Diversions of the Groovy Kind

Making a Splash: Frank Brunner's Dr. Strange

noreply@blogger.com (The Groovy Agent) — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:02:00 PDT

Ya know, Groove-ophiles, ya'd be hard pressed to find a more beautifully illustrated comic than one featuring Frank Brunner applying the pencils to Dr. Strange. Though his reign was relatively short, (Marvel Premiere #'s 6, 9-14 and Doctor Strange Vol. 2, #'s 1-5--though as you can tell from the credits, a couple'a these jobs were framing sequences for reprints), was it ever suh-weet! Brunner masterfully combined a Neal Adams-inspired realism with the classic Steve Ditko psychedelia to create his own brand new style that would re-define our Master of the Mystic Arts for the Groovy Age. Check out these splashes for a sampling of the sublimity that was Frank Brunner's Doctor Strange!

Random Reads: "The Siege of Lortnan Manor" by Michelinie, Vosburg, and Colletta

noreply@blogger.com (The Groovy Agent) — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:02:00 PDT

What it is, Groove-ophiles! I can't believe it's been nearly two years since I rapped about David Michelinie and Mike Vosburg's wonderful Starfire, but it has! Time to rectify that particular sitch right here and now! "The Siege of Lortnan Manor", from Starfire #2 (July 1976) and inked by Vinnie Colletta, is a true tale of triumph and tragedy! Starfire and her rebel band bring the battle to the baddies, but as always, victory comes at a high price. Dig it!

Black and White Wednesday: "Conan the Cimmerian" and "Thomas Speaks!" by Ralph Macchio

noreply@blogger.com (The Groovy Agent) — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:02:00 PDT

One of the absolute finest issues of FOOM Magazine was ish 14 (Summer 1976) featuring Conan and Robert E. Howard. The ish was filled to the brim with high-quality articles and interviews, the best of which was future Marvel editor Ralph Macchio's overview/interview of Roy Thomas' take on Conan. To say that particular article inspired Teen Groove would be to put it way too mildly; ya know, like sayin' Twiggy was kinda skinny. For your enjoyment, here's the whole shebang, complete with incredible art by the likes of Barry (Windsor-) Smith, John Buscema, Mike Nasser (Michael Netzer), Tom Palmer, Alfredo Alcala, Tony DeZuniga, Dick Giordano, and more. Dig it!