<?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>Tom Fagan – ComicAttack.net</title> <atom:link href="https://comicattack.net/tag/tom-fagan/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://comicattack.net</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 03 Jul 2023 21:58:56 +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>Tom Fagan – ComicAttack.net</title> <link>https://comicattack.net</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Ink Stains 167: The Collector 25</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-167-the-collector-25/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-167-the-collector-25/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jul 2023 21:58:55 +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[Golden Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Journalists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alan Hanley]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill Black]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dave Cockrum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Don Newton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Doug Potter]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dwight Decker]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ed Romero]]></category> <category><![CDATA[John G. Fantucchio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Martin L. Greim]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mike Roberts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tom Fagan]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=160152</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Collector 25: January 1972Publisher/editor: Bill G. Wilson Welcome to this slightly late installment of Ink Stains, your fanzine headquarters, homeslice! We were preempted by some malfunctions on the ComicAttack website, but it is fixed now, thank the New Gods! Hope you are having a good July 4th week…here in Santa Ana, California, where fireworks […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="864" height="577" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/covers.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160153" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/covers.jpg 864w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/covers-300x200.jpg 300w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/covers-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" /></figure> <p><strong>The Collector 25: January 1972<br>Publisher/editor: Bill G. Wilson</strong></p> <p>Welcome to this slightly late installment of <strong><em>Ink Stains</em></strong>, your fanzine headquarters, homeslice! We were preempted by some malfunctions on the ComicAttack website, but it is fixed now, thank the New Gods! Hope you are having a good July 4th week…here in Santa Ana, California, where fireworks seem an everyday occurrence, I am preparing for the usual brain bursting seige.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-full"><img decoding="async" width="395" height="318" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_newton1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160154" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_newton1.jpg 395w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_newton1-300x242.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 395px) 100vw, 395px" /></figure></div> <p>This month we all step back onto familiar and welcome territory, Bill G. Wilson’s always awesome <strong><em>The Collector</em></strong>! Issue 25, to be exact. Bill had established his professional look and stable of artists and writers pretty fully by this point. Some of the usual culprits include Bill Black (seen at top), Don Newton, John G. Fantucchio, Ed Romero, Tom Fagan, Dwight Decker, Doug Potter and more. So, let’s stop fooling around and jump into it!</p> <p>The first article remarks on the death of radio host, Ed King, a favorite of editor Wilson’s. You can read a longer and more detailed chronicle <a href="https://oldtimeradiopotpourri.wordpress.com/2014/09/24/kdkas-party-line-with-ed-and-wendy-king/">here</a>. Following is <em>The Real Jack Kirby</em>, by David Fryxell and William Reynolds, delving into some symbolism (conspiracy theory like?) that the writers posit The King used, primarily in his <strong><em>New Gods</em></strong> work. A typically svelte illustration by Don Newton graces the article (seen top left).</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" width="599" height="725" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_olson.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160156" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_olson.jpg 599w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_olson-248x300.jpg 248w" sizes="(max-width: 599px) 100vw, 599px" /></figure></div> <p>A very imposing Darkseid pin up by Skip Olson is next (seen above), preceding an article by Tom Fagan entitled <em>Jack Kirby, All Father Man</em>. The article is pretty complete, considering it is only two pages long (another Newton illustration is included here, of The Red Skull).</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="258" height="313" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_wong.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160157" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_wong.jpg 258w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_wong-247x300.jpg 247w" sizes="(max-width: 258px) 100vw, 258px" /></figure></div> <p>A fan profile follows, of artist Donald Wong. I remember seeing Donald’s early work, which was pretty standard hero and fantasy stuff, but this article showcases his later work, which entered a cartoony style not far off from the much later stylings of <strong><em>Bone</em></strong>‘s Jeff Smith. You can see a sample at right.</p> <p>Another installment of the always whimsical and detailed Green Horn from Alan Jim Hanley follows. I think Hanley was way underrated and underreported back then, probably because of his cartoony style. That stuff ain’t easy! Carl Barks gets some coverage in the next article by fandom regular, Dwight Decker, called <em>Funny Animals for a Funny Fanzine</em>. After that are a couple of “fanzine covers that never saw print” by the retrostylish Jim Jones, a sample seen below.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="434" height="642" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_jones.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160158" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_jones.jpg 434w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_jones-203x300.jpg 203w" sizes="(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px" /></figure></div> <p>A coquille pencilled pin up by Doug Potter is next up, right before some lengthy coverage by Tom Fagan of The Flying Dutchman (part 3), <em>Death: Thy Color Be Orange</em>. A beautifully clean and colorful (not much interior color in the fanzines, folks) piece by Ed Romero that you can feast your peepers on below.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="607" height="759" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_romero_full.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160159" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_romero_full.jpg 607w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_romero_full-240x300.jpg 240w" sizes="(max-width: 607px) 100vw, 607px" /></figure></div> <p>The letters page follows (as well as answers to a crossword puzzle that appeared earlier in the issue), and then a satirical criticism of the perceived overt professionalism of the current crop of zines by Bob Kirkland. Bob was pining for the earlier days of mimeo zines…me, I was very pleased with the way things were!</p> <p>Byron Preiss follows with <em>Alternatives for Conventions</em>, then another nice Romero piece appears, as well as a powerful piece by Mike Roberts, in all his Steranko-esque glory, seen below. A few ads, and that about wraps it up!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="576" height="765" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_oneal.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160160" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_oneal.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/art_oneal-226x300.jpg 226w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure></div> <p>Always remember that you can download the pdf on my site (kenmeyerjr.com, in the inkstains section), where you can read the articles in their entirety, as well as see all the art that is not posted here.</p> <p>Thanks to Alan Williams again for selling me some really cool zines. I hope you liked this installment, leave comments, and come back for more next month on the 1st of the month!</p> <p>Ken Meyer Jr.<br>kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com</p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-167-the-collector-25/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>4</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 160: Ragnarok 2</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-160-ragnarok-2/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-160-ragnarok-2/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Archie Comics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Batman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Comic Con News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Comic Cons]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cosplay]]></category> <category><![CDATA[DC Comics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fantasy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Genres]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Journalists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sexy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alan Hanley]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dennis Fujitake]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gene Simmons]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Davis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jeffrey Wasserman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Brancatelli]]></category> <category><![CDATA[John Severin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Larry Ivie]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marie Severin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mark Ammerman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neal Pozner]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Roy Krenkel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tom Fagan]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=159743</guid> <description><![CDATA[Ragnarok 2: 1972Publishers/editors: Mark Collins and David Simons Heyyyyyy, nice to be back! The gap seems a bit longer this time, due to an extremely busy few weeks for me (3 weekend events in a row, one of them being in Germany). I wish I had some expert input from some of the principals involved, […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="402" height="454" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_cover.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159744" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_cover.jpg 402w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_cover-266x300.jpg 266w" sizes="(max-width: 402px) 100vw, 402px" /><figcaption>cover by Marie Severin</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><strong>Ragnarok 2: 1972<br>Publishers/editors: Mark Collins and David Simons</strong></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Heyyyyyy, nice to be back! The gap seems a bit longer this time, due to an extremely busy few weeks for me (3 weekend events in a row, one of them being in Germany). I wish I had some expert input from some of the principals involved, but just did not have enough time this installment. However, you can see tons of great input from the two editors on issue 3 <a href="https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-146-ragnarok-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. Please remember, it always does my heart good to see comments, so I don’t think I am typing away here in some cave in Donothaveanindoorbathroomistan! Onward.</p> <p></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="258" height="448" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_hercules.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159745" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_hercules.jpg 258w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_hercules-173x300.jpg 173w" sizes="(max-width: 258px) 100vw, 258px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Above you see a bang up cover, full of sketchy power, by the great Marie Severin. She is the subject of an interview we will get to later. I gotta admit, I did not appreciate her when I was younger as I should have. Compared to her brother John, she just seemed a bit pedestrian (though I would not have been smart enough then to use that word) and cartoony. But, I did wise up! And of course, her work on <strong><em>Not Brand Ecch</em></strong> was so charming and fun! The principal artist for this issue, however, seems to be one Eric Harrison. He provides several full page pin ups and many spots. He definitely has enthusiasm and some fun compositions, but the work is held back somewhat by a somewhat unheroic sense of proportions (short version: his heads are way too big). You can see one of the better ones to the left. I applaud his enthusiasm!</p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">The editorial content starts with…well, the editorial! After that, George Schwartz does <em>Three in One</em>, covering an issue of <strong><em>Feature Comics</em></strong>, which introduced, you guessed it, three characters. You will see that the editors could have benefitted from someone who had a sense of page design…it gets a bit chaotic visually, with columns being continued from one page to another in uneven little blocks and little direction. But hey, it is a FANzine, after all. Neal Pozner (<strong><em>Wonderful World of Comics</em></strong>) contributes a short column (<em>Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Fandom</em>), then David Simons chimes in on the rising cost of comics while citing some of his favorite bargain book stores in <em>What do you Mean, $3 for Avengers 25?</em></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="326" height="288" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_marvel.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159746" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_marvel.jpg 326w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_marvel-300x265.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 326px) 100vw, 326px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">A letters column follows, and is of note because the then very un-famous Gene Klein appears (who became the VERY famous Gene Simmons of <strong><em>Kiss</em></strong>). Jeffrey Wasserman chimes in with <em>Horror Comes to Archie Comics</em>. Following Jeffrey is Tom Fagan covering <em>King Con</em>, 5 days of comic heaven in New York City. Below you will see a series of photos from the con…they are the typically fuzzy black and white reproductions, but still give us a glimpse into those bygone days when cons were not so blatantly commercial. I just wish they would have listed who was in costume, as it is usually someone we know!</p> <p></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="434" height="720" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_photos1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159747" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_photos1.jpg 434w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_photos1-181x300.jpg 181w" sizes="(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="576" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_photos2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159748" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_photos2.jpg 720w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_photos2-300x240.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="474" height="720" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_photos3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159749" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_photos3.jpg 474w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_photos3-198x300.jpg 198w" sizes="(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px" /><figcaption>Cosplay before it was cosplay!</figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="566" height="720" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_marie1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159750" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_marie1.jpg 566w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_marie1-236x300.jpg 236w" sizes="(max-width: 566px) 100vw, 566px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Speaking of cons, Liam O’Connor is up next with <em>What if They Gave a Con and Nobody Came?</em> Next up is the Marie Severin interview. Marie is one of those interview subjects that really give you a fun reading experience. Her humor and giving nature always come through in any interview I have seen. There are a few images you might have seen in other zines (like <strong><em>FOOM</em></strong>, for example). I actually did not know she started at EC as a teenager!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="648" height="471" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_marie3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159751" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_marie3.jpg 648w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_marie3-300x218.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px" /></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/2022/10/art_marie4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159752" width="275" height="222" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_marie4.jpg 432w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_marie4-300x242.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 275px) 100vw, 275px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">I realize, looking back, how wonderful her work was at Marvel. Boy, was I a doofus! Marie Severin was beloved by her peers and many people much smarter than I…it is a long interview and well worth your time. Get the pdf to read it all! Following the interview is a general article by Steve Jenkins titled <em>The Comix Media</em> (stuffed with various Roy Krenkel sketches…it cannot be a fanzine if there are no Krenkel sketches!), and then <strong><em>Monster Times</em></strong> editor Joe Brancatelli laments the then current state of comics (lots of that going around at the time, it seems) called <em>The Last Hurrah</em>. There are various spot illustrations throughout the issue that you can see in the pdf…below is the back cover by fandom stalwart, Mark Ammerman, and following that, an incredibly beautiful (as usual) poster by Dennis Fujitake (and pin up sent with the zine). </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_ammerman.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159753" width="576" height="610" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_ammerman.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_ammerman-283x300.jpg 283w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="621" height="864" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_fujitake.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159754" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_fujitake.jpg 621w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/art_fujitake-216x300.jpg 216w" sizes="(max-width: 621px) 100vw, 621px" /><figcaption>The sinuous beauty of Fujitake</figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Well, folks, that about wraps up this installment of <strong><em>Ink Stains</em></strong>. I hope you were entertained (ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED???) and find the time to view the whole pdf and leave a few comments. Thanks yet again to Mighty Manny Maris for providing the actual zine for me to scan. Manny is a prince in Jersey gangster clothing!</p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">What is up next month? Who knows? Feel free to make suggestions and come back then!</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-160-ragnarok-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>6</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 156: The Collector 26</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-156-the-collector-26/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-156-the-collector-26/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2022 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[Humor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Journalists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sci-Fi]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Silver Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Super Types]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alan Hanley]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill Black]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill Cantey]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bill g wilson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[C.C. Beck]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Craig Russell]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dan adkins]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dave Cockrum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Don Newton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Doug Potter]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ed Romero]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jim Pinkoski]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Kubert]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Sinnott]]></category> <category><![CDATA[John G. Fantucchio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Barr]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mike Roberts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Robert Kline]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Roy Krenkel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Steve Ditko]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Steve Fritz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[steven fabian]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tom Fagan]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=159371</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Collector 26: Summer, 1972Editor and publisher: Bill G. Wilson It’s no secret that one of my favorite all time fanzines was The Collector, from Bill Wilson. Bill started the zine when he was a young teen, and it can be argued that there were very, very few that matched his run of 29 issues. […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="407" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/banner-1024x407.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159372" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/banner-1024x407.jpg 1024w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/banner-300x119.jpg 300w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/banner-768x305.jpg 768w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/banner-1536x610.jpg 1536w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/banner-2048x813.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><strong>The Collector 26: Summer, 1972<br>Editor and publisher: Bill G. Wilson</strong></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="864" height="588" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/cover.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159373" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/cover.jpg 864w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/cover-300x204.jpg 300w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/cover-768x523.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" /></figure> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="240" height="432" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/cockrum1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159395" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/cockrum1.jpg 240w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/cockrum1-167x300.jpg 167w" sizes="(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">It’s no secret that one of my favorite all time fanzines was <strong><em>The Collector</em></strong>, from Bill Wilson. Bill started the zine when he was a young teen, and it can be argued that there were very, very few that matched his run of 29 issues. Bill consistently garnered some of the best fans (most became pros) and constantly generous pros such as those in this issue. Bill’s sense of design improved with each issue, adding generous white space when needed, limiting font choices, and more. With this issue, he certainly illustrates his knowledge of what makes an arresting cover! As you can see above, Steve Ditko really blew this one out of the park with this wraparound cover (sorry I did not stitch it together a little better). Steve was one of those professionals who supported Bill starting early on, and he contributes not only the cover, but an interior story…which, coincidentally, is the first thing up to bat! It’s yet another eye catching black and white (monochromatic in its point of view as well) outing of the impossible to ruffle arbiter of good and evil. See a few pages below of Dikto’s iconic Mr. A character.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="618" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ditko1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159374" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ditko1.jpg 618w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ditko1-234x300.jpg 234w" sizes="(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="608" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ditko2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159375" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ditko2.jpg 608w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ditko2-230x300.jpg 230w" sizes="(max-width: 608px) 100vw, 608px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="304" height="360" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/barr.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159376" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/barr.jpg 304w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/barr-253x300.jpg 253w" sizes="(max-width: 304px) 100vw, 304px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Tom Fagan gives us a book review next (<em>Batman meets Cthulu</em>), and then we are treated to an autobiography (and group of opinions on comics and the industry) by Ken Barr. To me, Barr is one of the best artists comics had the privilege of publishing…but his devotion to his craft (and aversion to just making a buck by turning out page after page after page on tight deadlines which would end up being printed badly much of the time) kept him from making comics his main paycheck. Ken contributed to several fanzines during his career (and I am sure some were paid gigs), one being <strong><em>Phase</em></strong> one (an ad for it appears in the back of this issue), covered <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://comicattack.net/is-32-phase/" target="_blank">here</a>. He made his living in illustration…and by god, was he an incredible illustrator! There were not many who were as good a painter as a black and white artist, but Barr was equally adept at both. It pains me to see how tiny his Wikipedia entry is. This article reprints work from men’s magazines, comics, warren mags, and other sources. And, of course, it is that much better because Ken wrote it himself. You can see two of the many superb illustrations below.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="643" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/barr1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159377" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/barr1.jpg 643w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/barr1-244x300.jpg 244w" sizes="(max-width: 643px) 100vw, 643px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="536" height="352" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/barr2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159378" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/barr2.jpg 536w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/barr2-300x197.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">A Tarzan portfolio follows, with work by Joe Kubert, Don Newton, and Stephen Fabian. You can see one below, preceded by a typically beautiful piece by Robert Kline.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="627" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/kline.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159379" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/kline.jpg 627w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/kline-238x300.jpg 238w" sizes="(max-width: 627px) 100vw, 627px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="613" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/newton.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159380" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/newton.jpg 613w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/newton-232x300.jpg 232w" sizes="(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Up next is a fun little portfolio of <em>Oodles of Doodles</em> by <em><strong>Collector</strong></em> mainstay, John G. Fantucchio. You can see a bit below. Following that is a reprint of an early cover of <strong><em>The Buyer’s Guide</em></strong>, allowed by publisher Alan Light.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="618" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fantu1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159381" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fantu1.jpg 618w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fantu1-234x300.jpg 234w" sizes="(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="575" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fantu3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159382" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fantu3.jpg 575w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fantu3-218x300.jpg 218w" sizes="(max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="556" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fantu2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159383" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fantu2.jpg 556w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fantu2-211x300.jpg 211w" sizes="(max-width: 556px) 100vw, 556px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Bill Cantey follows with a column devoted to the radio shows of the 30s and 40s called <em>The By-Products of Adventure.</em></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="235" height="288" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/sinnott.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159385" /></figure></div> <p></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">If you thought one autobiography of an awesome artist was enough, think again, Jethro! Joe Sinnott presents his bad self to the readers (of course, Joe was widely known to be one of the nicest guys in comics), and includes some very rarely seen non Marvel work, along with the sports themed piece seen below.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="623" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/sinnott1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159384" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/sinnott1.jpg 623w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/sinnott1-236x300.jpg 236w" sizes="(max-width: 623px) 100vw, 623px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Chapter 3 of the long running fan saga, <strong><em>Greenhorn</em></strong>, from Alan Hanley is up next. Check out the dense but typically whimsical and wonderful work below.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="589" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hanley.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159388" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hanley.jpg 589w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hanley-223x300.jpg 223w" sizes="(max-width: 589px) 100vw, 589px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">The letters column follows, then the big red cheese makes an appearance in illustrations by several artists (Bill Black, Stephen Fabian, and C. C. Beck, the subject of a short interview as well). Check out the super clean effort by mega zine publisher, Black, below.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="652" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/black.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159389" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/black.jpg 652w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/black-247x300.jpg 247w" sizes="(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">The last non ad material in the zine is very much an oddity. Bill writes and pencils a 10 page story featuring his character, Hyperman. The catch? It is inked by several different artists, 2 pages at a time (for the most part). It is really fun to see the differences as we move from Joe Sinnott to Ed Romero to Craig Russell (when he was very early in his career, assisting Dan Adkins), to Dan Adkins to Steve Fritz and finally, Doug Potter. Bill took pains to try to have one style not be totally different from the previous so things would flow as smoothly as they could, and I think he succeeded. Check a few samples out below.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="583" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hyperman1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159390" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hyperman1.jpg 583w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hyperman1-221x300.jpg 221w" sizes="(max-width: 583px) 100vw, 583px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="609" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hyperman2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159391" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hyperman2.jpg 609w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hyperman2-231x300.jpg 231w" sizes="(max-width: 609px) 100vw, 609px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="592" height="792" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hyperman3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-159392" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hyperman3.jpg 592w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hyperman3-224x300.jpg 224w" sizes="(max-width: 592px) 100vw, 592px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Be sure to get the pdf to read the whole story, as well as see all the other work by those mentioned, as well as Jim Pinkoski, Mike Roberts, Roy Krenkel, and much more! Thanks go out again to the mighty Manny Maris, for providing this zine for me to scan! Please leave some comments below, so I know how I am doing!</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-156-the-collector-26/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>7</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 146: Ragnarok 3</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-146-ragnarok-3/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-146-ragnarok-3/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Comic Cons]]></category> <category><![CDATA[DC Comics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Journalists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Silver Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alan Hanley]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Barry Smith]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Barry Windsor Smith]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Billy Graham]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Davis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Landgraf]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Matt Howarth]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tom Fagan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vaughn Bode]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=158026</guid> <description><![CDATA[Ragnarok 3: 1974Publishers/editors: Mark Collins, Eli Friedman This installment we will focus on a zine I was unaware of until recently, made aware by the fandom version of the Watcher (or, maybe, more appropriately, Odin), Manny Maris (who actually had a hand in making this very zine long ago). Gaze with wonder on….Ragnarok (issue 3)! […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="479" height="720" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_cover.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158027" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_cover.jpg 479w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_cover-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 479px) 100vw, 479px" /></figure></div> <p><strong>Ragnarok 3: 1974<br>Publishers/editors: Mark Collins, Eli Friedman</strong></p> <p>This installment we will focus on a zine I was unaware of until recently, made aware by the fandom version of the Watcher (or, maybe, more appropriately, Odin), Manny Maris (who actually had a hand in making this very zine long ago). Gaze with wonder on….<strong><em>Ragnarok</em></strong> (issue 3)!</p> <p>Though this zine started as more of a <strong><em>Star Trek</em></strong> zine, it quickly branched out to cover many areas of comics and fantasy, as seen in this issue, featuring two <em>big</em> interviews. The second subject is referenced above, Barry (not quite Windsor-) Smith, while the back cover features the first interview subject, Vaughn Bode. Below you can see an early piece by Barry, and the back cover by Bode.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="514" height="720" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_smithsoldier.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158028" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_smithsoldier.jpg 514w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_smithsoldier-214x300.jpg 214w" sizes="(max-width: 514px) 100vw, 514px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="461" height="720" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_backcover.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158029" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_backcover.jpg 461w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_backcover-192x300.jpg 192w" sizes="(max-width: 461px) 100vw, 461px" /></figure></div> <p>I talked to editor Eli on Facebook, and he elaborates on how he put together this zine, starting with his convention experiences (and meeting Barry Smith!):</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p> I started attending NY area conventions in 1971, and attended Phil Seuling’s annual July comic art convention in 1972. In those years I went to Lunacon, Creation, all the Star Trek cons starting with the first, and all the Worldcons I could get to, which at that time included Toronto and DC in the mid seventies. I was 14 in 1971, by the way. I became immersed in conventions, and by the time of the second Star Trek convention and the 1974 July con I was on the convention staffs. My name appears in the credits for many early Trek cons, and July cons. I wound up working for both Al Schuster, who printed <strong><em>Ragnarok</em></strong> 3 and was the prime organizer of the first Star Trek conventions, and several years for Phil Seuling, until the end of 1975. I used to manage the Comic Book Marketplace that Phil ran once a month in NYC, and wound up working for his company, Seagate Distributors, the first company to distribute comics to specialty shops. There was a whole contingent of fans who attended all of these events, whom I became friends with, mostly in my age range. Adam Malin and Gary Berman were publishing a fanzine called <strong><em>Infinity</em></strong> and starting up their Creation Conventions, which I believe started Thanksgiving 1971. I met Paul Levitz and his Brooklyn posse, which included Paul Kupperberg, Carl Gafford, Liam O’Connor and others. Paul was producing <strong><em>The Comic Reader</em></strong> and <strong><em>Etcetera</em></strong> at the time. I started going to Brooklyn for <strong><em>The Comic Reader</em></strong> collating sessions in Paul Levitz’s basement, for which I received pizza and an early peek at the zine. I am the centerfold of <strong><em>The Comic Reader</em></strong> issue 100…hanging from a noose! Seeing all these 15 year olds making their own zines was definitely a big influence on me. I met Mark and Steve Collins at the second Creation con in 1972, if I remember right, and then I started to see them everywhere, and we became friends, convention traveling partners, and hotel room mates. We started helping out Adam and Gary with Creation by doing their publicity, for which we got program book credits. I remember being super proud that we were able to get Creation some major local TV news attention which brought in big crowds. Now, to be clear <strong><em>Ragnarok</em></strong> was really Mark Collin’s baby from the get go. He produced the first two issue all my himself, and I jumped in to help out with the third issue because of our friendship, and my interest in doing a zine. All of the art was acquired by Mark and he also did all the mechanical work and the layouts. My involvement was in writing an article about the 1973 July con and I transcribed the Vaughn Bode interview that Mark had conducted. I believe that I set up the Barry Smith interview, and Mark and I attended that with our friend Dave Simons. We had a really pleasant afternoon with a very cordial and friendly Barry Smith, before the Windsor was added. Barry was so generous to us and because we were all young and a little dumb we really let Barry down, for which I have always felt remorse. He very, very generously agreed to do our cover for <strong><em>Ragnarok</em></strong> 3, but he wanted to make sure it would be done in color. Not understanding the mechanicals of printing I told him it would indeed be printed in color. He did a beautiful full color piece, and when it came time to print mark explained to me that we couldn’t afford full color printing so we would have to use Barry’s line art, and Mark would make color separations for it based on Barry’s coloring. The result, while decent, did not come close to doing justice to Barry’s wonderful coloring, and he was, to put it mildly, not happy. Then a couple of years after we put out the zine Mark got a request from a French publisher to reprint the interview in French. I wasn’t aware of this until I ran into a furious BWS at a con, who angrily showed me the publication which was a slick glossy French publication which had appropriated a bunch of Barry’s wonderful early Studio and Gorblimey Press art and printed them full page, in color without Windsor-Smith’s permission. Barry blamed us for the whole mess, and it was hard to disagree. Barry Windsor-Smith, if you read this, I’m so sorry. You were classy and we were young dumb jerks. We meant no harm. The Barry Smith piece that is in the zine was reprinted from an <strong><em>Esquire</em></strong> magazine article in which noted comics artists were asked to draw a one page example of “relevant” comics book. Mark acquired the Bode pieces and the Jack Davis art by befriending both of those very different, but wonderful gents. Mark and his brother used to help Bode set up the audio-visual component of his cartoon concerts and we all got to know him from that. He was truly a one of a kind genius, and larger than life personality, whom we never expected to leave us so soon and tragically. He was a friend to Mark, Steve and I, and a fantastic spirit, and very generous to donate his art at the peak of his popularity. There were two sad things that happened connected to the production of <strong><em>Ragnarok</em></strong> 3. The first was that our printer, who out of respect for the departed will be unnamed, at least by me, made off with some of the best of the original art from the issue. Thank goodness we were able to get Barry’s cover art back to return to him, but Mark owned the art and lost some wonderful pieces that you see in the issue. The second tragedy occurred because I left the country for a few years from late 1975 until 1978, and I had left several hundred uncollated copies of <strong><em>Ragnarok</em></strong> 3 stacked up in my parents basement. After making a couple of futile attempts to have a friend of mine come and get them to bring to Mark, my father got tired of waiting and disposed of all the remaining copies that hadn’t been collated and sold. I never forgave him, but at least it was the worst thing he ever did to me, so I can live with that. Mark, Steve and I remain friends to this day, and visit each other when we can. We’re on different coasts now. I never was involved in another zine. I know we planned a 4th <strong><em>Ragnarok</em></strong> and I even interviewed Roy Thomas for it, and transcribed the interview, but life must have gotten in the way, and we never made it happen. After 1978 I began to work in the video post production industry and my life took a different turn. I’m still currently reading about 25 comic book titles a month, and I won’t grow up.</p></blockquote> <p>The zine actually starts with a very early two page strip by Matt Howarth, very much in Wrightson mode here, as you can see…</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="535" height="720" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_howarth.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158030" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_howarth.jpg 535w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_howarth-223x300.jpg 223w" sizes="(max-width: 535px) 100vw, 535px" /></figure></div> <p></p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="239" height="360" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_barda.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158031" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_barda.jpg 239w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_barda-199x300.jpg 199w" sizes="(max-width: 239px) 100vw, 239px" /></figure></div> <p>Howarth is followed by a contents page and the letters section (you will notice the pdf shows spreads, not single pages, but that is how it was sent to me very graciously by Manny, and cutting them up to make single pages did not seem like it was worth it). Jim Jones and Laurine White, both fandom regulars, are a couple that fill the letter columns. One of several spot illustrations that fill the pages starts here, the cute as heck Big Barda piece by Alan Hanley, which you see to the left. <em>Horror Comes to Archie Comics</em> follows (by Jeffrey Wasserman, part two), with a nice Brother Voodoo piece by Eric Harrison adorning one of the pages. On the heels of that article is a centerspread focusing on the Kung Fu movies of the day, a house ad, and then the Bode interview begins. Here is where the boys could have used some design help, I think. There is no masthead or adornment, and you would barely know the interview begins if you did not look closely! But hey, they were kids!</p> <p>The interview was conducted at the Creation Con that year, one of several conventions that play a part in this issue. First though, you can see a few Bode pieces below.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="576" height="409" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_bode.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158032" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_bode.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_bode-300x213.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure></div> <p></p> <p>In fact, the next feature is a photo adorned piece on the New York Comic Art Convention of 1973. Cosplay did NOT start in the last few years, as you can see! If fact, many of the pros of comics and fantasy took part in these contests back then, including, this time, Al Bradford and Cara Sherman. Below you can see a few examples of the finery on display.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="507" height="720" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_costumes.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158033" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_costumes.jpg 507w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_costumes-211x300.jpg 211w" sizes="(max-width: 507px) 100vw, 507px" /></figure></div> <p></p> <p>Before <em>Masochism and Me</em> (a feature on editor Friedman’s trials working as a convention staff member), there are a few nice illustrations…a few showing characters from the old Andy Griffith show by Jack Davis, as well as a typically powerful Billy Graham piece. It is said early in the zine that an interview with Davis happened…but the tape machine malfunctioned! Look below for the goods…</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="505" height="720" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_andy1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158034" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_andy1.jpg 505w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_andy1-210x300.jpg 210w" sizes="(max-width: 505px) 100vw, 505px" /></figure></div> <p></p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="475" height="648" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_andy2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158035" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_andy2.jpg 475w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_andy2-220x300.jpg 220w" sizes="(max-width: 475px) 100vw, 475px" /></figure></div> <p></p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="615" height="720" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_graham.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158036" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_graham.jpg 615w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_graham-256x300.jpg 256w" sizes="(max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px" /></figure></div> <p>Editor Collins was also kind enough to respond to me within Facebook with his backstory, so get ready! I first asked him how he and Eli met.</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>Roughly speaking, my twin brother and I were either 15 or 16 when I first met Eli at Creation. Actually no, it could’ve been sooner than that because our mom would drive us into the city and I think we met (as Eli said) at the second Creation convention. I remember that one because our mom was there and she would go off and wait for us but our mother was always very good about encouraging this sort of stuff, she was a great mom and I guess maybe after this we became friends with Adam (Malin) and Gary (Berman) who ran the Creation con. I remember Creation, because they were showing the Furry Freak Brothers live action movie, there was a sex scene in the middle of it. They were worried about getting in a lot of trouble for showing it, but they managed to squeak by and not have to suffer any consequences. I had started putting out <strong><em>Ragnarok</em></strong>, the first one having came out a little bit after the first Star Trek convention, because I remember I used graphics from it. Then, I did the second one maybe a year later containing the interview with Marie Severin. She was very good to me and gave drawings to use as a cover. Then Eli and I put our heads together for the third (I was a senior in high school in 1975 when we put that together). Eli had coordinated the Barry Smith interview. Smith was probably pretty mad at us after that for a few reasons. Keep in mind that we’re 64 years old now. We were only 16 back then…I need to make contact with him and apologize for all that went down. I was just kind of an empty headed teenager back then and wasn’t so mindful of consequences from adults. We had good feelings towards Barry even after that French interview fiasco pissed him off, though I thought that magazine had permission from him to publish it… apparently they didn’t! </p><p>I had a good printing program at my high school so I started learning about graphics and laying out stuff. I also learned a lot from studying other fanzines like Adam and Gary’s <strong><em>Infinity</em></strong>, <strong><em>The</em></strong> <strong><em>Comic Reader</em></strong> (digest size just like our zine), and <strong><em>Fantastic Fanzine</em></strong>. I paid attention to things like coloring (multiple passes using zip-a-tone layers and stuff which is very tedious and time consuming… the old school coloring sort of thing). </p></blockquote> <p>I also asked him why he started the zine in the first place, which starts with a crazy story!</p> <p></p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>I was just so in love with comics and loved going to conventions. Keep in mind this was decades before the internet. Eli and I met at the Phil Seuling con…I think they were once a month gatherings at the Statler Hilton. We saw a tiny postage stamp ad in one of the comics, probably Marvel. So, we found the place and it was just so weird…a whole other world of collectors! Prior to conventions, the only people you could really talk to about comic books were your friends in your immediate area. Everybody was isolated in their own spaces. Fanzines sort of functioned as the early internet. You could communicate with each other through them, sending letters back and forth, opening up a whole world of discovery! Subsequently, we aided in the very first Star Trek convention, meeting all of the early actors from the original series. I don’t think Eli talked about the World Science Fiction Convention, where, at this cocktail party in one of the ballrooms, he clambered over the balcony and dropped into the middle of the cocktail party, spraining both ankles! He ended up sitting in the middle of the floor like a puppy that had been hit by a car. We had to grab him, spending the rest of the convention carrying him around in a sedan chair because of that incident! I learned about fanzines from those that I mentioned, as well as zines such as <strong><em>RBCC</em></strong>. I still have a box of all of those fanzines, I never throw anything away! It was just a fun sort of a thing to do, making zines…I enjoyed it, even though I can’t draw or anything like that myself. I could, though, do a kind of a primitive layout…nowadays of course you do all that stuff on your computer. Back then, though, it was more primitive. </p></blockquote> <p>Mark went on to talk about some of the amazing art he could get for pennies back then.</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>We just basically put the word out that we were looking for articles. We got a great interview with Jack Davis, who was very gracious and gave us a lot of stuff. But, as Eli mentioned, that interview got destroyed in the tape recorder and we were never able to follow up on it, which I felt very bad about. As for the cost of some of the art…the Vaughn Bode back cover, for example, I think I gave him 10 bucks for that (which I colored)! Fantagraphics subsequently took that image and put it on the back of a Bode magazine they published (without my permission). I don’t have a copyright on the black and white art, but what I do have is a copyright on the coloring. I hand colored it with zip-a-tone tone layers. Back in those days you could get sketches from famous artists for very little money. I bought those little Roy Krenkel illustrations for 10 bucks! I’d gotten a drawing of Bruce Lee by Neal Adams that he did one evening at one of the conventions for maybe another 10 bucks! The next day, John Byrne, still a fan artist at the time, had a cartoon of ROG 2000. I asked if he would ink it. He pulled out his brush and bottle of black ink (I had never seen anyone ink in person with a brush instead of a pen) and I gave him five bucks for that! Dennis Fujitake gave me a very nice piece which I still have…all of this stuff and more was going in the fourth issue but then, I was off to college and just didn’t have the time for it anymore. Other people were doing much better jobs than what I was able to do, but it was still a lot of fun at the time. Meeting people like Eli, Adam, Gary, Manny Marris… I am still friends with all these people that we met when we were 16 years old! </p></blockquote> <p>Being young and impressionable, full of enthusiasm, has it’s perks! Mark talks a bit about his interactions with the late Vaughn Bode below.</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>Bode was the most interesting person! We became so enamored of his art, we just followed him around like puppies…he was literally like a god to us! When he was doing his live shows at the convention, we would hump his equipment around for him, bring him paddles and devices so he could get some reverb and stuff on his voice, stuff like that. We just thought he was the most amazing person we had ever seen…there was just nothing like him. He had this big ring binder of his art that he would use as a script, so to speak, so I made an exact copy of that! I got a big ring binder, bought all of the old copies of swank and all of the other magazines he had his work in. </p></blockquote> <p>For many, fanzine experience led to other similar work. I asked him about his experiences after fandom.</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>My work in <strong><em>Ragnarok</em></strong> did sort of lead to animation later later on…I was a video editor as well for many years, eventually getting work on <strong><em>X-Men Evolution</em></strong>, which led to a whole career in animation, which I’m still doing to this day. I finally moved to California, making it a full-time career. The zine work also helped in the sense of learning how to stay organized, which also helped later in school, when I studied music, theater arts, and TV. After that, I went directly into a TV career, editing and working in various studios around New Jersey and New York. Later, I came to visit an old friend in California, went on a job interview on a whim associated with <strong><em>The Simpsons</em></strong>, but got a gig finishing the run of the last season and a half of <strong><em>X-Men Evolution</em></strong>, which in turn led to me getting the last several episodes of <strong><em>Megas XLR</em></strong> at <strong><em>Cartoon Network</em></strong>, also becoming good friends with the producer, (who is still one of my closest friends) and she gave me work on the original run of<strong><em> Ben 10</em></strong>. I did that for two straight years making 50 or so episodes. Later, we did a show called <strong><em>Class of 3000</em></strong> with André 3000, then I was away to Las Vegas for a year, working on a TV station start up that eventually collapsed, then came back to LA and went to work finally at Hasbro, doing a seasons worth of <strong><em>G.I. Joe Renegades</em></strong>. I did a lot of shorts at Hasbro and also a lot of <strong><em>My Little Pony</em></strong> shorts, as well as two seasons of <strong><em>Kaijudo</em></strong>. In addition, I did some episodes of <em><strong>Stretch Armstrong</strong></em>, although I never really liked working at Hasbro, eventually going back to <strong><em>Cartoon Network</em></strong> working on <strong><em>Craig of the Creek</em></strong>, a very popular show at <strong><em>Cartoon Network</em></strong>, doing over 130 episodes over the past four seasons. I’m still working on that but it all comes back to my love of comic books! I can say that comic books are one of the few things that never let me down, even in my darkest times. I’ve always been very grateful for that. And, at 64, I’m still doing exactly the same things I was doing when I was a teenager in my 20s! </p></blockquote> <p>Some photos from the 1973 Worldcon follows, and then the Smith interview, which, at 10 pages, is pretty darn long for a fanzine interview with a very quickly rising star! Done in the artist’s New York apartment, the boys must have been pretty star struck! I know I would have been. Too bad they could not have gotten some unpublished work to go with the interview (I am pretty sure that I had seen that one page <em>Soldier Hero</em> somewhere else)</p> <p>And that is pretty much the entirety of the zine, though there is a really beautiful Jack Davis centerspread that I had to show (below) before signing off. I do have the previous two issues of <strong><em>Ragnarok</em></strong> and will probably cover them sometime at a later date.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="616" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_davis.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-158037" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_davis.jpg 720w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/art_davis-300x257.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption>now THAT is gorgeous line work!</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Thanks for stopping by to check out the column, and please, leave a comment below to prove it! Also, big thanks this time to Mark Collins and Eli Friedman for taking the time to make the column much more interesting! As always, you can access all previous installments on my site, kenmeyerjr.com, as well as the pdfs. There is a lot more to see in this fanzine, so go do that now, Jethro!</p> <p>Ken Meyer Jr.<br>kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-146-ragnarok-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>12</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 137: Evil Eye 1</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-137-evil-eye-1/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-137-evil-eye-1/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2020 06:00:24 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[DC Comics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fantasy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Journalists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Superman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Al Bradford]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bruce D. Patterson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Harry Harrison]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Martin Greim]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neal Adams]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Robert Cosgrove]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Steve Fritz]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tom Fagan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wayne Pond]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=154548</guid> <description><![CDATA[Evil Eye 1: 1974Editor and Publisher: Alan Bradford I recall seeing Al Bradford’s work in several fanzines of the past, but all this time, I did not know he did a zine of his own, Evil Eye! I am very happy to rectify my mistake and feature the variety filled zine in this installment of […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="588" height="778" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_cover.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154549" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_cover.jpg 588w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_cover-227x300.jpg 227w" sizes="(max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px" /></figure> <p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Evil Eye 1: 1974<br>Editor and Publisher: Alan Bradford</span></strong></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">I recall seeing Al Bradford’s work in several fanzines of the past, but all this time, I did not know he did a zine of his own, <strong><em>Evil Eye</em></strong>! I am very happy to rectify my mistake and feature the variety filled zine in this installment of <strong><em>Ink Stains</em></strong>. When I asked why Bradford decided to jump in the zine pool, he told me he did it because, “Bob Cosgrove and Marty Greim were having so much fun doing it (it seemed), so it was sort of “monkey see, monkey do.” The fact that I never did a second issue should tell you all you need to know about that experience. I enjoyed putting the ‘zine together, but getting it printed, marketed, and sold, not so much.”</span></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Above you see a Neal Adams (and Bradford) cover to start things off with a double super punch. After that, coupled with the editorial, we see an illustration by Al’s (ex) wife, Susan. Following that is a somewhat atypical barbarian illustration from <strong><em>Comic Crusader</em></strong> leader, Marty Greim (inked by Bradford).</span> <span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">The general theme of this issue appears to be Jack Kirby, and more specifically, the Fantastic Four (there is an article later in the zine I will mention in a bit). Below you see an over the top illustration of a typically complex Kirby-like costume by Bob Cosgrove and Al…they went a long way for the joke!</span></p> <p></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="572" height="757" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_cosgrove.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154550" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_cosgrove.jpg 572w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_cosgrove-227x300.jpg 227w" sizes="(max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px" /></figure> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="248" height="360" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_kato_doom.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154554" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_kato_doom.jpg 248w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_kato_doom-207x300.jpg 207w" sizes="(max-width: 248px) 100vw, 248px" /></figure></div> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">The Kirby theme continues with the next article (an unused piece from Cosgrove’s own <strong><em>Champion</em></strong> zine), <em>The Fantastic Years</em>. The article is illustrated profusely by Cosgrove, Bradford, Bill Black, Greim (an impressive double page spread), Gary Kato (seen at left), and Steve Fritz, and features an issue by issue breakdown of <strong><em>The Fantastic Four</em></strong> up to issue 102, then 108, and, lastly, the specials. Below, you can see a smattering of the pin ups.</span></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="576" height="778" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_black.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154551" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_black.jpg 576w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_black-222x300.jpg 222w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_doom.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154552" width="568" height="750" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_doom.jpg 568w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_doom-227x300.jpg 227w" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" /><figcaption>art by Bob Cosgrove</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="520" height="690" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_fritz.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154553" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_fritz.jpg 520w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_fritz-226x300.jpg 226w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" /></figure> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Al was nice enough to answer a few questions in the Book of Face, the first delving into his beginnings as a comics fan and aspiring artist.</span></p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">I’ve drawn since I could hold a pencil or crayon, at about two or three years old. Everyone starts out drawing. Those of us who never stop are called “artists.” Though I didn’t know their names until much later, I have to say my earliest artistic influences were Al Plastino and Wayne Boring, the two major Superman artists of the 1950s. The first two artists of whose names I was actually aware were Gil Kane and Carmine Infantino, and it was about this time (the last few years of the 1950s) that I began to think that drawing comics was what I wanted to do when I grew up.</span></p></blockquote> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Next is a story by Gary Kato and his brother Bert entitled <em>Fungus</em>…you might say it has a somewhat magic ending. Below you can see a seed of the story, but you can have fungus leafing through the entire spore-y in the pdf. I’m here all night, tip your waitress.</span></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_fungus.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154555" width="541" height="765" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_fungus.jpg 542w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_fungus-212x300.jpg 212w" sizes="(max-width: 541px) 100vw, 541px" /></figure> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Al continued illuminating, expounding on his discovery of fandom below.</span></p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">It was in early 1969, I was 18, in my first year of art school. My younger brother, Pete who was still in high school, the captain of the rifle team (!) and definitely NOT a comics fan, was in the school’s shooting range one afternoon for target practice. A new member of the team was looking around at the walls of the range, which had a number of safety posters taped to them. He commented on the posters: “Oh wow, these are all by Will Eisner!” He expected NO flicker of recognition from Pete. But he was astounded when Pete casually replied: “Oh, yeah, the guy who created The Spirit.” “How did you know that? Are YOU a comics fan?” the kid (Bob Polio by name) asked. Pete assured him that he wasn’t but that his big brother WAS. Of course Bob had to meet me, so Pete introduced us. Bob showed me Stan’s Magazine Exchange in a nearby town, which had a loft filled with old comic books. I met Bob Cosgrove and Marty Greim at Stan’s, and the rest is history. </span></p></blockquote> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Al mentioned to me that Bob Polio went on to work for New England Comics, producing advertising and flyers for them and doing the lettering on the first round of Ben Edlund’s <strong><em>The Tick</em></strong>.</span></p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="306" height="432" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_elric-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154557" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_elric-1.jpg 306w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_elric-1-213x300.jpg 213w" sizes="(max-width: 306px) 100vw, 306px" /></figure></div> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Al Bradford’s fantasy roots (ok, I will stop now) show in the next article (<em>The Chronicle of the Black Sword</em>), spotlighting Michael Moorcock’s character, Elric of Melnibone. A couple of really nice illos by Al grace the article, as well as one by his then wife, Susan. See one at left and another below.</span></p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="588" height="634" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_bradford.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154558" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_bradford.jpg 588w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_bradford-278x300.jpg 278w" sizes="(max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="273" height="432" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_kato.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154573" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_kato.jpg 273w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_kato-190x300.jpg 190w" sizes="(max-width: 273px) 100vw, 273px" /></figure></div> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">We all had our favorite fanzines back then, and Al was no exception. He told me his list included <strong><em>Comic Crusader</em></strong>, <strong><em>Champion</em></strong>, <strong><em>The Collector</em></strong>, <strong><em>Batmania</em></strong>, <strong><em>The Buyer’s Guide</em></strong>, <strong><em>RBCC</em></strong>, <strong><em>Star Studded</em></strong>, and <strong><em>Squa Tront</em></strong>. He also said that “I did art for the first five and a few articles for the first two. In addition I was a member of CAPA Alpha, The comics APA founded by Jerry Bails, off and on from 1971 to about 1983.”</span></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Fan fixture Tom Fagan enters with a short story called <em>Spaced Out</em>, illustrated (in a style somewhat reminiscent of Jeff Jones) by Gary Kato, left.</span></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">One great thing about fandom is the friends we made back then, in many cases, stayed with us our whole lives. Al was no different, saying, “besides the aforementioned Polio, Cosgrove and Greim, I was friends with Bhob Stewart, and Tom Fagan, and am still friends with Bill Black, Rich and Wendy Pini, and a bunch of people from CAPA-Alpha who are now Facebook friends.”</span></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Al was very happy and surprised to get permission from author Harry Harrison to adapt his story, <em>The Finest Hunter in the World</em>. Below is a few pages from the somewhat EC-esque art by Al.</span></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="588" height="778" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_hunter1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154559" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_hunter1.jpg 588w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_hunter1-227x300.jpg 227w" sizes="(max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px" /></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="567" height="778" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_hunter2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154560" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_hunter2.jpg 567w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_hunter2-219x300.jpg 219w" sizes="(max-width: 567px) 100vw, 567px" /></figure> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">As much as we might have hated it, our time in fandom had to come to an end as our lives continued. Most of the time, it was after we graduated high school, maybe college…and “adulting” forced it’s way into our lives. Alan Bradford was, of course, no different. Below, he elaborates on his post fandom days.</span></p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">I didn’t work professionally in comics, other than my ONE pro credit, thanks to Marty Greim and Bill Black. I inked a ten page Atomic Mouse revival story that Marty wrote and penciled, and Bill Black published in his <strong>Americomics</strong>, issue #4, in 1983. I did however go on to work as a commercial artist in the 80’s & 90’s, doing advertising art, newspaper paste-up (in the waning days of physical cut-and-paste, pre-computer, designing giftware and catalog and ad design for Spoontiques, which, at the time, was the world’s largest manufacturer of pewter figurines and gewgaws. Just before the turn of the millenium I quit Spoontiques to start my own giftware company. I was tired of being a wage slave for a multi-million dollar a year company, while getting no bonuses or recompense for my hundreds of design ideas beyond a weekly salary, and not a particularly good one at that. However, Although I had no problem coming up with ideas and handling the logistics of getting them produced as actual products, I was woefully undercapitalized and couldn’t afford to hire the necessary sales force or even office staff. After cleaning out my savings and getting into a certain amount of debt, I called it quits. I went into building backyard sheds for a number of years, and when the owner of the shed company died in around 2009, I worked for a roofing company that specialized in large industrial roofs (mostly sheet rubber) until I retired in 2015. I’ve gone back to drawing since then, mostly just fan art, though a handful of professional jobs, including several book covers and interior illustrations for my friend. Dwight Decker.</span></p></blockquote> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">The issue wraps up with a few spot illustrations by Griem/Bradford, Bruce D. Patterson, and Bob Polio, and a backcover by Wayne Pond. I think this must have been before Wayne started doing a lot of comic character head shots in a cartoony style…and no noses! Check out the back cover below.</span></p> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="588" height="778" src="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_pond.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-154561" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_pond.jpg 588w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/art_pond-227x300.jpg 227w" sizes="(max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px" /></figure></div> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">OK, we finally have the issue fully flowered, but to see Al’s vision come to fruition, you better plant the pdf on your computer! Sorry, I said I would stop.</span></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Thanks this issue go out to the zine’s creator, Al Bradford, and Manny Maris for the scans! Come back next season, I mean, installment, for more fan fun!</span></p> <p><span class="has-inline-color has-black-color">Ken Meyer Jr.<br>kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com</span></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-137-evil-eye-1/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>5</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 109: Comic Crusader 13</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-109-comic-crusader-13/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/ink-stains-109-comic-crusader-13/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Aug 2018 10:00:52 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fantasy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marvel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sci-Fi]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Silver Age]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spider-Man]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill Black]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gil kane]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jim Steranko]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Staton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Martin Greim]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ron Fortier]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Steve Ditko]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tom Fagan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wayne Pond]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=140889</guid> <description><![CDATA[Another episode of Marvelous Marty Greim and his Comic Crusader, featuring…Steranko and Ditko! Comic Crusader 13: 1972 Editor and Publisher: Martin L. Greim If you have read this column for awhile and have much knowledge of fandom in the 1970s, you will no doubt know the name Martin (Marty) L. Greim. His fanzine was consistently […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #000000">Another episode of Marvelous Marty Greim and his <em><strong>Comic Crusader</strong></em>,</span><br /> <span style="color: #000000">featuring…Steranko and Ditko!</span></p> <p style="text-align: left"><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-140890" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_cover-1.jpg" alt="" width="487" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_cover-1.jpg 487w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_cover-1-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 487px) 100vw, 487px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Comic Crusader 13: 1972</strong></span><br /> <span style="color: #000000"><strong>Editor and Publisher: Martin L. Greim</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-140891" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_steranko.jpg" alt="" width="356" height="391" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_steranko.jpg 356w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_steranko-273x300.jpg 273w" sizes="(max-width: 356px) 100vw, 356px" />If you have read this column for awhile and have much knowledge of fandom in the 1970s, you will no doubt know the name Martin (Marty) L. Greim. His fanzine was consistently published and consistently clean in the design department as well, despite the copied typewriter made columns! Marty also contributed to many other zines as an artist as well.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">As that artist, Marty was also clean and fastidious, in spite of his constant (admitted) swiping. In fact, in fanzine terms, he was the ultimate hip hop artist! Taking all kinds of poses, backgrounds and layouts from various artists (to my eye, a lot of Wally Wood, ironically, considered Wally had no problem with swiping), he managed (especially this issue) to make it pretty seamless. Below you will see a few pages from the story featuring his Defender character. Note the Steranko cover (and illustration above left, inked by Bill Black) features Marty’s character as well.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-140892 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender1.jpg" alt="" width="491" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender1.jpg 491w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender1-227x300.jpg 227w" sizes="(max-width: 491px) 100vw, 491px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-140893 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender2.jpg" alt="" width="483" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender2.jpg 483w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender2-224x300.jpg 224w" sizes="(max-width: 483px) 100vw, 483px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-140894 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender3.jpg" alt="" width="490" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender3.jpg 490w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender3-227x300.jpg 227w" sizes="(max-width: 490px) 100vw, 490px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-140895 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender4.jpg" alt="" width="488" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender4.jpg 488w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender4-226x300.jpg 226w" sizes="(max-width: 488px) 100vw, 488px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">It’s funny, but the page above makes me wonder if Mike Mignola somehow saw this zine and unconsciously used the idea for Hellboy!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-140896 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender5.jpg" alt="" width="487" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender5.jpg 487w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_defender5-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 487px) 100vw, 487px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Be sure to download the pdf so you can see the whole nineteen (!) page story. After the opening editorial, <em>Crusader Comments</em> (where Marty admonishes those that obsess over his swiping) the story above follows. Later, we are treated to a Steve Ditko Mr. A story that Marty says in the editorial was intended for a school newspaper, but then offered to him when the printing fell through. Below you can see a sampling from the (literally and thematically) black and white offering from the late and somewhat reclusive Mr. Ditko.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-140897 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_ditko.jpg" alt="" width="440" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_ditko.jpg 440w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_ditko-204x300.jpg 204w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-140898 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_ditko2.jpg" alt="" width="438" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_ditko2.jpg 438w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_ditko2-203x300.jpg 203w" sizes="(max-width: 438px) 100vw, 438px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-140899 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_ditko3.jpg" alt="" width="433" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_ditko3.jpg 433w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_ditko3-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 433px) 100vw, 433px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-140900 aligncenter" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_ditko4.jpg" alt="" width="433" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_ditko4.jpg 433w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_ditko4-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 433px) 100vw, 433px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Again, the pdf is worthwhile to see the whole eight page story by this idiosyncratic creator. Between the two strips is an article by Tom Fagan (called <em>05701</em>) delving into the history of the golden age characters, Lady Luck, Black Cat, Dr. Thirteen and others. Several nice Bill Black illustrations adorn the article, as well as one by Greim. Below is the full page lead in.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-140901" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_black.jpg" alt="" width="493" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_black.jpg 493w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_black-228x300.jpg 228w" sizes="(max-width: 493px) 100vw, 493px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Elsewhere in the issue is a piece by Ron Fortier, covering a Charlton comic called <em><strong>Primus</strong></em> (based on a tv show at the time with the same name), featuring an interview with a young Joe Staton! To see the Staton piece accompanying the interview, you guessed it, get the pdf! Ending the issue is a letters page and a typically dynamic Gil Kane piece positioned on the back cover. Look below if you don’t believe me!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-140902" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_kane.jpg" alt="" width="474" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_kane.jpg 474w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/art_kane-219x300.jpg 219w" sizes="(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">And that about wraps up this month’s installment of <em><strong>Ink Stains</strong></em>. Thanks are in order for, once again, Herb Warren. He provided me with several zines for the column, and this sucker is one of them. You the man, Herb! Remember, the pdf and links to all the past columns are available on my website at <strong><a style="color: #000000" href="http://www.kenmeyerjr.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kenmeyerjr.com</a></strong>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Tune in again next month, history junkies, for another jaunt down the memory lane of fandom!</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-109-comic-crusader-13/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ink Stains 63: The Collector 23</title> <link>https://comicattack.net/is-63-tc-23/</link> <comments>https://comicattack.net/is-63-tc-23/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[kenmeyerjr]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2014 10:00:20 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Columns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ink Stains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ken Meyer Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alan Hanley]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill Black]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill G. Wilson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dan adkins]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dave Stevens]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Don Newton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Doug Potter]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ed Romero]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jim Jones]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Sinnott]]></category> <category><![CDATA[John G Fantucchio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenneth Smith]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Martin Greim]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mickey Mason]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Robert Kline]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Collector]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tom Fagan]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://comicattack.net/?p=112668</guid> <description><![CDATA[That’s right, it is another issue of The Collector! Issue 23, homeslice! The Collector 23: May, 1971 Editor and Publisher: Bill G. Wilson Yes, it is true I have profiled The Collector several times so far in this column. Why? Because it deserves it! Editor and publisher Bill G. Wilson published 29 issues of this […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #000000">That’s right, it is another issue of <em><strong>The Collector</strong></em>! Issue 23, homeslice!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>The Collector 23: May, 1971</strong></span><br /> <span style="color: #000000"><strong>Editor and Publisher: Bill G. Wilson</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-112669" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_banner.jpg" alt="art_banner" width="560" height="279" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_banner.jpg 560w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_banner-300x149.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Yes, it is true I have profiled <em><strong>The Collector</strong></em> several times so far in this column. Why? Because it <em>deserves</em> it! Editor and publisher Bill G. Wilson published 29 issues of this fanzine, and you could tell the effort, care, and love that went into each issue. This installment we are focusing on issue 23. Above you see a combination of a logo by Alan Hanley and Wilson’s Hyperman character, drawn by Wilson and inked by pro Joe Sinnott (who would make several appearances in the fanzine, despite a heavy professional workload). By the way, Bill Wilson is on <a style="color: #000000" title="wilson facebook page" href="https://www.facebook.com/billgwilson?fref=ts">Facebook</a>, so go tell him what a great job he did! Also, you can see previous issues <a style="color: #000000" title="collector 13" href="https://comicattack.net/2013/10/is-54-tc-13/">13</a>, <a style="color: #000000" title="collector 29" href="https://comicattack.net/2012/12/is-45-tc-29/">29</a>, <a style="color: #000000" title="collector 28" href="https://comicattack.net/2012/03/is-39-tc-28/">28</a>, <a style="color: #000000" title="collector 14, 15" href="https://comicattack.net/2013/12/is-56-tc-14-and-15/">14 and 15</a>, and <a style="color: #000000" title="collector 16-19, 21" href="https://comicattack.net/2013/12/is-56-tc-14-and-15/">16-19, and 21</a>, by clicking on the links.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">This issue starts out with one of the finest Martin L. Greim fanzine illustrations I can recall (seen below). Now, from what little I know, Martin did his share of swiping (most of us did), so this might be collated from one or several sources. However, that doesn’t take away from the clean line work, exciting composition, and intelligent zip-a-tone work in this piece. This cover, as well as several illustrations inside, accompanies a story by Tom Fagan featuring the Flying Dutchman.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-112670" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_cover.jpg" alt="art_cover" width="506" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_cover.jpg 506w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_cover-234x300.jpg 234w" sizes="(max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Once inside, we are treated to the always pleasantly retro work of Alan Hanley. An ad hoc group of heroes called The Thunderbolt Brigade is illustrated by Hanley, with a map of who’s who on a flyer that was included with the fanzine (illustration and pertinent illustration from the flyer seen below). It’s funny that the X-men character Quicksilver is identified as “I think his name is the Whizzer.”</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-112671 alignleft" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_thunderbolt.jpg" alt="art_thunderbolt" width="457" height="576" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_thunderbolt.jpg 457w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_thunderbolt-238x300.jpg 238w" sizes="(max-width: 457px) 100vw, 457px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-112672" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_thunderbolt2.jpg" alt="art_thunderbolt2" width="278" height="593" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_thunderbolt2.jpg 278w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_thunderbolt2-141x300.jpg 141w" sizes="(max-width: 278px) 100vw, 278px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">An editorial follows, and then a pro spotlight on the meticulous work of Kenneth Smith. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-112673" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_smith.jpg" alt="art_smith" width="319" height="359" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_smith.jpg 319w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_smith-267x300.jpg 267w" sizes="(max-width: 319px) 100vw, 319px" />I remember his ad for his fanzine, <em><strong>Phatasmagoria</strong></em>, circulating in many fanzines at the time (including this one as well), and how I marveled at the incredibly beautiful and detailed inking, as well as his wonderfully rendered dinosaurs, full of personality.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Bill Wilson perpetuated his own superhero character, Hyperman, through the run of <em><strong>The Collector.</strong></em> This issue contains a three page story that is treated a little differently. Each page, though penciled by Wilson, is inked by a different inker! Page one is by Joe Sinnott, page two by John G. Fantucchio, and page three by Robert Kline (who is <em>finally</em> on <a style="color: #000000" title="bob kline facebook link" href="https://www.facebook.com/bob.kline.986?fref=ts">Facebook</a>!).</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">One fanzine regular who also gets a profile/interview is Jim Jones. His goofy style was presented in later issues of <em><strong>The Collector</strong></em>, as well as other zines such as <em><strong>Fantastic Fanzine</strong></em>. It’s always interesting to see behind the scenes and get background information on your favorite creator, but it is especially interesting when you are dealing with someone using such a singular style, as Jones did. I would have not been surprised to find out Jim was a private detective working in some seedy NYC office, tracking down mob <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-112675" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_nixon.jpg" alt="art_nixon" width="241" height="292" />figures and cheating husbands while doing doodles on the side. Jones actually started out trying to be a panel cartoonist, submitted to various professional magazines, and even scored at least once in <em>Playboy</em>! Johnny Souza, the interviewer, references the singular style, but does not press Jones for any information on it, which was a bit of a disappointment. At left you see a representative of Jones’s work, a spot illo of tricky Dick Nixon.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">In addition to the inking of the Hyperman page, the late great Don Newton contributes a beautiful and wonderfully textured centerfold of Doc Savage. Don was one of the best of those artists that could be considered realists, made his rounds through many fanzines, broke into professional comics at Charlton, and later worked for DC and Marvel. He is so missed. Below you see one small reason why.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-112679" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_newton.jpg" alt="art_newton" width="756" height="504" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_newton.jpg 756w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_newton-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 756px) 100vw, 756px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Another professional inker that made several appearances in <strong><em>The Collector</em></strong>, and does here, is Dan Adkins. He gives us a full page Tarzan pin up, as well as some very interesting non comic work. The latter is part of an article written by Adkins called <em>Besides Comics</em>. Adkins even gives his address, so interested parties can ask for commissions…although, considering this fanzine was published over 40 years ago, I doubt he is still there! Imagine this, at the time, the price of a black and white commission was….ten dollars! Below you will see the Tarzan full page illustration as well as a few of the decals that form a small part of the commercial work he was doing at the time, as well as a back cover illustration.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-112681" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins_tarzan.jpg" alt="art_adkins_tarzan" width="450" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins_tarzan.jpg 450w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins_tarzan-208x300.jpg 208w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-112682" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins1.jpg" alt="art_adkins1" width="571" height="576" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins1.jpg 571w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins1-297x300.jpg 297w" sizes="(max-width: 571px) 100vw, 571px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-112683" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins2.jpg" alt="art_adkins2" width="571" height="576" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins2.jpg 571w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins2-150x150.jpg 150w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins2-297x300.jpg 297w" sizes="(max-width: 571px) 100vw, 571px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-112684" src="https://comicattack.net//wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins3.jpg" alt="art_adkins3" width="446" height="648" srcset="https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins3.jpg 446w, https://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/art_adkins3-206x300.jpg 206w" sizes="(max-width: 446px) 100vw, 446px" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">The fanzine concludes with a fiction by Ralph Alfonso (llustrated by <em><strong>Collector</strong></em> regular Doug Potter), and a letters page (including letters from Greim, Gary Groth, Alan Light, and Joe Sinnott). Keep in mind you can see the whole issue in the <strong><a style="color: #000000" title="collector pdf" href="http://www.kenmeyerjr.com/ink-stains.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pdf</a></strong>, which includes illustrations not seen here by the likes of Bill Black, Edward Romero, Jones, Fantucchio, Greim, Mickey Mason, and a very young Dave Stevens!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000">Thanks this time goes out once again to the ever helpful Aaron Caplan, for loaning me copies of this fanzine I either lost along the way, or never had. I hope you have enjoyed your stay here back in the early 70s…don’t forget to leave your flared jeans and cassettes with me!</span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;color: #000000">Ken Meyer Jr.</span><br /> <span style="color: #000000">kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com</span></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://comicattack.net/is-63-tc-23/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>