Pencil Ink

Paying for It GN - Chester Brown story

2026-03-10T00:00:00.010-04:00

Paying for It

Paying for It GN (graphic novel), 2011 - A memoir of his experiences with prostitutes, cartoonist Chester Brown creates a brutally honest and sometimes disturbing graphic novel. There are no explicit scenes or underage women, only dialogue and a spare linear style drawn in black and white. He brings readers into an underground world few have entered, with sincerity and without shame. Published by Drawn and Quarterly.

- - - - - - - - - -

Favorite C. Brown story

- - - - - - - - - -

"Paying for It" 211 pages

Paying for It

- - - - - - - - - -

Home

ebay >this comic

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Wow Comics #4 - 1st Pinky the Whiz Kid

2026-03-09T12:00:00.019-04:00

Wow Comics #4

Wow Comics v1 #4, 1941 - The maniacal Mr. Hyde murders a woman, consigning her son to an orphanage for the rest of his life. Pinky vows to fight crime like his hero Mr. Scarlet. Donning a mask and cape, he becomes Pinky the Whiz Kid. The two heroes converge to defeat Hyde, agreeing to work together from then on. This and other stories were written by Otto Binder and drawn by Jack Binder. Other artists in this issue includes Pierce Rice, Ken Battefield and Jim Wilcox.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st appearance, 1st cover, 1st origin Pinky

Wow Comics v1 = multiple key issues

- - - - - - - - - -

"Mr. Hyde" 11 pages
+ other stories

1st Pinky the Whiz Kid

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Wow Comics / Fawcett
ebay >this comic

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Unknown Worlds of Science Fiction #3 - Alex Nino art

2026-03-09T00:00:00.005-04:00

Unknown Worlds of Science Fiction #3

Unknown Worlds of Science Fiction v1 #3, 1975 - The famous science fiction story by Harlan Ellison is adapted here for the first time in comic book form. Alex Nino is tasked with the artwork, delivering a work of abundant detail and complexity. While known for this approach in other magazines, some of Nino's pages border on chaos. Ironically, his best page is the quiet opening splash, illustrating a quote from poet Henry David Thoreau. Other artists in this bronze age comic include Gray Morrow, George Perez, Vicente Alcazar, Bruce Jones, Gene Colan and Frank Chiaramonte. Published by Marvel under the Curtis imprint.

- - - - - - - - - -

Unknown Worlds of Science Fiction v1 = 3 Nino issues

Nino gallery
- - - - - - - - - -
"Repent, Harlequin! Said The Ticktockman" Nino story pencils and inks 17 pages = ***

Alex Nino

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Nino / Unknown Worlds of Science Fiction / Marvel
ebay >this comic

Nino >comics >books

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Fantastic Four #26 - Jack Kirby art & cover

2026-03-08T12:00:00.005-04:00

Jack Kirby

Fantastic Four v1 #26, 1964 - Alone against the Hulk, the Thing stands his ground until fate intervenes. The mighty Avengers arrive, but Rick Jones is abruptly taken hostage. Can the combined might of two super-teams (who incidentally meet for the first time) save him from the Hulk? Jack Kirby's story art is largely diminished by the uninspired inking. His cover, however, deserves kudos for fitting all the characters together in a single scene. This story was later reprinted in Fantastic Four Annual #4 and Giant Superhero Holiday Grab Bag / Marvel Treasury Special #NN.

- - - - - - - - - -

Fantastic Four v1 = 116 Kirby issues

- - - - - - - - - -

Kirby cover pencils (Sol Brodsky inks) = ***

"The Avengers Take Over” Kirby story pencils (George Bell aka George Roussos inks) 23 pages = **

Jack Kirby

Home / Kirby / Fantastic Four / Marvel
ebay >this comic

Kirby >comics >books

Fantastic Four >comics+collectibles >books+magazines >movies+tv >toys+games

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Detective Comics #482 - Jim Starlin art

2026-03-08T00:00:00.014-05:00

Detective Comics #482

Detective Comics v1 #482, 1978 - Concluding a Batman storyline of gorillas and mind transference, Jim Starlin's illustrations are noticeably improved from the previous issue. Craig Russell's inks are overpowering at times, but overall the art is bolstered by greater definition. Also, a superb two-page title spread (pages 2-3) doesn't hurt. This dollar comic also features solo adventures of Robin, Batgirl and inexplicably, the Demon. Other artists in this bronze age comic include Michael Golden, Bob Smith, Frank Chiaramonte, Dick Giordano, Juan Ortiz, Dave Hunt and Don Heck.

- - - - - - - - - -

Detective Comics v1 = 4 Starlin issues
- - - - - - - - - -
"Night of the Body Snatcher" Starlin story pencils (P. Craig Russell inks) 20 pages = ***

Jim Starlin

Home / Starlin / Detective Comics / DC
ebay >this comic

Starlin >comics >books

Detective Comics >comics+collectibles >books+magazines

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Ghostly Tales #104 - Steve Ditko art

2026-03-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

Ghostly Tales #104

Ghostly Tales v1 #104, 1973 - In the midst of the French Revolution, a nobleman secures his hidden wealth before departing Paris. But can he flee the Bastille before the peasants get to him? Steve Ditko's opening page is rather mundane, but subsequent pages are well drawn and laid out. Nicely detailed, he captures this tumultuous time with vigorous linework and cross-hatching. Other artists in this issue include Joe Staton and Pat Boyette. Cover by Boyette.

- - - - - - - - - -

Ghostly Tales v1 = 61 Ditko issues

- - - - - - - - - -
''The Keeper Of The Keys'' Ditko story pencils and inks 8 pages = ***

Steve Ditko

Home / Ditko / Ghostly Tales / Charlton

ebay >this comic

Ditko >comics >books

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Eclipse Monthly #2 - Marshall Rogers art & cover, Steve Ditko art

2026-03-07T00:00:00.014-05:00

Marshall Rogers

Eclipse Monthly v1 #2, 1983 - Cap'n Quick and a Foozle make their second appearance illustrated with panache by Marshall Rogers. His pacing and layouts have an elegance, despite the silliness of the scenes. Steve Ditko does similar justice to his Static story. His familiar graphic style creates interesting, almost expressionistic effects, usually featuring the hero. Other artists in this copper age comic include Doug Wildey.

- - - - - - - - - -

Eclipse Monthly v1 = 3 Ditko issues, 5 Rogers issues
- - - - - - - - - -
Rogers cover pencils and inks = ***
Cap'n Quick and a Foozle story pt 2, Rogers pencils and inks 10 pages = ***
"The Exploder" Ditko pencils and inks 10 pages = ***

Marshall Rogers

Steve Ditko

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Ditko / Rogers / Eclipse Monthly / Eclipse
ebay >this comic

Ditko >comics >books / Rogers >comics >books

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Namor the Sub-Mariner #2 - John Byrne art & cover

2026-03-06T12:00:00.000-05:00

John Byrne

Namor the Sub-Mariner v1 #2, 1990 - Back in New York City, Dr. Alexander and his daughter help Namor purchase a corporation with vast riches from the ocean floor. The Griffin suddenly abducts Carrie, taking her to the Statue of Liberty. John Byrne sets a frenetic pace right away, starting with an awesome two page spread. The battle's sequencing and perspective exceeds expectations. A final splash page of the Griffin leads into the next issue.

- - - - - - - - -

Namor the Sub-Mariner v1 = 25 Byrne issues

- - - - - - - - - -
Byrne cover pencils and inks = ***
"Eagle's Wing and Lion's Claw" Byrne story pencils and inks 22 pages = ****

John Byrne

Home / Byrne / Namor the Sub-Mariner / Marvel
ebay >this comic

Byrne >comics >books

Sub-mariner >comics+collectibles >books >movies+tv >toys+games >clothing

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Crazy Magazine #1 - Mike Ploog art + 1st issue

2026-03-06T00:00:00.096-05:00

Crazy Magazine #1

Crazy Magazine v1 #1, 1973 - Marvel competes directly with Mad magazine with the first issue of their own satirical title. Mike Ploog provides the art for "Kung Fooey", an absurd version of the 1970s television show Kung Fu. Though only in black and white, the artist clearly excels in this genre. His exaggerated, expressionistic figures seem perfectly suited for humorous situations. All the while, he maintains his craftsmanship and uniquely viscous brushwork. Basil Wolverton does a typically grotesque illustration of Harlan Ellison's text story. This issue also includes artwork by Ross Andru, Vaughn Bode, Dave Hunt, Marie Severin and Herb Trimpe. Cover by Kelly Freas.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st issue

Crazy Magazine v1 = 3 Ploog issues, 1 key issue

- - - - - - - - - -
"Kung Fooey" Ploog story pencils and inks 8 pages (black and white) = ***

Mike Ploog

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Ploog / Crazy Magazine / Marvel
ebay >this comic

Ploog >comics >books

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

The Boys #1 - 1st issue

2026-03-05T12:59:00.010-05:00

The Boys #1

The Boys v1 #1, 2006 - Hugh Campbell, consummate nerd, finally finds the love of his life Robin. Unfortunately, she's killed instantly when the path of a super-speedster (A-Train) chasing a villain. Grief-stricken, he's recruited by Billy Butcher, an operative forming a team to keep superheroes in check. Not too dissimilar to the tv series, this first issue was written by Garth Ennis and drawn by Darick Robertson. Cover by Robertson. Published by DC under the Wildstorm imprint.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st issue

The Boys v1 = 1 key issue

- - - - - - - - - -

"The Name of the Game, Part One" 22 pages

The Boys #1

- - - - - - - - - -

Home / The Boys / DC

ebay >this comic

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Kid Remote in The Power to Move

2026-03-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

"what hit me?"

Akklaim comic book ad, 1980s - Cords too unwieldy for your video games? Use a remote control for your Ninendo systems. Published in Wolverine v2 #17.

- - - - - - - - - -

Home / Ads

Comics by Walt Disney / Merry Christmas from Firestone 1943 - Carl Barks reprint

2026-03-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

Comics by Walt Disney / Merry Christmas from Firestone 1943

Comics by Walt Disney / Merry Christmas from Firestone 1943 - The first of a series of annual series, this and following issues are known as the Firestone giveaways due to their sponsorship. Retailers who participate actually have their logos added to the cover, resulting in several variants. Featured is a Carl Barks holiday tale, reprinted from Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #32. Other artists in this issue include Al Taliaferro.

- - - - - - - - - -

Home / Barks / Comics by Walt Disney / Merry Christmas from Firestone / Dell

ebay >this comic

Barks >comics >books

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Rom - comic series checklist

2026-03-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

- - - - - - - - - -
Rom (Spaceknight) v1
Marvel
1979-86

1 - non-attributed Miller cover + 1st appearance key
2 - mis-attributed Miller cover
3 - Miller cover
4-10
11-16
17 - Miller cover
18 - Miller cover
19-55
56 - Byrne cover
57-66
67 - Ditko art, Starlin cover
68-75

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Marvel

Captain Jet #1 - 1st appearance

2026-03-03T18:30:00.000-05:00

Captain Jet #1

Captain Jet v1 #1, 1952 - After a fellow pilot risks his life to warn his allies about poison gas, Captain Jet takes off on his own to verify the information. Landing in Communist territory, he's overwhelmed by Chinese soldiers. Can he destroy all the gas-filled shells before being shot? Set during the Korean War, this first issue introduces the heroic pilot and starts a five issue run published by Ajax/Farrell.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st appearance Captain Jet, 1st issue

Captain Jet v1 = 1 key issue

- - - - - - - - - -

"Greased Lightning" 6 pages
+ other stories

Captain Jet #1

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Captain Jet

ebay >this comic

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Ghost Manor v2 #18 - 1st Don Newton art, Steve Ditko art

2026-03-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

Ghost Manor v2 #18

Ghost Manor v2 #18, 1974 - Stranded in a western ghost town, a woman befriends a young man with old-fashioned tastes. Steve Ditko's clean, simple lines are appealing, but perhaps need a tad more detail. The style and approach is consistent with his other tales for the same publisher. Don Newton, in his first professional work in comics, tells of a couple moving into their new house. His drawings are moody and atmospheric, often using shadows for dramatic effect (see splash page below). Newthe artist's layouts are varied enough to maintain interest without sacrificing storytelling. Overall, Newton delivers a splendid and thoughtful piece in his debut. Other artists in this comic include Sanho Kim. Cover by Tom Sutton.

- - - - - - - - - -

First start Don Newton

Ghost Manor v2 = 28 Ditko issues, 4 Newton issues

- - - - - - - - - -
"A Lonely Place" Ditko story pencils and inks 7 pages = **
"The Empty Room" Newton story pencils and inks 7 pages = ****

Don Newton

Steve Ditko

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Ditko / Newton / Ghost Manor / Ch arlton
ebay >this comic

Ditko >comics >books / Newton >comics >books

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Strange Suspense Stories v3 #49 - Matt Baker art

2026-03-02T12:01:00.003-05:00

Strange Suspense Stories v3 #49

Strange Suspense Stories v3 #49, 1960 - A technician on an experimental rocket program grows impatient with sending animals into space. Bob Carson takes matters into his own hand by stowing away on the next launch. Matt Baker's pencils are recognizable on this story, but just barely. The lack of care and craftsmanship is obvious on most of the panels, further hampered by Vince Coletta's flailing inks. The cover re-purposes some of the interior story panels.

- - - - - - - - - -

Strange Suspense Stories v3 = 5 Baker issues

- - - - - - - - - -

"Up Into The Unknown" Baker story pencils (Vince Colletta inks) 5 pages = **

Matt Baker

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Baker / Strange Suspense Stories / Charlton
ebay >this comic

Baker >comics >books

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Marvel Spotlight v2 #7 - Frank Miller cover

2026-03-02T00:00:00.002-05:00

Frank Miller

Marvel Spotlight v2 #7 on Star-Lord, 1980 - With passenger attached, Star-Lord takes flight while under attack by winged men. Outlines of glittering towers contrast against the darkened crags below. In between, Frank Miller's cover uses both line and shape to define the figures. The general visual appeal is somewhat offset by his mediocre layout and positioning of the main characters. Other artists in this copper age comic include Tom Sutton.

- - - - - - - - - -

Marvel Spotlight v2 = 4 Miller issues
- - - - - - - - - -
Miller cover pencils (Bob Wiacek inks) = **

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Miller / Marvel Spotlight / Marvel
ebay >this comic

Miller >comics >books

Marvel Spotlight >comics+collectibles

(This post contains affiliate links which help support this blog)

Batman #235 - Neal Adams cover

2026-03-01T12:00:00.001-05:00

Neal Adams

Batman v1 #235, 1971 - In an uncharacteristic move, Ras Al Ghul asks the Batman for help. His daughter is in pursuit of a deadly vial, not knowing it releases the plague when exposed. Neal Adams' cover scene doesn't happen in the actual story, but suggests the eventual confrontation with Talia. The layout may be too busy for my tastes, but Adams' drawing skills partially make up for it. Note that this is the first time Talia Al Ghul is prominently featured on a cover. Other artists in this issue include Irv Novick.

- - - - - - - - - -

Batman v1 = 30 Adams issues

- - - - - - - - - -
Adams cover pencils (Dick Giordano inks) = **

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Adams / Batman / DC
ebay >this comic

Adams >comics >books

Batman >comics >books >movies+tv >toys+games

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Roy Rogers and Trigger #141 - Russ Manning art

2026-03-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

Roy Rogers and Trigger #141

Roy Rogers and Trigger v1 #141, 1958 - The town klutz can’t seem to do anything right, until the day he helps Dale Evans foil a bank robbery. Russ Manning creates these town characters with ease, or so it seems. Combined with convincingly drawn western clothing and settings, the artist paints an idyllic picture of the old west. The clumsy accident-turned-heroic-feat on page 4 panel 1 perfectly blends together both danger and humor. On a final notem Dale’s face on panel 5 looks curiously overworked. Other artists in this golden age western comic include Nat Edson. Photo cover.

- - - - - - - - - -

Roy Rogers and Trigger v1 = 15 Manning issues

Manning gallery

- - - - - - - - - -
"A Job for Hiram" Manning story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***

Russ Manning

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Manning / Roy Rogers and Trigger / Dell
ebay >this comic

Manning >comics >books

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Gamut #3 - Bernie Wrightson cover

2026-02-28T20:00:00.000-05:00

Bernie Wrightson

Gamut v1 #3, 1977 - Bernie Wrightson provides the cover for the third edition of this Canadian fanzine. The nonsensical scene features a hero brandishing a rubber chicken while riding a flying creature. Nonetheless, it's well drawn in a style that seems earlier than the publication date.

- - - - - - - - - -

Gamut v1 = 3 Wrightson issues

- - - - - - - - - -

Wrightson cover pencils and inks = ***

- - - - - - - - - -

Home / Wrightson / Gamut

ebay >this comic

Wrightson >comics >books

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

All-Negro Comics #1 - 1st issue, Landmark issue

2026-02-28T18:00:00.003-05:00

All-Negro Comics #1

All-Negro Comics v1 #1, 1947 - Published by journalist Orrin C. Evans, this one-shot issue is the first comic book written, drawn and produced by African-Americans. The lead story introduces Ace Harlem, a black detective hunting down the murderers of a local restaurant owner. Other tales feature a variety of black characters: Dew Dillies (a pair of pixies), Lion Man (a heroic protector based in Africa) and Sugarfoot & Snake Oil (two hobo musicians). This landmark issue includes stories and artwork by John Terrell, Leonard Cooper and George J. Evans Jr. Cover by Terrell.

- - - - - - - - - -

Select Landmark issue, 1st African-American produced comic

Key 1st issue

All-Negro Comics v1 = 1 key issue, 1 select issue

- - - - - - - - - -
"Ace Harlem" 15 pages
+ other stories

All-Negro Comics #1

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / All-Negro Comics
ebay >this comic

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Eerie v3 #16 - Alex Toth reprint

2026-02-28T00:00:00.019-05:00

Eerie v3 #16

Eerie v3 #16, 1968 - A highlight of this particular issue is an Alex Toth reprint from Eerie v3 #3. Other artists in this bronze age magazine include Jerry Grandenetti, Bill Draut, Bruce Jones, Bill Fraccio, Tony Tallarico, Johnny Craig and Frank Bolle. Painted cover by Barry Rockwell .

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Toth / Eerie / Warren
ebay >this comic

Toth >comics >books

Eerie >comics+collectibles >books+magazines

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Machine Man #1 - Jack Kirby art & cover + 1st issue

2026-02-27T12:00:00.007-05:00

Jack Kirby

Machine Man v1 #1, 1978 - Originally debuting in 2001: A Space Odyssey #8, the living robot begins his own self-titled series with this first issue. Jack Kirby creates yet another compelling hero for Marvel, one of his second wave of characters during the mid-1970s. His artwork is reliably frenetic, residing within carefully constructed layouts. Mike Royer builds upon the excitement with clearly defined and faithfully applied inking. Kirby's cover, while iconic, slightly lacks the impact of his interiors.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st issue

Machine Man v1 = 9 Kirby issues, 1 key issue

- - - - - - - - - -
Kirby cover pencils (Frank Giacoia inks) = **
"Machine Man" Kirby story pencils (Mike Royer inks) 17 pages = ***

Jack Kirby

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Kirby / Machine Man / Marvel
ebay >this comic

Kirby >comics >books

(This post has affiliate links which help support this blog)

Star Spangled War Stories #155 - Joe Kubert art & cover

2026-02-27T00:00:00.001-05:00

Joe Kubert

Star Spangled War Stories v1 #155, 1970 - In advance of D-Day, the Unknown Soldier leads a group of resistance fighters in the attack of a Nazi stronghold. Joe Kubert does an adequate cover, but excels on the story art inside. Each page is purposefully drawn, waning slightly only toward the end. The most compelling visual is the title spread on pages 2-3, depicting our disguised hero parachuting under the cover of night. Kubert expertly renders the scene with breathtaking ease. This issue also includes part one of an Enemy Ace reprint from Showcase #58. Other artists in this bronze age comic include Russ Heath and Sam Glanzman.

- - - - - - - - - -

Star Spangled War Stories v1 = 96 Kubert issues