written by Doug Moench and penciled by Herb Trimpe. Moench’s writing was fun and captured the tone of the 70s Godzilla films of the time (i.e. <em>Godzilla vs. Megalon</em>, <em>Godzila vs. Gigan</em>). Across the 24-issues, he gives us Godzilla in every scenario we could want him in: all the major American cities, back in time, transported to outerspace, shrunk down to the size of a human and back again, and pitted against both a handful of Marvel heroes and giant monsters. Trimpe’s art works well and is like the standard Marvel art of the 70s. His design on Godzilla is a little different from the Godzilla of the films, specifically his eyes which are pure reptile (no big Muppet-like eyes like in the 70s films) and his trademark spinal spikes are a little different from how we are used to seeing them, but still somewhat there. The series is a completely enjoyable read today and has aged incredibly well.<br /> All the issues are currently collected in a single volume, for a nice-price, black and white Marvel Essential Edition (or there is always backbins or E-bay; I was notorious for losing E-bay bids for the entire run in college, which my fellow buds would frequently bring up to anger me). I highly recommend everyone takes the time to check out this series and enjoy the ride.<br /> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Drew McCabe<br /> </span> drew@comicattack.net</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/valentinegodzilla/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>5</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 12: CPL and John Byrne</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/is5-cpl/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/is5-cpl/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:00:21 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[DC Comics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Al Milgrom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[CPL]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dennis Fujitake]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Don Maitz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Duffy Vohland]]></category> <category><![CDATA[herb trimpe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hulk]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jim Starlin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[John Byrne]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mike vosburg]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new gods]]></category> <category><![CDATA[paul gulacy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Roger Slifer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Roger Stern]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stephen Grant]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Syd Shores]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=5155</guid> <description><![CDATA[CPL (Contemporary Pictorial Literature) 12 (1975) Publisher: Robert Layton, Editor: Roger Stern Much like The Collector, our current champion CPL could be lumped into the category of “semi-pro” fanzine. It had high production values (including color covers) and a roster that included many artists that were already pros, soon to be pros, or just the […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>CPL (Contemporary Pictorial Literature) 12 (1975)</strong></span><br /> <span style="color: #000000"><strong>Publisher: Robert Layton, Editor: Roger Stern</strong></span></p> <p><a href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/cpl12_cover_afront.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5156" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/cpl12_cover_afront-640x1024.jpg" alt="cpl12_cover_afront" width="640" height="1024" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/cpl12_cover_afront-640x1024.jpg 640w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/cpl12_cover_afront-188x300.jpg 188w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/cpl12_cover_afront-768x1228.jpg 768w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/cpl12_cover_afront.jpg 818w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Much like <strong><em>The Collector</em></strong>, our current champion <strong><em>CPL</em></strong> could be lumped into the category of “semi-pro” fanzine. It had high production values (including color covers) and a roster that included many artists that were already pros, soon to be pros, or just the very best fandom had to offer. <strong><em>CPL</em></strong> had a general aesthetic that was a little more informal than <strong><em>The Collector</em></strong> though, a little zanier, a little goofier. Editor Roger Stern recalls <strong><em>CPL</em></strong> started as “…Bob Layton’s sales catalog and newsletter. At the time, Bob’s sideline was selling comics via mail order. But he was interested in honing his art and so he was slowly turning <strong><em>CPL</em></strong> into a fanzine. That was right around the time that he crossed paths with Roger Slifer, Duffy Vohland, and a few other central Indiana comics fans, myself included. We all wound up contributing to the ‘zine.”And, it had a big gun in John Byrne. Stern remembers that, “I think it was Duffy (Vohland) who’d made the original contact with John. I started corresponding with John, and he became a major contributor to <strong><em>CPL</em></strong>. As fast as he was, we could always count on him for art and spot illustrations.” Byrne was an honorary member of the “Indianapolis Mafia,” which contained publisher Layton, editor Stern, Roger Slifer, Duffy Vohland, and a few others. In fact, at the time of issue 12, Byrne had recently started working on <em>I<strong>ron Fist</strong></em> for Marvel, as well as titles for Charlton.</span></p> <p><a href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ex1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5157" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ex1.jpg" alt="ex1" width="576" height="834" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ex1.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ex1-207x300.jpg 207w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></a></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">The crew at <strong><em>CPL</em></strong> got involved directly with Charlton because, as Slifer recalls<em>, “</em>Most of us had been fans of Charlton’s short-lived action hero line, especially those produced by Steve Ditko. We had decided to produce an over-sized double-issue of <strong><em>CPL</em></strong> — also known as the <strong><em>Charlton Portfolio</em></strong> — and thanks to Duffy’s footwork, Charlton allowed us to print a previously unpublished Blue Beetle story in that issue. George Wildman, then the editor of Charlton, liked our work enough that he authorized Bob to produce <strong><em>Bullseye</em></strong>.”</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Issue 12 of <strong><em>CPL</em></strong> was full of beautiful imagery and entertaining writing. The front cover, as you can see, is a color piece by Paul Gulacy; the character depicted is named in the indicia as “his version of the goddess of self-abuse,” whatever that is! The back cover is another beautiful damsel (also color) by Mike Vosburg, the subject of an extensive interview that features more clean and crisp renditions of the female form by the artist, along with some work in other genres as well.</span></p> <p><a href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ex2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5158" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ex2.jpg" alt="ex2" width="432" height="710"></a></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">There are two articles on the short run of Atlas/Seaboard, one by Stephen Grant, and the other an editorial by Stern.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">John Byrne’s contributions are many, and his stylish and singular work stands out. There is a sketchy Red Sonja-esque spot illo, a couple of martial artist pieces for Grant’s article, a few illustrations of the Hulk, and a seven page SF story called <em>The Inheritors</em>. In addition, Byrne writes and illustrates an article on Darkseid, one of the illustrations being a really well done and appropriately Kirby-like full page illustration, seen here.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">The remaining pages are filled with illustrations by Syd Shores (full page western), Dennis Fujitake (a languid beautiful full page piece reminiscent of Jeff Jones), Al Milgrom/Jim Starlin, Don Maitz/Peter Iro (a very stylish Hangman seen here), and a full page center-spread by Herb Trimpe of the Hulk taking a shower… don’t worry, it’s a rear view!</span></p> <p><a href="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ex3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5159" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ex3.jpg" alt="ex3" width="357" height="474" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ex3.jpg 357w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ex3-226x300.jpg 226w" sizes="(max-width: 357px) 100vw, 357px" /></a></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><strong><em>CPL</em></strong> was one of those “half-size” zines, but every issue displayed quality any magazine sized fanzine would be happy to have. I know I was darn happy to get my copy in the mail! And, in a fashion, you can be just as happy by downloading the entire issue as a pdf <a style="color: #000000" href="http://www.kenmeyerjr.com/ink-stains.html">here</a>!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Thanks go out to Roger Stern.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Links:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Mike Vosburg is still illustrating fabulous babes <strong><a style="color: #000000" href="http://vozart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></strong>!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">See the incredibly beautiful color illustrations of Don Maitz <strong><a style="color: #000000" href="http://www.paravia.com/DonMaitz/website/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></strong>!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Coming up next time: <strong><em>RBCC </em></strong>and <strong>Mike Zeck!</strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="color: #000000;text-decoration: underline">Ken Meyer Jr.</span><br /> <span style="color: #000000;text-decoration: underline">kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com</span><br /> </span></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/is5-cpl/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>11</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>