Pencil Ink

X-Men #168 - Paul Smith cover

2026-08-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

Paul Smith

X-Men v1 #168, 1983 - A battle-worn Kitty Pryde is backed up against the wall by an unknown assailant. Paul Smith captures her exhaustion and determination at the same time. She's been featured solo on an X-Men cover once before, but this one (where she's literally spotlighted) is grittier and more compelling. Smith, who also drew the interiors, just joined the creative team and was already making his mark on the series.

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Favorite P. Smith cover

X-Men v1 = multiple favorite issues

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Paul Smith cover pencils and inks

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House of Secrets #91 - Wally Wood art, Neal Adams cover

2026-08-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

Neal Adams

House of Secrets v1 #91, 1971 - A brutal South American dictator quashes a rebellion and orders the execution of their leader "El Aguila". Jerry Grandenetti's adequate drawings appear more polished by Wally Wood's bold inking. Deft placement of shadows and highlights suggest the oppressive mood of the story's setting. Neal Adams does even better with his interpretation of the same theme. The cover's transparent masthead allows his illustration to have a greater sense of scale and space. Other artists in this bronze age comic include Jack Sparling, Sam Glanzman and Murphy Anderson.
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House of Secrets v1 = 9 Adams issues, 2 Wood issues

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Adams cover pencils and inks = ****
"The Eagle's Talon" Wood story inks (Jerry Grandenetti pencils) 7 pages = ***

Wally Wood

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The Cat #NN - Movie adaptation

2026-08-11T18:00:00.000-04:00

The Cat #NN

The Cat v1 #NN (no number), 1966 - When a little boy witnesses illegal poaching, the hunter begins to pursue him through the Rocky Mountains. He eventually befriends a wild mountain lion, which increases his chances for survival. This comic book adaptation of the Embassy Pictures film was drawn by Jack Sparling. Photo cover. Cover identification number is 12-109-612.

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Select Movie adaptation

Cat v1 = 1 select issue

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"The Cat" 32 pages

The Cat #NN

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Home / Cat / Dell / Adventure

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All-Out War #1 - Joe Kubert cover + 1st Viking Commando

2026-08-11T12:00:00.000-04:00

All-Out War #1

All-Out War v1 #1, 1979 - In the midst of battle with the huns, Valoric the Thane is mistakenly taken by a a valkyrie for his final reward. But instead of Valhalla, he's transported to the European theater in World War II. Realizing he shares a common enemy with the Americans, this Viking Commando joins them in their fight against the Nazis. This Robert Kanigher story was drawn by George Evans. As busy as the cover is, Joe Kubert's effort is more hurried and below his usual standards. Other artists in this dollar comic include Jerry Grandenetti, E. R. Cruz, Dick Ayers and Romeo Tanghal.

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Key 1st appearance, 1st origin, 1st cover Viking Commando, 1st issue

All-Out War v1 = 1 key issue

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Kubert cover pencils and inks = **
"D-Day for a Viking" 18 pages

1st Viking Commando

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Archie's Pals 'n' Gals #23 - 1st Josie James, Melody Jones, Pepper Smith

2026-08-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

Archie's Pals 'n' Gals #23

Archie's Pals 'n' Gals v1 #23, 1962 - Josie and Pepper pass their history test, but their bubbly friend Melody doesn't. Knowing there's an upcoming Spanish test, the girls get an idea to use language tapes while sleeping. A trio of new characters in introduced this issue: Josie James, a redheaded girl-next-door, Melody Jones, a pretty but flaky blonde, and Pepper Smith, a brainy brunette. Josie and Melody would later form the band Josie and the Pussycats. This story was written by Frank Doyle and drawn by Dan DeCarlo. Other artists in this issue include Bob White and Harry Lucey. Cover by Samm Schwartz.

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Key 1st appearance Josie James, Melody Jones, Pepper Smith

Archie's Pals 'n' Gals v1 = multiple key issues

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"Tongue Twister" 6 pages
+ other stories

1st Josie James, Melody Jones, Pepper Smith

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Home / Archie's Pals 'n' Gals / Archie / Humor

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Strange Confessions #1 - 1st issue

2026-08-10T12:19:00.000-04:00

Strange Confessions #1

Strange Confessions v1 #1, 1952 - Tired of being poor and living in a tenement building, Sherry catches the eye of a rich man. She shuns her ex-boyfriend, but her new beau is more nefarious than she realized. Coinciding with the rise of romance comics, this first issue from Ziff-Davis publishing was drawn by Mike Sekowsky and Tex Blaisdell. Photo cover.

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Key 1st issue

Strange Confessions v1 = 1 key issue

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"Tarnished Kisses" 7 pages
+ other stories

Strange Confessions #1

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Home / Strange Confessions / Romance

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Defenders Annual #1 - 1st issue

2026-08-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

Defenders Annual #1

Defenders Annual v1 #1, 1976 - A group of super-villains called the Headmen are on the verge of world conquest by political and psychological means. To prevent it, Doctor Strange flies to Los Angeles and sends Nighthawk and Red Guardian to Paris and Valykrie and Power Man to India. All this while the galactic being Nebulon remains a threat. This first issue was written by Steve Gerber was drawn by Sal Buscema and Klaus Janson. Cover by Al Milgrom and Klaus Janson.

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Key 1st issue

Defenders Annual v1 = 1 key issue

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"World Gone Sane?" 35 pages

Defenders Annual #1

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Cheyenne Kid #13 - Al Williamson art

2026-08-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

Cheyenne Kid #13

Cheyenne Kid v1 #13, 1958 - When a Pawnee tribe is on the verge of starvation due to a dishonest white man, the Cheyenne Kid intervenes on their behalf. Al Williamson opens with a splendid panel, placing central characters against a rugged, rocky landscape. The remaining pages hold the same level of detail although loosely rendered. While similar to Williamson's previous work on the series, there's a marginal improvement worth noting. Other artists in this golden age western comic include Charles Nicholas, Sal Trapani and Rocco Mastroserio.

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Cheyenne Kid v1 = 5 Williamson issues

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Untitled ("Sam Rubler") Williamson story pencils (Angelo Torres inks) 5 pages = ***

Al Williamson

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Miscellany - Quiz on Ploog Conan

2026-08-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Quiz:
Mike Ploog drew several issue of Kull, but which comic has his only depiction of Conan the Barbarian?
Answer

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Home / Quizzes / Miscellany

Richie Rich and Cadbury #1 - 1st issue

2026-08-08T18:44:10.519-04:00

Richie Rich and Cadbury #1

Richie Rich and Cadbury v1 #1, 1977 - Visiting the Rich Automobile Company showroom, Richie and his family butler witness an odd occurrence. A customer drives out in his new car but the wheels suddenly fall off. Only after Richie financially compensates the man does he realize they've been conned. Randal the Vandal gets away but soon returns. This first issue also includes a Cadbury solo feature.

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Key 1st issue

Richie Rich and Cadbury v1 = 1 key issue

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"Randal the Vandal" 10 pages
+ other stories

Richie Rich and Cadbury #1

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John Byrne original art - Space 1999 #4 page

2026-08-08T18:00:00.000-04:00

John Byrne

Original John Byrne cover from Space 1999 #4, 1970s.

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Going Steady - comic series checklist

2026-08-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

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Going Steady v1
St. John
1954-55

continued from Teen-age Temptations
10 - Baker cover & reprint + 1st issue key
11 - Baker cover
12 - Baker cover & reprint
13 - Baker cover & reprints
14 - Baker cover & reprints

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Home / St. John

Frogman #1 - 1st issue

2026-08-07T12:00:00.000-04:00

Frogman Comics #1

Frogman (Comics) v1 #1, 1952 - Midget subs have been spotted lurking off the coast of Japan, thanks to US Naval intelligence. Suspected of preparing to disrupt shipping lanes, three members of the Underwater Demolition Team are tasked with destroying them. Dan Durkin and two of his frogmen ready themselves for the mission. Artists in this first issue include Mike Suchorsky, John Prentice, Dan Zolnerowich, Ed Smalle, Jack Abel, Paul Reinman and Mike Becker. Cover by Suchorsky.

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Key 1st issue

Frogman v1 = 1 key issue

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"Operation Ravage" 7 pages
+ other stories

Frogman Comics #1

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Home / Frogman / War

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My Greatest Adventure #81 - Alex Toth art

2026-08-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

My Greatest Adventure #81

My Greatest Adventure v1 #81, 1963 - Two scientists and a reporter travel to a remote valley in Pakistan, looking for clues that lead them to the anthropological missing link. The art by Alex Toth is adequate, filling the pages with remote landscapes and prehistoric life-forms (see interior page below). The artist's best work occurs on the opening splash, depicting a large ape atop an enraged mastodon. Despite the theme, Toth creates a strong composition with a superb balance of light and dark. The lead story in this silver age comic marks the Doom Patrol's second appearance. Other artists in this issue include Ruben Moreira and Bruno Premiani.

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My Greatest Adventure v1 = 6 Toth issues
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"Listen, World...I'm the Missing Link" Toth story pencils and inks 9 pages = ***

Alex Toth

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Exciting Comics #22 - 1st American Eagle

2026-08-06T18:00:00.000-04:00

Exciting Comics #22

Exciting Comics v1 #22, 1942 - Nazi spies steal a brand new invention that can the restore the dead. Blackbeard the pirate, Attila the Hun and others are brought back to life in giant form and proceed to lay waste to the city. The American Eagle and his his sidekick, the Eaglet, confront the villains directly. This story was written by Richard Hughes and drawn by Kin Platt. Other artists in this issue include David Gabrielsen, George Mandel, Bob Oksner and Max Plaisted. Cover by Elmer Wexler.

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Key 1st appearance, 1st cover American Eagle, 1st appearance Eaglet

Exciting Comics v1 = multiple key issues

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"American Eagle" 13 pages

1st American Eagle

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Home / Exciting Comics / Superhero

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Where Monsters Dwell #6 - Jack Kirby / Steve Ditko cover reprint, Ditko reprint, Kirby key reprint

2026-08-06T12:00:00.000-04:00

Where Monsters Dwell #6

Where Monsters Dwell v1 #6, 1970 - Groot's first appearance from Tales to Astonish #13 is reprinted for the first time. From that same issue, the cover by Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko appears to be somewhat modified. The interiors also include a Ditko tale from Tales to Astonish #11.

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Fantastic Four #132 - Jim Steranko cover

2026-08-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Jim Steranko

Fantastic Four v1 #132, 1973 - Quite possibly Jim Steranko's worst cover, the Fantastic Four confront the giant-sized Omega. The frenetic scene squeezes in far too many characters (is the guy placed between Mr. Fantastic's head and arm really necessary?). Additionally, the layout lacks breathing room and a clear hierarchy of secondary elements. Other artists in this bronze age comic include John Buscema.

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Fantastic Four v1 = 3 Steranko issues

Steranko gallery

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Steranko cover pencils (Joe Sinnott inks) = *

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Swinging Designs

2026-08-05T18:00:00.000-04:00

"four zingy mod colors"

Kenner comic book ad, 1970s - New Spirograph kits with movable templates to create more complex patterns. Spiromania multicolor pen ordered separately. Published in Magnus Robot Fighter #34.

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Home / Ads

Wild Frontier #1 - 1st issue

2026-08-05T11:38:16.618-04:00

Wild Frontier #1

Wild Frontier v1 #1, 1957 - War rages between the French and the British over control of new lands in America. Nat Cutler, a frontiersman, learns his younger brother has been killed in an act of treachery. Hawkeye, as he's commonly known, now seeks revenge on the perpetrators. The similarly garbed Davy Crockett appears only in separate text stories. This first issue was drawn by Chic Stone. Cover by Maurice Whitman.

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Key 1st issue

Wild Frontier v1 = 2 key issues

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"The Iroquois Trail" 27 pages

+ other stories

Wild Frontier #1

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Warlock v2 #1 - Jim Starlin art, cover & reprints

2026-08-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

Jim Starlin

Warlock v2 #1 (Special Edition), 1982 - Commemorating Jim Starlin's historic run on Warlock, this series re-presents his original stories on better quality paper. Strange Tales #178, #179, and part of Strange Tales #180 are printed in sharper, brighter colors. Starlin contributes a new wrap-around cover featuring a multitude of characters from the series. The artist also draws the inside back cover, depicting Warlock against a starry void.

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Warlock v2 = 6 Starlin issues

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Starlin wrap-around cover pencils and inks = ***
Starlin inside back cover (black & white) pencils and inks = ***

Jim Starlin

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Invisibles #1 - 1st appearance

2026-08-04T18:00:00.000-04:00

Invisibles #1

Invisibles v1 #1, 1994 - Dane, a troubled youth from Liverpool, is recruited by a strange band of misfits. King Mob, Boy, Lord Fanny and Ragged Robin fight a war against alien gods from another dimension and their unseen stranglehold on the human race. Dane eventually joins them as Jack Frost. This first issue was written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Steve Yeowell. Cover by Rian Hughes.

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Key 1st appearance Invisibles, 1st issue

Invisibles v1 = 1 key issue

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"Dead Beatles" 40 pages

Invisibles #1

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Miracleman #23 - Barry Windsor Smith cover

2026-08-04T12:00:00.000-04:00

Barry Windsor Smith

Miracleman v1 #23, 1992 - Toward the end of this series, Barry Smith executes a fairly minimalist layout (perhaps too much so?). The title character is portrayed in neoclassical pose, reminiscent of Michaelangelo's David. The figure's placement nicely counterbalances the double-M logo on the upper right corner. Just below, the ornate typography conveys a sophisticated feel, complementing the understated story by Neil Gaiman. Other artists in this Other artists in this modern age comic include include Mark Buckingham and D'Israeli.

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Miracleman v1 = 2 Smith issues

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Smith cover pencils and inks = ***

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World's Finest Comics - comic series checklist

2026-08-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

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World's Finest Comics v1
DC
1941-86

continued from World's Best Comics
2

3 - 1st Scarecrow key

4,5

6 - Kirby art

7-10

11-50
51-100
101-110

111 - 1st Clock King key

112-166
167 - Kirby reprint
168-174
175 - Adams art & cover + Key reprint
176 - Adams art & cover
177-204
205 - Frazetta reprint, Adams cover
206-222
223 - Adams reprint
224,225
226 - Adams, Toth, Kirby, Key reprints
227
228 - Toth reprint
229
230 - Adams reprint
231-243
244 - Adams cover + 1st Slingshot key
245
246 - Adams cover + 1st Baron Blitzkrieg key
247-252
253 - Ditko, Newton art
254 - Ditko, Newton art
255 - Ditko, Newton art
256 - Newton art
257 - Newton art
258 - Adams cover, Newton art
259 - Rogers, Newton art
260 - Newton art
261 - Newton art
262 - Newton art
263 - Newton art
264 - Newton art
265 - Newton art
266 - Newton art
267 - Newton art
268 - Newton art
269 - Newton art

270 - Newton art

271

272 - Newton art
273 - Newton art
274 - Newton art
275 - Newton art
276 - Newton art
277 - Newton art
278 - Newton art
279 - Newton art
280 - Newton art

281 - Newton art

282-284
285 - Miller cover
286-290
291 - Simonson cover
292-323

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World's Finest Comics v2
DC
1990-90

1 - Rude art & cover key, select

2,3

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Home / DC

Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #80 - Carl Barks art

2026-08-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

Walt Disney's Comics and Stories v1 #80, 1947 - City Hall offers a cash prize to the best flower garden in town, prompting Donald Duck to take action. Unfortunately, his new garden also eliminates the only play area his nephews have. The artwork by Carl Barks is certainly well drawn and nicely sequenced, but more than a few panels could have benefited from more detail. The opening page is especially scant. Other artists in this issue include Paul Murry. Cover by Walt Kelly.

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Walt Disney's Comics and Stories v1 = 280 Barks issues

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Untitled Barks story pencils and inks 10 pages = ***

Carl Barks

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Spectacular Spider-Man v2 #54 - Frank Miller / Walt Simonson cover

2026-08-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

Frank Miller / Walt Simonson

10. Spectacular Spider-Man v2 #54, 1981 - Traditional Japanese warriors slice through empty air as Spider-man evades them in mid-tumble. Frank Miller uses their samurai swords to divide the composition and add tension. It is among his most dynamic layouts of the period, made more so by Walt Simonson's outstanding inking. Other artists in this issue include Marie Severin and Jim Mooney.

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Top 10 Miller comics

Spectacular Spider-Man v2 = 12 Miller issues, 2 Simonson issues, 1 top 10 issue

Miller gallery
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Miller cover pencils / Simonson inks = *****

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Pencil Ink

X-Men #168 - Paul Smith cover

House of Secrets #91 - Wally Wood art, Neal Adams cover

The Cat #NN - Movie adaptation

All-Out War #1 - Joe Kubert cover + 1st Viking Commando

Archie's Pals 'n' Gals #23 - 1st Josie James, Melody Jones, Pepper Smith

Strange Confessions #1 - 1st issue

Defenders Annual #1 - 1st issue

Cheyenne Kid #13 - Al Williamson art

Miscellany - Quiz on Ploog Conan

Richie Rich and Cadbury #1 - 1st issue

John Byrne original art - Space 1999 #4 page

Going Steady - comic series checklist

Frogman #1 - 1st issue

My Greatest Adventure #81 - Alex Toth art

Exciting Comics #22 - 1st American Eagle

Where Monsters Dwell #6 - Jack Kirby / Steve Ditko cover reprint, Ditko reprint, Kirby key reprint

Fantastic Four #132 - Jim Steranko cover

Swinging Designs

Wild Frontier #1 - 1st issue

Warlock v2 #1 - Jim Starlin art, cover & reprints

Invisibles #1 - 1st appearance

Miracleman #23 - Barry Windsor Smith cover

World's Finest Comics - comic series checklist﻿

Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #80 - Carl Barks art

Spectacular Spider-Man v2 #54 - Frank Miller / Walt Simonson cover

World's Finest Comics - comic series checklist