<?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>Jack Kirby – ComicAttack.net</title> <atom:link href="https://comicattack.net/tag/jack-kirby/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://comicattack.net</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 30 Aug 2023 03:52:10 +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>Jack Kirby – ComicAttack.net</title> <link>https://comicattack.net</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Ink Stains 169: Infinity 1</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-169-infinity-1/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-169-infinity-1/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 29 Aug 2023 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Avengers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[EC Comics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fantasy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Horror]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Journalists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Berni Wrightson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dave Cockrum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hal Foster]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Kirby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[James Warren]]></category> <category><![CDATA[John Adkins Richardson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marie Severin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reed Crandall]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Russ Manning]]></category> <category><![CDATA[William C Gaines]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=160375</guid> <description><![CDATA[Infinity 1: Summer 1970Editors/publishers: Adam Malin and Gary Berman What is that saying? From small things big things one day shall come? That definitely applies in this case. Infinity started here, a scrappy zine from a couple of (I think) teenagers, and it went on to be, arguably, the best “art-zine” of its time. I […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="604" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_cover.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160376" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_cover.jpg 604w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_cover-229x300.jpg 229w" sizes="(max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px" /></figure></div> <p></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><strong>Infinity 1: Summer 1970<br>Editors/publishers: Adam Malin and Gary Berman</strong></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">What is that saying? From small things big things one day shall come? That definitely applies in this case. <strong><em>Infinity</em></strong> started here, a scrappy zine from a couple of (I think) teenagers, and it went on to be, arguably, the best “art-zine” of its time. I have covered the later issues but have finally gotten around to covering the initial issue (thanks to the all knowing Manny Maris). Adam, through Facebook, answered some questions for an earlier column, and from that is drawn the quote below.</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Gary and I grew up together on a block of duplexes in Fresh Meadows, New York (on Long Island). We were both comic book fans and I in particular was obsessed with the works of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Jim Steranko. Around that time in the back of a Marvel comic book I stumbled on an ad for a fanzine called <strong>RBCC </strong>(<strong>Rockets Blast Comic Collector</strong>) which I ordered. And much to my surprise I saw ads from hundreds of people selling off comic books well as for magazines I’d never seen before called fanzines; adapting that concept Gary and I began putting together a fanzine called <strong>Infinity</strong>. I was fortunate in that my father was a commercial artist and had experience with paste-up work, letraset, prestone and typesetting, all of which were mechanical media years before the advent of computer desktop publishing. Our first issue launched in 1970 and through my growing fan acquaintances I was able to gather artwork from some of the notable comic and fantasy artists of the era.</p> </blockquote> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-full"><img decoding="async" width="247" height="438" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_berni1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160378" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_berni1.jpg 247w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_berni1-169x300.jpg 169w" sizes="(max-width: 247px) 100vw, 247px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">This first issue shows the first awkward steps of the two go getters…the interior design is scattershot at best, and the reproduction not so hot in some places. But, like all great fanzines, the enthusiasm and dedication is there in spades.</p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">As far as contributors go, this issue definitely sets the stage for the level of work that be coming soon. In fact, in the person of Berni Wrightson, it thunders in immediately with a huge ax, dragging a wench by the hair! That is, savage barbarian action aplenty! Left and below are a few small pieces (and the cover above is by Wrightson as well).</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" width="405" height="550" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_berni3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160377" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_berni3.jpg 405w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_berni3-221x300.jpg 221w" sizes="(max-width: 405px) 100vw, 405px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="442" height="443" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_berni4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160379" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_berni4.jpg 442w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_berni4-300x300.jpg 300w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_berni4-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_severin.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160380" style="width:379px;height:528px" width="379" height="528" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_severin.jpg 568w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_severin-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="(max-width: 379px) 100vw, 379px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">The first text feature is an interview with EC and <strong><em>Mad</em></strong> leader, Bill Gaines. Following is a comics quiz, an article on <em>Horror: DC and Marvel</em>, and a review column on “fanazines” (dunno why they called them that). After those text features is an interview with…Galactus! Why he couldn’t just send Norrin Radd is beyond me…isn’t that what heralds are for? An article on fandom in general follows and then <em>The Comic History of Tarzan</em>, adorned by a Russ Manning sketch. At left is a sketch of the very recently departed Marie Severin of a <strong><em>Kazar</em></strong> cover. Next up is an article called <em>The Comic Speculator</em>, on the business of buying and selling collectible comics. Ironically, there was a line in the Gaines interview stating that EC covers were “going for upwards of 60 dollars.” Can you imagine???</p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">An interview with Jim Warren follows, somewhat lengthy for a fanzine, which is nice. Right before that, though, you get to see the raw power of Jack Kirby personified in the Captain America pin up below.</p> <p></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="530" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_kirby.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160381" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_kirby.jpg 530w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_kirby-201x300.jpg 201w" sizes="(max-width: 530px) 100vw, 530px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">A reprinted EC story by Reed Crandall follows, then we witness some fan fiction in <em>The Great Time Revolt</em>. A few ads, an editorial, the Berni Wrightson portfolio (most of which is seen above), and a short Hal Foster feature follows, accompanied by the illustration seen below.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="389" height="666" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_foster.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160382" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_foster.jpg 389w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_foster-175x300.jpg 175w" sizes="(max-width: 389px) 100vw, 389px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">I cannot end the column without showing some illustrations by the much loved Dave Cockrum below, pretty early in his fanzine “career.”</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="565" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_cockrum1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160383" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_cockrum1.jpg 565w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_cockrum1-214x300.jpg 214w" sizes="(max-width: 565px) 100vw, 565px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="604" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_cockrum2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160384" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_cockrum2.jpg 604w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/art_cockrum2-229x300.jpg 229w" sizes="(max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Infinity the measure of time might go on forever, but <strong><em>Infinity</em></strong> the fanzine ends at page 48! Thanks again to the great Manny Maris for allowing me to borrow this zine to scan and don’t worry, there are many more to follow.</p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Please feel free to leave comments, requests, diatribes, exhortations, and cries of surrender! Remember, you can access all the fanzines (and pdfs of the full zines) on my website <a href="http://www.kenmeyerjr.com">here</a>!</p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Ken Meyer Jr.<br>kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-169-infinity-1/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 164: Venture 2 and 3</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-164-venture-2-and-3/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-164-venture-2-and-3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Batman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[DC Comics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fantasy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[History]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Horror]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Humor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Journalists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[San Diego Comic Con]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sci-Fi]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sexy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brent Anderson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[frank cirocco]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gary winnick]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Kirby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jim Pinkoski]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Johnny Hart]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Michael Kaluta]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neal Adams]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=160009</guid> <description><![CDATA[Venture 2/3: 1973/1974Publishers/editors: Frank Cirocco and Gary Winnick Those of you that have read this column for a long time know Venture is a huge favorite of mine. I wrote letters of comment to it frequently, as well as befriended Brent Anderson through it (we corresponded through the mail a lot and he inked my […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="796" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_covers-1024x796.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160010" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_covers-1024x796.jpg 1024w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_covers-300x233.jpg 300w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_covers-768x597.jpg 768w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_covers.jpg 1296w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The front covers!</figcaption></figure> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><strong>Venture 2/3: 1973/1974<br>Publishers/editors: Frank Cirocco and Gary Winnick</strong></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Those of you that have read this column for a long time know <strong><em>Venture</em></strong> is a huge favorite of mine. I wrote letters of comment to it frequently, as well as befriended Brent Anderson through it (we corresponded through the mail a lot and he inked my first published work, an illustration of Bruce Lee). It was always a thrill to get a new issue, even if the zine only lasted 5 issues.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="580" height="780" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_cirrocco1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160011" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_cirrocco1.jpg 580w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_cirrocco1-223x300.jpg 223w" sizes="(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">This column, as you can see from the covers above, illustrates issues 2 and 3. The third issue is when Frank Cirocco really started becoming “Frank Cirocco,” master of zipatone! I really loved his mysterious and incredibly well designed pin ups sprinkled throughout the issues (like the one above). But, I am getting ahead of myself…let’s start perusing issue 2.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="613" height="808" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_cirrocco.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160012" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_cirrocco.jpg 613w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_cirrocco-228x300.jpg 228w" sizes="(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">It’s really pretty amazing the leaps Frank took between those issues, in the span of one year. However, the first story (and Venture was all about original stories) is by his partner, Gary Winnick, and is called <em>The Wizard’s Tower.</em> Taking place in a blasted post disaster Earth, a winged man finds a mysterious tower and gets a big surprise. Below you can see a sampling. Gary also had a predilection towards the ol’ zip.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="581" height="788" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_wizard.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160013" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_wizard.jpg 581w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_wizard-221x300.jpg 221w" sizes="(max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px" /></figure></div> <p></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Cirocco follows next, with a multi-chapter tale of magic, a sort of sick science, and of course…a surprise at the end! I think the boys were big EC fans! Below you see a few pages from <em>Issac-7/Ivory Towers/Undead</em>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="546" height="752" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_isaac.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160014" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_isaac.jpg 546w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_isaac-218x300.jpg 218w" sizes="(max-width: 546px) 100vw, 546px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="548" height="758" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_ivory.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160015" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_ivory.jpg 548w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_ivory-217x300.jpg 217w" sizes="(max-width: 548px) 100vw, 548px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="562" height="763" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_undead.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160016" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_undead.jpg 562w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_undead-221x300.jpg 221w" sizes="(max-width: 562px) 100vw, 562px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="564" height="784" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_undead2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160017" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_undead2.jpg 564w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_undead2-216x300.jpg 216w" sizes="(max-width: 564px) 100vw, 564px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Brent Anderson seemed happy enough doing his funny little <em>Grimmley’s Tales</em> in both issues, featuring an utterly hapless little alien seemingly all alone on a desolate planet. Sigh with sympathy below.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="569" height="771" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_grimmley.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160018" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_grimmley.jpg 569w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_grimmley-221x300.jpg 221w" sizes="(max-width: 569px) 100vw, 569px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Winnick appears again with <em>God of the Mists</em>. At first, I thought maybe Gary was a big Kate Bush fan, judging from the appearance of his female character, but then remembered this story was about 8 or so years too early to have known of Kate. Check it out.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="574" height="784" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_god.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160019" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_god.jpg 574w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_god-220x300.jpg 220w" sizes="(max-width: 574px) 100vw, 574px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sort of a marriage of Swamp Thing and the Creature from the Black Lagoon?</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="580" height="785" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_god2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160020" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_god2.jpg 580w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_god2-222x300.jpg 222w" sizes="(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">See what I mean? Kate!</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Cirocco returns again with Ziggy, a tale with…you guessed it.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="494" height="674" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_ziggy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160021" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_ziggy.jpg 494w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_ziggy-220x300.jpg 220w" sizes="(max-width: 494px) 100vw, 494px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Hey, I was wrong! Brent does do a non <em>Grimmley</em> piece…one that must have taken a loooong time, as you can see below.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="564" height="762" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_brent.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160022" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_brent.jpg 564w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_brent-222x300.jpg 222w" sizes="(max-width: 564px) 100vw, 564px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">There are a few pinups by Winnick and Cirocco, as well as a few more <em>Grimmley’s Tales</em>, which you can see in the PDF! For now, on to issue 3.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="588" height="786" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_letter.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160023" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_letter.jpg 588w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_letter-224x300.jpg 224w" sizes="(max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">a letter included with one of the issues</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Above you see a letter that whomever owned the zine was nice enough to keep…it shows another beautifully designed piece by Frank. On Facebook, Frank was nice enough to give me a little nutshell version of <strong><em>Venture</em></strong>‘s history.</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p><strong><em>Venture</em></strong> was a creative time of learning how to not only draw comics, but assemble a book with a professional enough look to sell commercially. Brent and I were in high school when it began in 1972 (I, a sophomore and he, a junior). It kicked off our amateur art careers that eventually led to a relationship with Neal Adams (pin-ups purchased at SDCC and #5’s consigned cover) to eventually starting our professional careers in NYC at <em>Continuity</em> in 1976.</p> </blockquote> <p></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Issue 3 has something new…sketches from the above mentioned Neal Adams, sprinkled throughout the issue. Check out the master of realism below!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="581" height="753" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsangel.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160024" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsangel.jpg 581w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsangel-231x300.jpg 231w" sizes="(max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="562" height="697" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsarrow.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160025" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsarrow.jpg 562w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsarrow-242x300.jpg 242w" sizes="(max-width: 562px) 100vw, 562px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="575" height="570" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsbats.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160026" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsbats.jpg 575w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsbats-300x297.jpg 300w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsbats-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="550" height="692" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsdead.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160027" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsdead.jpg 550w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsdead-238x300.jpg 238w" sizes="(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="516" height="544" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsvision.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160028" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsvision.jpg 516w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_adamsvision-285x300.jpg 285w" sizes="(max-width: 516px) 100vw, 516px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">One of the first full page images we see, however, is a nicely detailed rendition of Robert E. Howard’s most famous creation by Jim Pinkoski, seen below.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="560" height="765" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_pinkoski.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160029" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_pinkoski.jpg 560w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_pinkoski-220x300.jpg 220w" sizes="(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">The cleverly titled <em>Flashback</em> (combined with the visuals) might give you a clue as to who is the star of the next story by Frank, where his love of Jeff Jones (I believe) is shown in the wistful imagery of the story.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="576" height="777" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_flashback1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160030" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_flashback1.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_flashback1-222x300.jpg 222w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="579" height="776" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_flashback2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160031" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_flashback2.jpg 579w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_flashback2-224x300.jpg 224w" sizes="(max-width: 579px) 100vw, 579px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Another installment of sad ol’ Grimmley appears next.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="585" height="767" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_grimmley-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160032" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_grimmley-1.jpg 585w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_grimmley-1-229x300.jpg 229w" sizes="(max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Gary Winnick appears here, with<em> Bugz</em> (written by Frank Morant), the visuals reminding me very much of Kenneth Smith and his elaborately detailed and sometimes whimsical creatures. You be the judge!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="576" height="774" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_bugz.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160033" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_bugz.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_bugz-223x300.jpg 223w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">There is a nice little bit of coverage of the San Diego comicon from waaaay back in 1973 by Frank and crew, complete with the requisite blurry black and white photo reproductions! This was such a huge deal for people like me that lived nowhere near San Diego or New York, the only places to have cons back then, really.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="605" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_photos.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160034" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_photos.jpg 605w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_photos-229x300.jpg 229w" sizes="(max-width: 605px) 100vw, 605px" /></figure></div> <p></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">S<em>in Eater</em> is next, by Cirocco (also written by Morant), with, what? A surprise ending! Plus, lots of zipatone, a gorgeous maiden who is not as empty headed as she seems!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="580" height="770" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_sin.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160035" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_sin.jpg 580w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_sin-226x300.jpg 226w" sizes="(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">An especially gorgeous back cover finishes up this issue by Cirocco, also a master of mood.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="591" height="782" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_cover_bk.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160036" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_cover_bk.jpg 591w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/art_cover_bk-227x300.jpg 227w" sizes="(max-width: 591px) 100vw, 591px" /></figure></div> <p></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Thanks for coming…both of you! Please leave comments if you have time, and don’t forget to go my site here, to get the pdfs of the entirety of both issues. And…come back next month for another installment of <strong><em>Ink Stains</em></strong>! Thanks to Frank for adding the inside scoop as well.</p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Ken Meyer Jr.<br>kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com</p> <p></p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-164-venture-2-and-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 158: Comic Crusader 16</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-158-comic-crusader-16/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-158-comic-crusader-16/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[DC Comics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Humor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Journalists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sci-Fi]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Al Bradford]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alan Hutchinson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill Black]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Carl Taylor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Clyde Caldwell]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dennis Fujitake]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Don Newton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Frank McLaughlin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gil kane]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Kirby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Sinnott]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Staton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marie Severin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mike Royer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nicola Cuti]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Russ Manning]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Steve Hickman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tom Armstrong]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wendy Pini]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=159566</guid> <description><![CDATA[Comic Crusader 16: 1974Publisher/editor: Martin L. Greim Buddy of Joe Sinnott, unabashed swiper, and all around nice guy, Marty Greim returns with another incredibly well put together themed issue of the long running Comic Crusader! We saw the 17th issue covered in the last installment, so since we are going back in time anyway, we […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1008" height="307" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_banner-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159594" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_banner-1.jpg 1008w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_banner-1-300x91.jpg 300w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_banner-1-768x234.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1008px) 100vw, 1008px" /></figure> <p><strong>Comic Crusader 16: 1974<br>Publisher/editor: Martin L. Greim</strong></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="581" height="780" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_cover.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159567" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_cover.jpg 581w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_cover-223x300.jpg 223w" sizes="(max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px" /></figure></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_eman1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159568" width="227" height="379" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_eman1.jpg 457w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_eman1-180x300.jpg 180w" sizes="(max-width: 227px) 100vw, 227px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Buddy of Joe Sinnott, unabashed swiper, and all around nice guy, Marty Greim returns with another incredibly well put together themed issue of the long running <strong><em>Comic Crusader</em></strong>! We saw the 17th issue covered in the last installment, so since we are going back in time anyway, we go even further back in this installment with issue 16.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="152" height="249" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_taylor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159569"/></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">This issue revolves around three main topics; the charming Charlton series, <strong><em>E-Man</em></strong>, science fiction mainstay M<strong><em>agus Robot Fighter</em></strong>, and Kirby’s <strong><em>New Gods</em></strong> series for DC. As you can see above, co-creator and artist, Joe Staton, plays an active part in this issue (both in doing art and participating in an interview alongside co-creator, Nicola Cuti). The two interview are accompanied by art not only by Staton, but, as seen to the right, fandom biggies like Carl Taylor!</p> <p></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="598" height="464" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_magnus2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159570" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_magnus2.jpg 598w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_magnus2-300x233.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 598px) 100vw, 598px" /><figcaption>early Manning Magnus art</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="230" height="290" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_magnus3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159571"/></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Next up is an article on Magnus, Robot Fighter, as well as an interview with Russ Manning himself.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_magnuswoman-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159577" width="170" height="308" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_magnuswoman-1.jpg 246w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_magnuswoman-1-165x300.jpg 165w" sizes="(max-width: 170px) 100vw, 170px" /><figcaption>Wendy Pini</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">It is a lengthy piece, with tons of elaborating illustrations by people like Manning himself, Griem, Alan Huthinson, and even early Wendy Pini! A Manning checklist follows the article. One interesting side note is that Manning, a fabled Tarzan artist, when given permission to create/write the character, considered him a “Tarzan of the future!”</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="501" height="326" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_magnus4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159578" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_magnus4.jpg 501w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_magnus4-300x195.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 501px) 100vw, 501px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="552" height="762" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_magnus1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159581" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_magnus1.jpg 552w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_magnus1-217x300.jpg 217w" sizes="(max-width: 552px) 100vw, 552px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Not padding the issue with junk, Marty jumps right into the very extensive New Gods article, complete with illustrations by Dennis Fujitake, Greim, Tom Armstrong, Al Bradford, Carl Taylor, Don Newton, Joe Sinnott, and…Jack Kirby!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="547" height="738" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_kirby2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159582" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_kirby2.jpg 547w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_kirby2-222x300.jpg 222w" sizes="(max-width: 547px) 100vw, 547px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="442" height="352" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_fujitake.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159583" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_fujitake.jpg 442w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_fujitake-300x239.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px" /><figcaption>two Fujitake spots</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="571" height="536" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_fujitake2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159584" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_fujitake2.jpg 571w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_fujitake2-300x282.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 571px) 100vw, 571px" /><figcaption>more Fujitake!</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="238" height="285" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_marie.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159585"/></figure></div> <p>The third interview is with the irrepressible Marie Severin…what a blast it would have been to have known her! There are several illustrations by Marie (from various published projects), as well as Greim and Clyde Caldwell. Marie is at turns serious, studied, expansive and just darn funny. I really miss her <strong><em>Not Brand Ecch</em></strong> stuff!</p> <p></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Following the interviews is a strip entitled <em>Dead Planet</em> by seasoned pro, Frank McLaughlin. A beautiful and clean strip visually reminiscent of Al Williamson and Manning himself…check out a few pages below.</p> <p></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="535" height="768" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_mclaughlin.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159586" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_mclaughlin.jpg 535w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_mclaughlin-209x300.jpg 209w" sizes="(max-width: 535px) 100vw, 535px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="539" height="772" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_mclaughlin2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159587" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_mclaughlin2.jpg 539w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_mclaughlin2-209x300.jpg 209w" sizes="(max-width: 539px) 100vw, 539px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="541" height="771" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_mclaughlin3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159588" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_mclaughlin3.jpg 541w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_mclaughlin3-211x300.jpg 211w" sizes="(max-width: 541px) 100vw, 541px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">The issue ends with the letters page and a Stephen Hickman backcover, but first, a few spare pieces of artwork to fry yer eyeballs!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="334" height="575" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_kane.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159589" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_kane.jpg 334w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_kane-174x300.jpg 174w" sizes="(max-width: 334px) 100vw, 334px" /><figcaption>Gil Kane</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="570" height="784" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_kirby.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159590" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_kirby.jpg 570w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_kirby-218x300.jpg 218w" sizes="(max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="430" height="539" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_armstrong.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159591" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_armstrong.jpg 430w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_armstrong-239x300.jpg 239w" sizes="(max-width: 430px) 100vw, 430px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="553" height="730" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_hickman.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159592" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_hickman.jpg 553w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/art_hickman-227x300.jpg 227w" sizes="(max-width: 553px) 100vw, 553px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">That brings this installment to a close, and I hope you liked it (you can prove it, bucko, by commenting)! Tune in next month for who knows what? Again, thanks to Manny Maris for providing this and many other zines for me scan for the column!</p> <p></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ken Meyer Jr.</span><br>kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-158-comic-crusader-16/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 138: Fan’s-Zine 8</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-138-fans-zine-8/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-138-fans-zine-8/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 2021 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Avengers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spider-Man]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alan Hanley]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill Neville]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Carl Taylor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dave Cockrum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dave Stevens]]></category> <category><![CDATA[doug hazlewood]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Doug Herring]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Eddie Eddings]]></category> <category><![CDATA[George Hartman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[George Perez]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gilbert Hernandez]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Kirby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jay Van Bockel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mark Heike]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mike machlan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mike O'Neill]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neil Riehle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pete Iro]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rafael Kayanan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sal Buscema]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sam De La Rosa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Steve Lightle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Willie Blyberg]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Willie Peppers]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=154835</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Fan’s-Zine 8: Spring/Summer 1978Editor/publisher: J&J Enterprises Someone was kind enough to send me a pdf of this zine (which I had heard of, but never possessed myself), so I thought I would jump on it and cover it this month. Lots of great artwork by a who’s who of fan artists at that time, […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="611" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_cover.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154836" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_cover.jpg 611w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_cover-231x300.jpg 231w" sizes="(max-width: 611px) 100vw, 611px" /></figure> <p><strong><mark class="has-inline-color has-black-color">The Fan’s-Zine 8: Spring/Summer 1978<br>Editor/publisher: J&J Enterprises</mark></strong></p> <p><mark class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Someone was kind enough to send me a pdf of this zine (which I had heard of, but never possessed myself), so I thought I would jump on it and cover it this month. Lots of great artwork by a who’s who of fan artists at that time, so let’s get shaking!</mark></p> <p><mark class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Credits of the text features are a little hard to discern, so keep that in mind. The first actual feature, aside from the editorial, is an article on Sub-mariner, featuring a really nice Carl Taylor piece, inked by Pete Iro of Interfan (the zine is flush with work from Interfan members). Check it out below.</mark></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="800" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_subby.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154837" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_subby.jpg 612w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_subby-230x300.jpg 230w" sizes="(max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /></figure> <p><mark class="has-inline-color has-black-color"><em>Marvel Comics Comments</em> follows and is adorned with a spot illo by Sal Buscema and “Interfan,” so no clue on the actual inker.</mark> <mark class="has-inline-color has-black-color">A fan awards ballot follows, and then a sequential piece called <em>The Quad Man</em> by (I think) editor Jay Van Bockel (of J&J?), Mark Heike, and John Harris (the other J?). Very early Heike here, folks…and I see at least one Burne Hogarth swipe! See a page below.</mark></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="582" height="777" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_heike.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154838" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_heike.jpg 582w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_heike-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px" /></figure> <p><mark class="has-inline-color has-black-color">A couple pages of fanzine reviews follows, and it is here I want to insert a few of the many nice spot illos sprinkled throughout the zine.</mark></p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="292" height="456" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_hulkdoug.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154839" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_hulkdoug.jpg 292w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_hulkdoug-192x300.jpg 192w" sizes="(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="240" height="350" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_solar.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154840" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_solar.jpg 240w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_solar-206x300.jpg 206w" sizes="(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="295" height="318" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_hulk.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154841" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_hulk.jpg 295w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_hulk-278x300.jpg 278w" sizes="(max-width: 295px) 100vw, 295px" /><figcaption>A Carl Taylor piece inked by a young Dave Stevens!</figcaption></figure></div> <p><mark class="has-inline-color has-black-color">…and before I forget, here is an early piece by one of that talented trio of brothers, Gilbert Hernandez!</mark></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="573" height="760" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_bert.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154842" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_bert.jpg 573w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_bert-226x300.jpg 226w" sizes="(max-width: 573px) 100vw, 573px" /></figure> <p><mark class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Next is a short article on the Marvel comic, <strong><em>Super-Villain Team-Up</em></strong> and then, what must have been a great “get’ by the zine, an interview with the great George Perez (part 2). A super wacky Jack Kirby pin up follows, inked by Willie Blyberg and Sam de la Rosa (who did what?) that you can see below.</mark></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="648" height="515" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_kirby.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154843" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_kirby.jpg 648w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_kirby-300x238.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px" /></figure> <p></p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="241" height="504" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_kayanan.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154844" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_kayanan.jpg 241w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_kayanan-143x300.jpg 143w" sizes="(max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px" /></figure></div> <p><mark class="has-inline-color has-black-color">A TFN checklist follows (a loose knit fanzine organization that includes some gems as <strong><em>No Sex</em></strong>, <strong><em>Afta</em></strong>, <strong><em>Outer Limits Newsletter</em></strong>, and several more), followed by <em>The Marriage Between Heaven and Hell</em>, which explores real life superheroes of a sort. After a lengthy letters column is <em>Kiss News</em>, embellished by a Gene Simmons illo by a young Rafael Kayanan, seen at left. <em>Fanzine news</em> is next, followed by <em>Illusions</em>, and then <em>Favorites</em>, by Jeff Roberts, which recounts…well, just a few of his favorite things going on in comics at that time! Next is a feature article on Adam Warlock with a nice full page illo by Doug Herring seen below.</mark></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="620" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_warlock.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154847" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_warlock.jpg 620w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/art_warlock-235x300.jpg 235w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></figure> <p><mark class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Supposedly there is a Daredevil back cover…but the pdf I was sent just has a blank sheet, so maybe this is the new, ninja version of DD? Anyway, that wraps up this nice little zine. Check out the pdf from my site so you can see all the rest of the art, as well as maybe read through a few articles. Thanks to Neil Riehle for sending me the scan of the zine!</mark></p> <p><mark class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Tune in next month for more fanzine sweetness and please leave comments if you have time!</mark></p> <p></p> <p><mark class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Ken Meyer Jr.<br>kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com</mark></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-138-fans-zine-8/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>3</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Character Spotlight: The Avengers</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/character-spotlight-the-avengers/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/character-spotlight-the-avengers/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Bustos]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 27 Dec 2020 12:01:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Avengers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Character Spotlight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr. Bustos]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Silver Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Captain America]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hank Pym]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hulk]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Iron Man]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Kirby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Loki]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stan Lee]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Wasp]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Thor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tony Stark]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=154875</guid> <description><![CDATA[Earth’s mightiest heroes are needed to work together from time to time. The Avengers was just such the team for dangerous threats. Unlike some teams, where everyone joins out of just the goodness of their hearts, the Avengers was also able to be your career. You could be paid to be a hero since the […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Earth’s mightiest heroes are needed to work together from time to time. The Avengers was just such the team for dangerous threats. Unlike some teams, where everyone joins out of just the goodness of their hearts, the Avengers was also able to be your career. You could be paid to be a hero since the world needed powers to fight other powers. How did the Avengers come to be and where’s that bankroll come from? Let’s find out!</p> <p>It all began as a grudge between <a href="https://comicattack.net/?s=loki" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Loki</a> and <a href="https://comicattack.net/marvsnap-spotlight-thor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thor</a>. Loki had been imprisoned on Asgard but he could still influence Midgard with his magic. Deciding that the best match for Thor was the Hulk, Loki framed the Hulk for a crime he did not commit, then allowed Thor to overhear a radio broadcast warning of the Hulk’s attack.</p> <p>This would prove to be a pivotal decision, as the radio broadcast was heard by other three other heroes. Iron Man, Ant-Man, and the Wasp, had all heard the same signal and went to stop the Hulk. The five heroes found it odd that all of them were suddenly mixed up together, they were able to talk things out and Thor realized Loki was behind this.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="545" height="549" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/avengers-1-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154876" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/avengers-1-2.jpg 545w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/avengers-1-2-298x300.jpg 298w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/avengers-1-2-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 545px) 100vw, 545px" /></figure> <p>The five of them would confront Loki and when the fight was over, the team stood triumphant. Realizing that this team effort was a good idea, they thought they should make the team a more permanent idea. <a href="https://comicattack.net/marvsnap-wasp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wasp</a> dubbed them the Avengers and the name stuck, even if the team members didn’t.</p> <p>Tony Stark would fund the team, he kept his identity as Iron Man a secret but would offer them a mansion to house them and a fund to keep their operations running. The Hulk proved to be too much of a wild card and would leave the team, even working with the <a href="https://comicattack.net/marvsnap-spot-namor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sub-Mariner</a>, Namor when he fought the Avengers. This battle would unearth the frozen body of <a href="https://comicattack.net/charcapame/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Captain America</a>, who was able to be thawed out thanks to his super soldier serum-infused body.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="814" height="1024" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/5421f94e3774e6c34297303f47a03223-2-814x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154877" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/5421f94e3774e6c34297303f47a03223-2-814x1024.jpg 814w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/5421f94e3774e6c34297303f47a03223-2-238x300.jpg 238w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/5421f94e3774e6c34297303f47a03223-2-768x966.jpg 768w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/5421f94e3774e6c34297303f47a03223-2.jpg 917w" sizes="(max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px" /></figure> <p>The team would go on many adventures, team members would come and go, but they would often all work out of the Avengers’ Mansion until its destruction and the near fall of the team entirely. This would lead to temporary bases of operations until a new formal one was built. The roster may change but the team ideals stay strong.</p> <p>There you have it! The Avengers are now probably one of the most well known hero teams in the world. They’re part of a multi-billion dollar franchise with their films being the tent-pole of entire phases of films. The team changes constantly so it’s always worth checking out who joins in next. See you next time!</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="787" height="1024" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/653866._SX1600_QL80_TTD_-2-787x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154878" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/653866._SX1600_QL80_TTD_-2-787x1024.jpg 787w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/653866._SX1600_QL80_TTD_-2-231x300.jpg 231w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/653866._SX1600_QL80_TTD_-2-768x999.jpg 768w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/653866._SX1600_QL80_TTD_-2-1181x1536.jpg 1181w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/653866._SX1600_QL80_TTD_-2-1574x2048.jpg 1574w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/653866._SX1600_QL80_TTD_-2.jpg 1591w" sizes="(max-width: 787px) 100vw, 787px" /></figure> <p><em><strong>Suggested Reading<br></strong>Avengers #1<br>All-New, All-Different Avengers</em></p> <p>Dr. Bustos<br>drbustos@comicattack.net</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/character-spotlight-the-avengers/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 130: Comic & Crypt 5</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-130-comic-crypt-5/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-130-comic-crypt-5/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2020 06:00:33 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[DC Comics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[History]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Horror]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alan Hanley]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill Nelson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill Payne]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Carmine Infantino]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dan adkins]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dave Russell]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Kirby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Sinnott]]></category> <category><![CDATA[P. Craig Russell]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ron Jamieson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ron Kasman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ronn Sutton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vincent Marchesano]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=152267</guid> <description><![CDATA[Comic & Crypt 5: November 1971Editors and publishers: Mark Sigal, David Rubin, Paul Hock Comic & Crypt was one of many fanzines I unfortunately missed out on when they were a going concern. Too bad for a young me, because this zine not only has great content, as you will see soon, but it is […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="656" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_cover.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-152269" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_cover.jpg 656w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_cover-248x300.jpg 248w" sizes="(max-width: 656px) 100vw, 656px" /><figcaption>This was actually <em>drawn</em> by Craig Russell and inked by Adkins.</figcaption></figure> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Comic & Crypt 5: November 1971<br>Editors and publishers: Mark Sigal, David Rubin, Paul Hock</span></strong></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color"><strong><em>Comic & Crypt</em></strong> was one of many fanzines I unfortunately missed out on when they were a going concern. Too bad for a young me, because this zine not only has great content, as you will see soon, but it is nicely designed (thanks to Ron Kasman and Ronn Sutton). You can see a later issue profiled <a href="https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-108-comic-and-crypt-6/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. Above, you can see a ghoulish beginning for issue 5, supplied by Craig Russell and Dan Adkins. When researching this installment, I asked Craig on Facebook if this was indeed him, or another prevalent artist by the same last name, one Dave Russell. Craig responded with surprise…</span></p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Oh holy shit. Haven’t seen this in decades. Don’t even have a copy and I have a copy of everything. Almost. This is one of the first things I did with Dan. Maybe even before I officially started working in his studio. It’s a swipe of a Williamson panel if I recall correctly that he had me draw for him to ink. I have no idea what became of the original. [Ron Kasman elaborated, saying it “was from Al Williamson story in <strong>Creepy</strong> or <strong>Eerie </strong>about a comic artist named Baldo who relied on “ghosts” to do his work.</span>” <span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">-Ken]<br>I started working in his studio in the spring of ’72. None of us were ever his assistants (well, hardly ever). He always made that clear. We were working under his guidance to produce work for Marvel.</span></p></blockquote> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">He told me this had to have been done within weeks of meeting Dan for the first time! Dan Adkins was a rarity among comic professionals at the time. He responded to mail from fans and did work for fanzines at a reduced price. Below you can see one of two Kirby pieces (on the back cover) Dan provided for C&C.</span></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="562" height="681" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_kirbyadkins1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-152270" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_kirbyadkins1.jpg 562w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_kirbyadkins1-248x300.jpg 248w" sizes="(max-width: 562px) 100vw, 562px" /></figure> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignright size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="240" height="508" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_sutton2-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-152284" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_sutton2-1.jpg 240w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_sutton2-1-142x300.jpg 142w" sizes="(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px" /></figure></div> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">This issue revolves around two big subjects. First, an interview in the DC offices with not only Jack Kirby, but Carmine Infantino! Can you imagine what a score that was at the time??? This was in the beginning of Kirby’s tenure at DC, creating the New Gods, among other things! More on that later. Secondly, there are several articles covering various aspects of Dracula. On to the first subject!</span></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">After an editorial, an opinion page by Jim Vlcko (who, ironically, did not seem to be that impressed by Kirby’s work at that time), and a bit of a set up (<em>On a Clear Day You can See Third Avenue</em>), we dive into an informal but lengthy piece on the two giants of the comic industry. This covers a myriad of subjects and comes with a plethora of candid photos as well. Unfortunately, due to the nature of possibly both the photographers and the print capabilities, the photos are pretty dark, but keep in mind, fans did not see this sort of thing very often! The interview is enriched by a few illustrations by Ronn Sutton, both of Kirby and Infantino, as well as Adam Strange. Additional illustrations are provided by Ron Jamieson and Mike Heltz.</span></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="550" height="744" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_kirbyadkins2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-152273" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_kirbyadkins2.jpg 550w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_kirbyadkins2-222x300.jpg 222w" sizes="(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px" /></figure> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_hanley.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-152291" width="195" height="243" /></figure></div> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Up next is an article expounding on the New Gods saga by Bruce Kalnins called <em>Kirby’s Kozmic Kapers</em>. More illustrations by Jamieson, Sutton follow, as well as fandom stalwart, Alan Hanley (seen at left)…<em>and</em> the Kirby/Adkins piece above, of course!</span> <span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">You will see all this and much more when you check out the pdf of the whole issue <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.kenmeyerjr.com/ink-stains.html" target="_blank">here</a>, including a full page Joe Sinnott rendition of the Thing!</span></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Strangely, the Vince Marchesano piece below appears within the Kirby article as well, though it does preview the issues other big subject, Dracula.</span></p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="864" height="672" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_marchesano.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-152274" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_marchesano.jpg 864w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_marchesano-300x233.jpg 300w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_marchesano-768x597.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" /></figure></div> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Several articles follow chronicling primarily the Hammer version of the vampire, that being Christopher Lee. The articles (<em>Hammer Films Count Dracula</em>, <em>The Legend Controversy</em>, <em>The Horror of Dracula</em>, and <em>The Loneliness of Evil</em>) are enhanced by stills from various Dracula films. Remember, this was long before the internet, when images like this could be conjured in seconds by a few keystrokes. Back then, in 1971, you had to buy actual stills from a dealer if you wanted images from these now classic films.</span></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">As stated earlier, both Ronn Sutton and Ron Kasman handled the visual look of the fanzine. Kasman went on to work for Caliber the same time as I did, both of us showing off in titles like <strong><em>Negative Burn</em></strong>. When I asked Kasman about this issue of <strong><em>Comic & Crypt</em></strong> in particular, he had several points he wanted to bring up.</span></p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Here is the most important thing, and we are going back close to fifty years. Mark Sigal went to New York from Toronto to interview Jim Warren. When he got there Jim Warren became belligerent when Mark said to Billy Graham, one of the only African-Americans working in comics at the time, “What are you doing here?” Really, that is all he said, “here” being the Warren offices. Jim Warren decided that Mark had made a racist comment which was ridiculous. Luckily though, Mark was able to land an interview with Kirby and Infantino. I heard the tape. At one point Kirby is asked who his favorite artists are. Kirby did not want to answer and I can imagine the reasons were both political and personal, but I can’t read his mind. He said something like, “Anyone who contributes positively to the industry is my favourite artist”. Sigal responded with something very close to, “Do you like Ditko, Adams, Steranko?” Kirby reiterated, “I like anyone who makes a positive contribution”. This was changed in the article to, “I like Ditko, Adams and Steranko,” or words very close to that. I don’t have the issue here and I actually don’t think I have it at all anymore. But whatever is written at that point is a creation of the editorial staff and is false. Also, the false words have been quoted a few times over the years. Please forgive us all. We were in our mid to late teens.</span></p><p></p></blockquote> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Ron goes on to reveal actually <em>how</em> young they all were, and more…</span></p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">I was probably 17. Mark was 15 or 16. The others involved were closer to Mark’s age than my own. Around that time Mark was getting a load of art sent to him from all over North America. My own drawings weren’t that good. Mark kept me on as a writer and I maintained that association with the magazine.</span></p><p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Mark would be finishing high school soon and did not intend to go to university though he was a very clever young man. His fanzine years were coming to an end. His last issue of <strong>Crypt</strong> consisted of an old Frazetta comic, <strong>White Indian</strong> (I just checked on ebay). He made enough money on that to balance the loss from all the previous issues.</span></p><p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">I haven’t talked to Mark since I was maybe 25. My understanding is that he moved to Vancouver, changed his last name to an amalgam of his own last name and his wife’s last name, and runs a small business.</span></p></blockquote> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Ron is best known for his graphic novel, <strong><em>The Tower of the Comic Book Freaks</em></strong> and you can read a review of it <a href="http://www.scottedelman.com/2017/10/19/recommending-ron-kasmans-the-tower-of-the-comic-book-freaks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. His second graphic novel, <strong><em>The Geek of the Gods</em></strong>, should be in the comic book stores in May, if there are comic book stores to put it in.</span></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Ronn Sutton also did an impressive amount of work in the comics business after his stint in fandom, most notably a 46 issue run on <strong><em>Elvira, Mistress of the Dark</em></strong>. You can find out much more on his website <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.ronnsutton.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. I also saw a recent post on Facebook announcing a great new project, <strong><em>Carson of Venus</em></strong>! </span></p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">I am extremely proud to announce that, beginning today, my second Edgar Rice Burroughs projects appears. I am now drawing the weekly online adventures of “<strong>CARSON OF VENUS</strong>.” It’s a project I have wanted for many decades and its now a reality. This is one of the sample strips I created. I will also be drawing “The Man-Eater” up to its conclusion.</span></p></blockquote> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="713" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/94615025_10222879038985538_6302568493438992384_o-1024x713.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-152322" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/94615025_10222879038985538_6302568493438992384_o-1024x713.jpg 1024w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/94615025_10222879038985538_6302568493438992384_o-300x209.jpg 300w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/94615025_10222879038985538_6302568493438992384_o-768x534.jpg 768w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/94615025_10222879038985538_6302568493438992384_o.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Check <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.edgarriceburroughs.com/comics/" target="_blank">this link</a> out for more info. Below is an illustration from <strong><em>C&C</em></strong> 5, followed by a few thoughts from the man himself.</span></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="560" height="349" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_sutton.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-152309" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_sutton.jpg 560w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_sutton-300x187.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px" /></figure> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">What to tell you? My nearly 50 year old copy of <strong><em>C&C</em></strong> 5 has coffee cup ring stains on the cover. This tells me it must have been very significant to me because, apparently, it sat by my drawing table for a very long time.<br>This was the second issue (of 3), I think, that I did page layouts for. And maybe the third issue I contributed artwork to. I did the front cover for #3, I don’t recall offhand if I contributed as early as #2 or not. This was the first issue that had wraparound printing. The previous ones were all loose 8.5 x 11″ pages stapled together.<br>That article about a post-convention visit to DC included me, back in the days when fans could get casual visits, tours and appointments at comic book companies. We also got to visit <strong><em>MAD</em></strong> magazine offices and talk to Bill Gaines during an unscheduled visit. Boy, those were the days. I’d gone with some friends to Phil Seuling’s New York Comic Art Con and had even managed to get invited up to Frank Frazetta’s hotel room where he had his paintings on private display. Still have his autograph to me framed in my own studio.<br>I met Dave Russell in 1970 at the first convention I ever went to (1970 Detroit Triple Fan Fair). I’d gone specifically to befriend guest Berni Wrightson. Mission accomplished.<br>I always feel bad about Mike Heltz who drew The Angel art on page 10. I use to publish a little mimeo & ditto fanzine called <strong>Whirlwind</strong> and then decided to do a photo-offset ‘zine called <strong>Interesting Fanzine</strong> (could I have come up with a worse name?). Mike sent me a bunch of nice art, but <strong>IF</strong> was never published so I passed the art on to <strong>C&C</strong> so it would get used. I don’t know if they even sent him a copy. I’ve never heard from him again.</span></p><p></p></blockquote> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="278" height="360" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_payne.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-152332" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_payne.jpg 278w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_payne-232x300.jpg 232w" sizes="(max-width: 278px) 100vw, 278px" /></figure></div> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">That drawing by me on page 30 is inked by Bill Payne. He’s an interesting case. I realized in 1969 that the daily history newspaper comic strip </span></em><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">The Giants</span></strong><em><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color"> was syndicated by the Toronto Telegram and got them to connect me with Bill, who was writing, drawing & lettering the strip. We ended up becoming very good friends for a number of years. He hadn’t looked at a comic book since he was a little kid (he was a newspaper strip guy), so I turned him on to the best of comic books. Eventually he started submitting things and drew a number of short horror strips for </span></em><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">House of Mystery</span></strong><em><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">, </span></em><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Witching Hour</span></strong><em><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">, </span></em><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">The Unexpected</span></strong><em><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">, etc. (Amusingly he was soundly rejected by someone at Charlton, who told him to go to art school! He kept that letter proudly hung over his drawing table. HA!). Bill drifted around a bit…a job as a designer on the same newspaper, late night jazz & blues radio dee-jay, ad agency man, then went into animation. All the while doing the occasional DC short story. Last time I saw him was around 1990, we were both working freelance at a small Toronto animation studio. Any attempts to locate Bill in recent years have gotten me nowhere. I hope he’s ok, I liked him tremendously.</span></em></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Likewise I haven’t seen </span></em><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">C&C</span></strong><em><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color"> publisher/editor Mark Sigal since about then. I hadn’t seen Mark in more than a decade when I walked along Yonge Street (busiest street in Canada) and there he was, on the side of the road, next to a broken down automobile and waiting for tow truck. We both broke into laughter and set up a dinner get-together, which I don’t remember as well as that street meeting. I haven’t seen him in decades. Another good guy, though.</span></em></p></blockquote> <p class="has-text-color has-very-dark-gray-color"><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">The letters column follows, and then an inside back cover illustration by the great Bill Nelson, long before he became famous for his incredible colored pencil work I knew him for. You can peruse his amazing work <a href="http://billnelsonstudios.com/">here</a>. For the illustration in this issue, see below.</span></p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="536" height="703" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_nelson.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-152276" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_nelson.jpg 536w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/art_nelson-229x300.jpg 229w" sizes="(max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="360" height="440" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/c14bd764569b51c92f366b80cb044c92.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-152277" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/c14bd764569b51c92f366b80cb044c92.jpg 360w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/c14bd764569b51c92f366b80cb044c92-245x300.jpg 245w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /><figcaption>an example of Nelson’s colored pencil work</figcaption></figure></div> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">The Kirby/Adkins piece near the top ends the issue with an other worldly snarl as this issue of <strong><em>Comic & Crypt</em></strong> comes to an end. I hope you enjoyed another journey through the past (cue Neil Young) here in <strong><em>Ink Stains</em></strong>. Again, don’t forget to see the pdf of the whole issue <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.kenmeyerjr.com/ink-stains.html" target="_blank">here</a>! Thanks this time go out to both Ron Kasman and Ronn Sutton.</span></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Next month most likely you will be treated to a mammoth mimeo maelstrom in the name of <strong><em>Fandom Presents</em></strong>, assisted by Manny Maris! Manny has since clued me in that it was he who arranged the Kirby/Infantino interview, saying he …</span></p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">… hung out at DC after school several times a week for a couple for years. Sol Harrison wanted to throw me out, but Carmine said ‘the kid stays’. I would watch artists draw and ink in the bullpen, and sit in the library reading bound volumes of golden age comics. I, along with Mark Sigal primarily, and Marc Bilgrey were all questioners in the interview. </span></p><p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">John Shike [misspelled in the issue] took the pictures, and has probably since lost the negatives.</span></p></blockquote> <p></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Thanks, Manny!</span></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color">Ken Meyer Jr.<br>kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com</span></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-130-comic-crypt-5/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Character Spotlight: Ben Grimm</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/cs-ben-grimm/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/cs-ben-grimm/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Bustos]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 15 Dec 2019 12:42:04 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Character Spotlight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr. Bustos]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sci-Fi]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Silver Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ben Grimm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fantastic Four]]></category> <category><![CDATA[FF]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Kirby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stan Lee]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Thing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Yancy Street]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=149737</guid> <description><![CDATA[He’s the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing! But who is the man behind the stony skin? What makes Ben Grimm rock so hard? Let’s find out! Benjamin Jacob Grimm was born to Daniel and Elsie Grimm along with his elder brother, Daniel Jr. They grew up in a poor neighborhood of New York City on Yancy Street. […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>He’s the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing! But who is the man behind the stony skin? What makes Ben Grimm rock so hard? Let’s find out!</p> <p>Benjamin Jacob Grimm was born to Daniel and Elsie Grimm along with his elder brother, Daniel Jr. They grew up in a poor neighborhood of New York City on Yancy Street. Ben would idolize his older brother who was the leader of the Yancy Street Gang, making him the main provider for the family. Ben would witness his brother’s murder in a gang fight, vowing to take over the Yancy Street Gang when he was older. This would happen and while Ben was able to provide for his family like his brother before him, his parents would end up dying relatively young. </p> <p>Alone, Ben would go to live with his Uncle Jake and Aunt Petunia, who turned out to be a perfect fit for him. Their love and support had Ben prospering in school and athletics, getting him a college scholarship for football. He would go to live in the dorms and his roommate, Reed Richards, became his best friend rather quickly. The two would talk about their goals in life, Reed would tell Ben he wished to make a space ship and get humanity travelling the stars as commonly as they take to freeways.</p> <p>Ben encouraged his friend and told him if he ever needed a pilot, he would be there for him. His own education would get him into being a top Air Force pilot and even becoming an astronaut. When his service was over, he would find out Reed wanted to make him a man of his word. Reed had gotten government aide to fund his spaceship project and wanted Ben to pilot it for him. Ben immediately saw that it wasn’t quite ready for take off, needing more shielding from cosmic radiation to be safe.</p> <p>Problem was, the funding was running out and Reed needed to prove his ship could fly. Ben wanted Reed to be as safe as he could be given the radiation risk, so he took on piloting the ship for him. Along with Reed, Reed’s girlfriend Sue Storm and her brother Johnny, the four took flight to test Reed’s ship. It was a success, it flew, but Ben was right, the shielding wasn’t strong enough to protect them from cosmic rays. They were irradiated and would land and begin transforming.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="440" height="414" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Benjamin_Grimm_Earth-616_from_Fantastic_Four_Vol_1_3_0001.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-149741" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Benjamin_Grimm_Earth-616_from_Fantastic_Four_Vol_1_3_0001.jpg 440w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Benjamin_Grimm_Earth-616_from_Fantastic_Four_Vol_1_3_0001-300x282.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" /></figure></div> <p>Reed found himself highly elastic, his body malleable and able to stretch great lengths. Sue was able to project invisible force fields and make herself invisible. Johnny could ignite himself to combust into a walking flame, capable of flight and shooting fireballs. Ben… grew in size and his skin changed into a orange, craggy, rock-hard material, becoming some sort of Thing. Ben was horrified by his new appearance, the others still looked the same, all but him.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="489" height="480" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Thing.png" alt="" class="wp-image-149738" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Thing.png 489w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Thing-300x294.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 489px) 100vw, 489px" /></figure> <p>The four would being to use their powers to deal with strange and unusual problems the world faced. They became the Fantastic Four, but even though they were now famous, Ben still felt he had to hid himself in public, so as to not scare people. Ben’s self-esteem was at an all-time low, he could only see a freak where others saw a hero. He would even find love over the years, often with on-again-off-again girlfriend, Alicia Masters. There would be times where Ben would be able to become his old human looking self but some threat would arrive, and Ben knew that only his Thing form could stop it. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="750" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Fantastic_Four_Vol_3_61_Textless.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-149740" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Fantastic_Four_Vol_3_61_Textless.jpg 500w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Fantastic_Four_Vol_3_61_Textless-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div> <p>His life as adventurer would take him all over time and space. He would even become the legendary pirate, Blackbeard. Ben Grimm is legitimately Blackbeard the pirate, all those stories are just him in a wig and false beard while in a pirate costume. He would team up with other heroes and fight all manner of villains. He would meet his creator, by visiting the afterlife as an explorer, not as a dead person. Even when it seemed like the Fantastic Four family were gone, Ben would find new explorers to team up with like the Guardians of the Galaxy. No matter what happens, it’s hard to keep Ben from getting back in the fight.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="868" height="1024" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Benjamin_Grimm_Earth-616_from_Guardians_of_the_Galaxy_Vol_4_7_001-868x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-149739" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Benjamin_Grimm_Earth-616_from_Guardians_of_the_Galaxy_Vol_4_7_001-868x1024.jpg 868w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Benjamin_Grimm_Earth-616_from_Guardians_of_the_Galaxy_Vol_4_7_001-254x300.jpg 254w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Benjamin_Grimm_Earth-616_from_Guardians_of_the_Galaxy_Vol_4_7_001-768x906.jpg 768w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Benjamin_Grimm_Earth-616_from_Guardians_of_the_Galaxy_Vol_4_7_001-1302x1536.jpg 1302w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Benjamin_Grimm_Earth-616_from_Guardians_of_the_Galaxy_Vol_4_7_001.jpg 1577w" sizes="(max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px" /></figure> <p>There you have it! Ben Grimm can easily be a tragic heroic figure, but he can also be a fun-loving adventurer. He might just be one of the most versatile characters in comics. Throw him into fights with aliens, cavemen, pirates, cowboys, samurai, ninja, monsters and whatever. He’s been in cartoons and in live-action multiple times, will he make an appearance in the MCU? We’ll have to wait and see, until then, see you next time!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="674" height="1024" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Fantastic_Four_Vol_6_1_The_Thing_Variant_Textless-674x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-149742" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Fantastic_Four_Vol_6_1_The_Thing_Variant_Textless-674x1024.jpg 674w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Fantastic_Four_Vol_6_1_The_Thing_Variant_Textless-198x300.jpg 198w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Fantastic_Four_Vol_6_1_The_Thing_Variant_Textless-768x1166.jpg 768w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Fantastic_Four_Vol_6_1_The_Thing_Variant_Textless.jpg 922w" sizes="(max-width: 674px) 100vw, 674px" /></figure></div> <p><em><strong>Suggested Reading<br></strong> Fantastic Four<br> Secret Wars<br> Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4 </em></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/cs-ben-grimm/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 114: GASlite 10</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-114-gaslite-10/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-114-gaslite-10/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jan 2019 11:00:27 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Batman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bronze Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Education]]></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[Silver Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dan adkins]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dick Giordano]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Frank Frazetta]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gary Dumm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gil kane]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Isaac Asimov]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Kirby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[klaus janson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neal Adams]]></category> <category><![CDATA[P. Craig Russell]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Peter Kuper]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Robert Crumb]]></category> <category><![CDATA[T. Casey Brennan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tony Isabella]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vaughn Bode]]></category> <category><![CDATA[William Gaines]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=143673</guid> <description><![CDATA[GASlite appears to be the interview zine to see! Kirby! Adams! Giordano! Bode! Asimov! GASlite 10: 1973 Editors/publishers: Peter Kuper and Seth Tobacman I will be the first to admit, I had not heard of this particular fanzine until uberzine aficionado, Emanuel (Manny) Maris pointed it out to me and very graciously sent me hi […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #000000"><em><strong>GASlite</strong></em> appears to be <em><strong>the</strong></em> interview zine to see! Kirby! Adams! Giordano! Bode! Asimov!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-143674" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_cover.jpg" alt="" width="490" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_cover.jpg 490w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_cover-227x300.jpg 227w" sizes="(max-width: 490px) 100vw, 490px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>GASlite 10: 1973</strong></span><br /> <span style="color: #000000"><strong>Editors/publishers: Peter Kuper and Seth Tobacman</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">I will be the first to admit, I had not heard of this particular fanzine until uberzine aficionado, Emanuel (Manny) Maris pointed it out to me and very graciously sent me hi res scans and a pre-made pdf as well. But, judging by this issue, they had some clout!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-143675 size-full" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_russell.jpg" alt="" width="312" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_russell.jpg 312w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_russell-144x300.jpg 144w" sizes="(max-width: 312px) 100vw, 312px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Manny stated to me, via email that </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><em>‘<strong>G.A.S. lite,</strong>‘ usually referred to as <strong>GASlite</strong> (originally <strong>Unofficial </strong><strong>Organ of the Graphic Arts Society of Northeastern Ohio</strong>, then <strong>Official </strong><strong>Magazine of the Cleveland Graphic Art Society</strong>) was started by Tony Isabella and published by him, starting with #1 in 1969, up to #7.</em></span></p> <div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1545072903994_425570" dir="ltr"> <div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1545072903994_425599" dir="ltr"><em><span style="color: #000000">Tony moved to NYC, and gave the title to Peter Kuper (later publisher/co-founder of <strong>World War 3</strong> magazine and successor to Spy vs Spy creator, Prohias in <strong>Mad Magazine</strong>) and Seth Tobocman (also publisher/co-founder of <strong>World War 3</strong> magazine, started in 1980, with the 43rd issue published in November of 2017)</span></em></div> <div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1545072903994_425570" dir="ltr"> <p><em><span style="color: #000000">Both Peter and Seth were obvious Crumb fanatics – just before publishing this last quadruple-size 68-page issue of <strong>GASlite</strong> (their previous two issues – #8, 1971 and #9, 1972 – were digest-size 20+ pagers), they published the first (1972) of two volumes of the <strong>Melotoons</strong> sketchbooks by R “The Shlep” Crumb; the 2nd was published in 1975.</span></em></p> </div> <div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1545072903994_532953"><span style="color: #000000">As stated, this particular issue (also referenced inside) is actually four issues combined into one, accounting for the high page count. Very much a good bang for your buck! Above you see the Crumb cover and also an early piece by P. Craig Russell (who, at the time of this publication, was probably finishing up his assistant status to the great Dan Adkins, also in this fanzine). You can read an interview I did with Craig a few years ago <strong><a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/2010/03/06/pcr-interview/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></strong>. So, let’s dive into the heat of the meat, as Colbert would say.</span></div> </div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #000000">After a Gary Dumm strip (he would go on to work extensively with Harvey Pekar) and the table of contents, we are immediately thrust into the dichotomy that was Jack Kirby (his interview). A plain spoken worker bee with a fairly unparalleled imagination, he comes across as well mannered and humble, probably just as we all expected. Below you see a couple of Kirby pieces adorning the interview in particular and the zine in general.</span></div> <div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-143678" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_kirby.jpg" alt="" width="507" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_kirby.jpg 507w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_kirby-235x300.jpg 235w" sizes="(max-width: 507px) 100vw, 507px" /></span></div> <div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-143679" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_kirby2.jpg" alt="" width="497" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_kirby2.jpg 497w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_kirby2-230x300.jpg 230w" sizes="(max-width: 497px) 100vw, 497px" /></span></div> <div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #000000">A two page Flakey Foont strip by Crumb follows (in sketch form), and then another good sized interview follows, this with inker of great standing (among many other things), Dick Giordano. The questions are intelligent, probing and insightful in all the interviews…although, hooboy, they could have used a proofreader! No art by Dick, but there is a nice Frazetta sketch folded between the pages, seen below. Following that is one of a few illustrations by <em>another</em> incredible inker, Klaus Janson.</span></div> <div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-143680" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_frazetta.jpg" alt="" width="471" height="576" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_frazetta.jpg 471w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_frazetta-245x300.jpg 245w" sizes="(max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px" /></span></div> <div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-143681" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_janson.jpg" alt="" width="627" height="421" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_janson.jpg 627w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_janson-300x201.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 627px) 100vw, 627px" /><em><strong>GASlite</strong></em> originator, Tony Isabella, is next, with a story entitled <em>Gift Horse</em>. Then Neal Adams takes over in a succinct and to the point interview, peppered with quick sketches (see one below). Neal comes off a bit terse and full of himself here, but I have a feeling there was some humor that did not come through the cold type. They do mention that the interview was done at 3 am at the tail end of a convention, so it is understandable!</span></div> <div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-143682" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_adams2.jpg" alt="" width="413" height="504" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_adams2.jpg 413w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_adams2-246x300.jpg 246w" sizes="(max-width: 413px) 100vw, 413px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-143684" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_bode2.jpg" alt="" width="179" height="262" /></span></div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-143683" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_bode1.jpg" alt="" width="215" height="218" />Following Adams is a single page sketch strip of Mr. Natural by Crumb, and then the next interview…with none other than <em><strong>Mad</strong></em> founder, William Gaines! More fan fiction, this one being <em>Tonan?</em> by M. Hudak, succeeds Mr. Gaines, and then a double header interview greets our eyes. The iconic Vaughn Bode and award winning Warren writer, T. Casey Brennan fill the bill admirably. Of course, Bode spot illos are sprinkled throughout. This is a 13 page interview, folks, they did not skimp!</span></p> </div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #000000">More Crumb sketches appear (one seen below), and then a severe about face appears in the form of an interview with, that’s right, Isaac Asimov! I know, there are a<em> lot</em> of exclamation points in this installment, but I cannot help it! See? There goes another.</span></div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-143692 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_crumb1.jpg" alt="" width="497" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_crumb1.jpg 497w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_crumb1-230x300.jpg 230w" sizes="(max-width: 497px) 100vw, 497px" /></span></div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #000000">That about wraps up this issue, but really, there is a lot to digest! If you like a variety of in depth interviews (most of them), then this is really for you. A few more visual treats follow below (Janson, then Kane).</span></div> <div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-143693" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_creeper.jpg" alt="" width="488" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_creeper.jpg 488w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_creeper-226x300.jpg 226w" sizes="(max-width: 488px) 100vw, 488px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-143694" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_kane.jpg" alt="" width="435" height="576" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_kane.jpg 435w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/art_kane-227x300.jpg 227w" sizes="(max-width: 435px) 100vw, 435px" /></span></div> <div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #000000">Obviously, seeing the full pdf is essential in a zine like this (which can be gotten on my site at kenmeyerjr.com). The visuals are wonderful, but those interviews really make this an outstanding fanzine. Thanks this time goes out to Manny for providing this for me, as well as giving up his time to add more info that I would have had on my own. Please check out the fanzine pages on Facebook, where a lot of us old geezers hang out talking zines!</span></div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"> <p><span style="color: #000000">Have a great (rest of the) holiday, everyone!</span></p> </div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"> <p><span style="color: #000000">Ken Meyer Jr.</span><br /> <span style="color: #000000">kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com</span></p> </div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"></div> <div dir="ltr"></div> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-114-gaslite-10/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 112: Comic Crusader 14</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-112-comic-crusader-14/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-112-comic-crusader-14/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 01 Nov 2018 10:00:16 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Bronze Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fantasy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Golden Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[History]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill Black]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bob Cosgrove]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bruce D. Patterson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Carlos Gimenez]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dennis Fujitake]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Don Newton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fred Fredericks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gary Kato]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Kirby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jim Steranko]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Martin Greim]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Steve Ditko]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wayne Pond]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wendy Pini]]></category> <category><![CDATA[William Black]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=142661</guid> <description><![CDATA[The master swiper, super comic enthusiast, and consistent zine gift giver, Martin L. Greim, returns with Comic Crusader, issue 14! Maker of the most consistent zines, Comic Crusader, Martin Greim, formed one of the most highly appreciated fan experiences of the past. Martin’s unashamed love for comic books and strips was on display every darn […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #000000">The master swiper, super comic enthusiast, and consistent zine gift giver, Martin L. Greim, returns with <em><strong>Comic Crusader</strong></em>, issue 14!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-142662" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art_cover.jpg" alt="" width="502" height="648" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-142663" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2998730-fujitake-233x300.jpg" alt="" width="233" height="300" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-151536 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_cover.jpg" alt="" width="502" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_cover.jpg 502w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_cover-232x300.jpg 232w" sizes="(max-width: 502px) 100vw, 502px" />Maker of the most consistent zines, <em><strong>Comic Crusader</strong></em>, Martin Greim, formed one of the most highly appreciated fan experiences of the past. Martin’s unashamed love for comic books and <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-151537" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2998730-fujitake.jpg" alt="" width="311" height="400" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2998730-fujitake.jpg 746w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2998730-fujitake-233x300.jpg 233w" sizes="(max-width: 311px) 100vw, 311px" />strips was on display every darn issue, and this one is no exception. In his editorial, Martin declares the theme of this issue to be MAGIC! It starts with the nicely composed cover by Dennis Fujitake (inked by fellow zine publisher, Bill Black) seen above. Dennis’s work adorned many a zine, including <em><strong>The Collector</strong></em>, <em><strong>Fantastic Fanzine</strong></em>, <em><strong>The Buyer’s Guide</strong></em> and more. To the left is a somewhat grainy photo of Dennis I found online. Dennis was originally from Hawaii, along with Gary Kato (also in this issue), and, after fandom, created and worked on the series, <em><strong>Dalgoda</strong></em>. He developed from a somewhat Ditko-esque style (also, like Kato, though Kato kept it up as he started his own independent comic work later), but later incorporated more of a Jeff Jones aesthetic and just kept getting better and better. Below you can see another illustration from this issue by Fujitake.</span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-151539" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_fujitake2.jpg" alt="" width="496" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_fujitake2.jpg 496w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_fujitake2-230x300.jpg 230w" sizes="(max-width: 496px) 100vw, 496px" /></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-142664" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art_fujitake2.jpg" alt="" width="496" height="648" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">The illo above is one of several illustrating the first subject of this issue, Ibis. Ibis appeared in the first issue of <em><strong>Whiz Comics</strong></em> (as did Captain Marvel). Other illustrations of the character adorning this article are by Keith Fukumitsu, Gary Kato and Greim himself (as seen below). See if you can discern the source material for Martin’s piece. Me, I think I see Cockrum’s style in the reclining woman…and that has <em>got</em> to be a Gil Kane dragon! A fun illo regardless.</span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-151540" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_mlg_ibis.jpg" alt="" width="567" height="369" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_mlg_ibis.jpg 567w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_mlg_ibis-300x195.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 567px) 100vw, 567px" /></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-142668" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art_mlg_ibis.jpg" alt="" width="567" height="369" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Fujitake even contributes an Ibis strip (I don’t actually recall Dennis doing much more than single illustrations usually). Below you see a sample page.</span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-151541" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_fujitakestory1.jpg" alt="" width="484" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_fujitakestory1.jpg 484w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_fujitakestory1-224x300.jpg 224w" sizes="(max-width: 484px) 100vw, 484px" /></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-142669" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art_fujitakestory1.jpg" alt="" width="484" height="648" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Fujitake’s Hawaiian compatriot, Gary Kato, contributes a few spot illustrations as well, as you can see.</span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-151542" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_kato1.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="360" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_kato1.jpg 648w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_kato1-300x167.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px" /></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-142674" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art_kato1-1.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="360" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><em><strong>Mandrake the Magician</strong></em> gets the coverage following Ibis’s entry, featuring an interview <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-142675" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art_armstrong.jpg" alt="" width="259" height="502" />with the character’s creator, Fred Fredericks. Along<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-151543" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_armstrong.jpg" alt="" width="259" height="502" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_armstrong.jpg 259w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_armstrong-155x300.jpg 155w" sizes="(max-width: 259px) 100vw, 259px" /> with visual evidence of Frederick’s mastery of composition and line, the character is illustrated by Tom Armstrong (see right). There are also several photos of Fredericks himself, along with Greim. This sort of thing was gold back then for us readers. Remember this was a time of no internet, only a few conventions, and otherwise, very little coverage of the creators of our medium. A repeating column by Bob Cosgrove, <em>Comic Chatter</em> is next, and focuses on pencilling. Again, this is something that the fanzines of that period were extremely appreciated for. “Behind the scenes” stuff like this was few and far between. Elaborating on the theme of the article are several illustrations including a Steranko swipe by Martin, and inked by Bill Black. The article is elevated further by pencil pieces not only by Jim Steranko (seen after the Kirby drawing), but two illustrations by Jack Kirby, including the incredibly action filled Demon piece seen below.</span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-151545" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_kirby2.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="398" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_kirby2.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_kirby2-300x207.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-142677" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art_kirby2.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="398" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-142680" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art_steranko.jpg" alt="" width="239" height="648" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">The magic themes continue with a feature on Mr. Mystic, illustrated again by Greim and also by Wayne Pond. Next up is a real treat for Steve Ditko fans. Greim mentions in the editorial that this strip (called <em>H</em>) was submitted to DC, but was not used. Probably just too personal and political, as much of Ditko’s work had become by then. But it looks sooooo good! The premise is interesting, a hero who changes costumes to suit “the job.” Below you can see a sampling of the 8 page story.</span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-151547" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_ditko1.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="772" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_ditko1.jpg 588w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_ditko1-228x300.jpg 228w" sizes="(max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-151548 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_ditko2.jpg" alt="" width="493" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_ditko2.jpg 493w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_ditko2-228x300.jpg 228w" sizes="(max-width: 493px) 100vw, 493px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-151549 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_ditko3.jpg" alt="" width="493" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_ditko3.jpg 493w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_ditko3-228x300.jpg 228w" sizes="(max-width: 493px) 100vw, 493px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-151550 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_ditko4.jpg" alt="" width="485" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_ditko4.jpg 485w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_ditko4-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 485px) 100vw, 485px" /></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-142681" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art_ditko1.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="772" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-142682" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art_ditko2.jpg" alt="" width="493" height="648" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-142683" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art_ditko3.jpg" alt="" width="493" height="648" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-142684" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art_ditko4.jpg" alt="" width="485" height="648" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">The letters column follows, and has illustrations by Bruce Patterson and Carlos Gimenez. Another very nice addition to this issue of the <em><strong>Crusader</strong></em> is a full page illustration by <em><strong>Elfquest</strong></em>‘s Wendy Pini. This was of course, a good five or six years before that independent series premiered. Look below for some gorgeous scene setting.</span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-151551" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_pini.jpg" alt="" width="515" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_pini.jpg 515w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/art_pini-238x300.jpg 238w" sizes="(max-width: 515px) 100vw, 515px" /></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-142685" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/art_pini.jpg" alt="" width="515" height="648" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Well, that about wraps up this month’s installment of <a style="color: #000000" href="https://comicattack.net/category/cafeaturedcolumns/inkstains/"><em><strong>Ink Stains</strong></em></a>. Don’t forget to go to my site and upload the pdf…you <em>have</em> to see the whole Ditko strip, the entire Fujitake Ibis strip, and many more illustrations featured in the zine. Thanks again for the generous help from fellow fanzine fanatic, Herb Warren. Take a bow, buddy! Come back next month for a new blast from the past…and please share the column with anyone you think might like it!</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-112-comic-crusader-14/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>8</slash:comments> </item> <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 loading="lazy" 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 loading="lazy" 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 loading="lazy" 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> </channel> </rss>