Pencil Ink

Donald Duck Adventures #14 - Carl Barks reprint

2026-05-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

Donald Duck Adventures #14

Donald Duck Adventures v1 #14, 1990 - A reprint of "Donald Duck and The Mummy's Ring" from Four Color v2 #29 resides in this issue. Drawn by Carl Barks, it's a passable alternative to the original in my opinion.

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Tarzan #135 - Russ Manning art

2026-05-16T12:00:00.000-04:00

Tarzan #135

Tarzan v1 #135, 1963 - Their grain harvests wiped out, the Brothers of the Spear travel with their queens on a expedition to purchase food from other kingdoms. They arrive in Tembo, an allied country, only to find it deserted. Russ Manning gets the opportunity to beautifully depict lush, wide landscapes in this story. Interestingly, most of the panels are open and unframed. Manning's separate single page works only bolster his talent. Jesse Marsh draws the lead Tarzan feature. Painted cover by George Wilson.

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Tarzan v1 = 132 Manning issues

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"War Horn on the Mountain" Manning story pencils and inks 5 pages = ***

"The Vengeful Buffalo" Manning inside front cover pencils and inks 1 page (black and white) = ***

"The Hausa Boxer" Manning story pencils and inks 1 page = ***

Russ Manning

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Blazing Western - comic series checkist

2026-05-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

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Blazing Western v1
Timor
1954-54

1 - Ditko art + 1st issue key
2-5

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Amethyst #1 - 1st issue

2026-05-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

Amethyst #1

Amethyst (Princess of Gemworld) v1 #1, 1983 - On Amy Winston's thirteenth birthday, she discovers she's originally from another dimension. Gemworld is a magical place ruled by twelve royal families, each represented by a gemstone. Entering that world, she instantly changes into an adult version of herself. Amethyst, who first appeared in a preview insert in Legion of Super-Heroes #298, is destined to be Gemworld's ruler and protector. This first issue, written by Dan Mishkin and drawn by Ernie Colón, begins a 12 issue maxi-series. Cover by Colón.

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Key 1st issue

Amethyst v1 = 1 key issue

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"The Birthright" 25 pages

Amethyst #1

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Black Widow #1 - 1st issue

2026-05-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

Black Widow #1

Black Widow v1 #1, 1999 - In the Middle East, a deadly new biotoxin is tested for the first time to great success. US authorities send Natasha Romanoff there to procure it before its circulated among bad actors. Tracking her is Yelena Belova, a Black Widow sent from her home country of Russia. This first issue was written by Devin Grayson and drawn by J. G. Jones. Cover by Jones.

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Key 1st issue

Black Widow v1 = 1 key issue

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"The Itsy-Bitsy Spider" 22 pages
+ other stories

Black Widow #1

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Moonshine #1B - Frank Miller cover + 1st issue

2026-05-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

Frank Miller

Moonshine v1 #1B (cover B), 2016 - Set in the 1920s, a New York mobster comes to Appalachia to make a deal with a talented moonshiner. Frank Miller illustrates a variant cover in his gritty film noir style. Not quite as good as his early Sin City works, but there are similarities. He includes just enough detail to keep his straightforward layout interesting. This Brian Azzarello story was drawn by Eduardo Risso. Note that a cover A variant was also printed.

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Key 1st issue

Moonshine v1 = 1 key issue, 1 Miller issue

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Miller cover pencils and inks = ***
"Moonshine" 22 pages

Moonshine #1

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Hi Kids! Get in my Davy Crockett Playhouse Tent

2026-05-14T00:00:00.009-04:00

"brings the wild wooly west right to your door"

Davy Crockett Playhouse comic book ad, 1950s - Davy Crockett-branded tent for draping over a standard size card table. Made of Dupot flameproof plastic. Published in Spooky #1.

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Our Army at War #300 - Joe Kubert art & cover + Milestone issue

2026-05-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

Joe Kubert

Our Army at War v1 #300 featuring Sgt. Rock, 1977 - Reaching their third milestone issue, Rock and Easy Company are tasked with holding a hill from the Nazis at all costs. Bob Kaniger ensures the "300" theme is prevalent in his script, while Joe Kubert delivers impressive drawings and a momentous cover. Note that this is Kubert's last story art on the series, twenty-two years since his first on OOAW. His last cover would be the following issue. Other artists in this issue include Lee Elias.

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Select Milestone issue

Our Army at War v1 = 236 Kubert issues, multiple select issues

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Kubert cover pencils and inks = ***
"300th Hill" Kubert story pencils and inks 11 pages = ***

Joe Kubert

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Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids #1 - 1st appearance

2026-05-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Fat Albert #1

Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids v1 #1, 1974 - Getting supplies for his brother's surprise birthday party, Russells tell the rest of the gang to keep it a secret. Fat Albert, Mushmouth, Weird Harold, Bucky, Dumb Donald and Rudy do their best. Already airing on CBS, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids was created by comedian Bill Cosby. This first issue marks their first appearance in comics. Art and cover by Win Mortimer.

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Key 1st appearance in comics Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, 1st issue

Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids v1 = 1 key issue

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"Keep It Secret" 7 pages
+ other stories

Fat Albert #1

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Alien Legion #1 - 1st appearance

2026-05-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

Alien Legion #1

Alien Legion v1 #1, 1984 - From every corner of the galaxy, they sign up to be part of an interplanetary force of mercenaries. When their ship is suddenly attacked, two squadrons manage to escape to the primitive planet below. Wasting no time in introducing the Alien Legion, profiles of Captain Sarigar, Jugger Grimrod, Durge, Meico, Torqa Dun, Torie Montroc and others are at the forefront of this issue. Story by Carl Potts and Alan Zelenetz, cover and story art by Frank Cirocco and Terry Austin.

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Key 1st appearance, 1st cover Alien Legion, 1st issue

Alien Legion v1 = 1 key issue

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"Survival of the Fittest" 38 pages

1st Alien Legion

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Home / Alien Legion / Marvel

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Car 54 Where are You? / Four Color v2 #1257 - 1st issue

2026-05-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

Car 54 Where are You? #1

Car 54 Where are You? / Four Color v2 #1257 (#1), 1962 - Two mis-matched New York City policemen make the best of their beat in the Bronx. As a pair, Officers Toody and Muldoon stumble upon cases in hilarious ways. In this first issue, they're assigned to aid a wealthy Maharaja visiting NYC. Based on the NBC television show, all stories were drawn by Tony Tallarico. Photo cover of actors Fred Gwynne (of Munsters fame) and Joe E. Ross.

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Key 1st issue

Car 54 Where are You? v1 = 1 key issue

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"Outside the Ritz Hotel" 32 pages

Car 54 Where are You? #1

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Tales of Suspense #45 - Jack Kirby cover + 1st Jack Frost, Pepper Potts, Happy Hogan

2026-05-11T12:36:00.000-04:00

Jack Kirby

Tales of Suspense v1 #1, 1963 - Caught trying to steal secrets from his employer Stark Industries, Professor Shapanka is summarily fired. He soon uses another one of his inventions, a device that generates extreme cold, to commit crimes as Jack Frost. He endangers both Stark's secretary Pepper Pots and chauffeur Happy Hogan, prompting Iron Man to act. This issue, written by Stan Lee and drawn by Don Heck, begins with a Jack Kirby cover. A fairly static layout, but it does show all the primary characters involved. Other artists in this issue include Larry Lieber and Matt Fox.

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Key 1st appearance, 1st cover Pepper Pots, Happy Hogan, 1st appearance, 1st cover, 1st origin Gregor Shapanka as Jack Frost

Tales of Suspense v1 = 92 Kirby issues, multiple key issues

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Kirby cover pencils (Don Heck inks) = **

"The Icy Fingers of Jack Frost" 8 pages

1st Jack Frost

1st Pepper Pots, Happy Hogan

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Mystery Men Comics #1 - 1st Blue Beetle, Green Mask, Rex Dexter of Mars

2026-05-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

Mystery Men Comics #1

Mystery Men Comics v1 #1, 1939 - Several new characters make their debut in this golden age first issue. Dan Garret, during his off time as a policeman, investigates crime as the masked man Blue Beetle. No costume, no powers, but quipped with wondrous gadgets like a wireless telephone. The Green Mask emerges through a window on Lou Fine's arresting cover. Inside, he breaks up an insurance fraud ring with the help of a journalist. Rex Dexter, the first Earth man born on Mars, returns to his home planet. He's tasked by the President to avert a global disaster caused by a madman. Will Eisner wrote several stories for this issue, which includes artwork by Walter Frehm, Dick Briefer, Norman Lee, Munson Paddock, George Tuska, Lee Harris, Fred Schwab, Art Peddy, Charles Nicholas, Bob Powell, John Lindermayer and Klaus Nordling.

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Key 1st appearance, 1st cover Green Mask, 1st appearance Rex Dexter of Mars, Dan Garret as Blue Beetle, 1st issue

Mystery Men Comics v1 = 4 key issues

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"The Blue Beetle" 4 pages

"A Modern Robin Hood" 4 pages

"Rex Dexter of Mars" 6 pages

+ other stories

1st Blue Beetle

1st Green Mask

1st Rex Dexter of Mars

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Tales from the Crypt v3 #1 - Al Williamson / Frank Frazetta reprint

2026-05-10T12:00:00.000-04:00

Tales from the Crypt v2 #1

Tales from the Crypt v3 #1, 1990 - Decades after their initial publication, these classic EC comics are introduced to a new audience. This issue specifically reprints Crime SuspenStories #17 with artwork by Al Williamson and Frank Frazetta. Other artists in this issue include Johnny Craig, Jack Davis, Will Elder, George Evans, Graham Ingels, Jack Kamen. Cover by Davis.

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Web of Horror #3 - 1st Frank Brunner art, Bernie Wrightson art & cover

2026-05-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

Bernie Wrightson

Web of Horror v1 #3, 1969 - This could well be Bernie Wrightson's first painted cover, which would explain some of its shortcomings. The layout allows too much room for additional text, although the rendering itself is nicely done. Wrightson fares better on both his two-page contest promotion and the eerily drawn six-pager "Feed It". His style is tighter and more confident, carefully dividing pages into areas of light and dark (this story was later reprinted in the Berni Wrightson Treasury and >Berni Wrightson Master of the Macabre #5. Also appearing in this issue is Frank Brunner's first professional start in comics. Laborious and heavily drawn, it nonetheless hints at his emerging talent (see interior page below). Other artists in this issue include Syd Shores, Michael Kaluta and Bruce Jones.

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First start Frank Brunner

Web of Horror v1 = 1 Brunner issue, 3 Wrightson issues

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Wrightson painted cover & back cover = **
Brunner inside front cover pencils and inks = **
"Feed It" Wrightson story pencils and inks 6 pages = ***
"Santa's Claws" Brunner story pencils and inks 7 pages = ***
"Web of Horror comic art contest" Wrightson pencils and inks 2 pages = ***
(All interiors in black and white)

Frank Brunner

Bernie Wrightson

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Fall of the Roman Empire #NN - Movie adaptation

2026-05-09T18:48:00.000-04:00

The Fall of the Roman Empire #NN

The Fall of the Roman Empire v1 #NN (no number), 1964 - With his reign ending, Emperor Marcus Aurelius intends to hand over his throne to his soldier Livius. But he dies from poisoning, allowing Commodus to rise to power. Starring Alec Guinness. Christopher Plummer and Sophia Loren, this comic is an adaptation of the 1964 film of the same name. This Paul S. Newman story was drawn by Fred Fredericks. Photo cover.

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Select Movie adaptation

Fall of the Roman Empire v1 = 1 select issue

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"Fall of the Roman Empire" 32 pages

The Fall of the Roman Empire #NN

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World’s Finest Comics #3 - 1st Scarecrow

2026-05-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

World’s Finest Comics #3

World’s Finest Comics v1 #3, 1941 - Unliked and disrespected, college professor Jonathan Crane makes more money selling his services to shady businessmen. As the Scarecrow, he can instill fear and chaos among customers and competitors. Batman and Robin soon take him down a peg or two. This story, written by Bill Finger and drawn by Bob Kane and George Roussos, was the last feature of many in this 96 page issue. Other artists in this issue include Howard Purcell, Fred Ray, Creig Flesse and Chad Grothkopf. Cover by Ray.

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Key 1st appearance, 1st origin Jonathan Crane as Scarecrow

World's Finest Comics v1 = multiple key issues

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"The Scarecrow" 13 pages

1st Scarecrow

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Home / World's Finest Comics / DC
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Space Detective #2 - Wally Wood art & cover

2026-05-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Wally Wood

Space Detective v1 #2, 1951 - Continuing the adventures of the Avenger and Teena, the duo battle aliens in the distant future. Wally Wood's cover is typical and straightforward, contrasting the main characters against more grotesque enemies. Joe Orlando’s inking style is not dissimilar, bringing a familiar polish to the drawings. Both artists also contribute an array of superb scenes on the inside front cover. Wood’s extra effort on this black and white page is impressive and not uncommon. Other artists in this golden age science fiction comic include H. C. Kiefer.

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Space Detective v1 = 2 Wood issues

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Wood cover pencils (Joe Orlando inks) = ***
Wood intro pencils and inks (Joe Orlando pencils and inks) 1 page (black and white) = ****

Wally Wood

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Golden Comic Digest - comic series checklist

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

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Golden Comic Digest v1
Gold Key
1969-76

1
2-4

5-8

9 - Manning cover reprint & reprints

10-30

31 - key reprint

32-48

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Avengers #233 - John Byrne art & cover

2026-05-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

John Byrne

Avengers v1 #233, 1983 - Annihilus activates a null field from inside the Baxter Building, where its slow expansion threatens the populace. John Byrne's last story art on the series is capably drawn. His renditions of the new members, Captain Marvel and Starfox are especially good. Kudos to Byrne for experimenting with the cover, allowing the paper stock to become the focal point. I have yet to see this idea executed as successfully elsewhere. This issue also ties into Fantastic Four #256.

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Avengers v1 = 17 Byrne issues

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Byrne cover pencils (Joe Sinnott inks) = ***
"The Annihilation Gambit" Byrne story pencils (Joe Sinnott inks) 22 pages = ***

John Byrne

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Funky Phantom #1 - 1st appearance

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

Funky Phantom #1

Funky Phantom v1 #1, 1972 - Teenagers Skip, Augie and April stop at a fast-food joint, just as it was been robbed by a thief in a chicken costume. With a mystery afoot, they investigate with the help of a Revolutionary War-era ghost and his cat. Based on the Hanna-Barbera cartoon on ABC, this first issue of the Funky Phantom was drawn by Roger Armstrong and Eulie Liggera. Cover by Frank Hill.

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Key 1st appearance in comics, 1st cover Funky Phantom, 1st issue

Funky Phantom v1 = 1 key issue

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"The Chicken Avenger" 13 pages

Funky Phantom #1

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Wonder Woman #100 - Milestone issue

2026-05-07T12:00:00.000-04:00

Wonder Woman #100

Wonder Woman v1 #100, 1958 - Scientists at Paradise Island invent a dimensional transporter, which accidentally extracts an identical Wonder Woman from Dimension X. She subsequently challenges the original to a series of tasks. The cover makes a brief mention of the issue's special milestone status, but the story is largely irrelevant. No recaps of Wonder Woman's origin or her first appearance appear in the book, which becomes the norm in later decades. This Robert Kanigher story was drawn by Dick Giordano and Ross Andru. Cover by Andru and Esposito.

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Select Milestone issue

Wonder Woman v1 = multiple select issues

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"The Forest of Giants" 8 pages
+ other chapters

Wonder Woman #100

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Roy Rogers and Trigger #124 - Alex Toth, Russ Manning art

2026-05-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

Roy Rogers and Trigger #124

Roy Rogers and Trigger v1 #124, 1958 - A wanted poster bearing Roy Rogers' face lands him in a local jail. Unable to convince the local townspeople of his innocence, he takes matters into his own hands. This western tale of mistaken identity is impressively drawn by Alex Toth. Among the highlights are a gritty rendition of a frontier fort on page seven, panel five, and Roy's unexpected arrest on page two, panel three. The latter cleverly suggests several guns aimed from an overlooking room. The window is a mere rectangle that frames the scene and implies the townspeople's fear. The graphic simplicity of the shapes provides plenty of information without resorting to heavy detail. By contrast, Russ Manning's brief Chuckwagon Charlie tale feels lighter in its execution but no less ably drawn. Toth's story (see interior page below) was later reprinted in Roy R ogers and Trigger v2 #1. Photo cover. - - - - - - - - - -

Roy Rogers and Trigger v1 = 15 Manning issues, 7 Toth issues

Toth gallery / Manning gallery

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"The Rebel Rider" Toth story pencils and inks 12 pages = ***
"Chuckwagon Charlie’s Tales" Manning story pencils and inks 4 pages = ***

Russ Manning

Alex Toth

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Home / Manning / Toth / Roy Rogers and Trigger r / Dell
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Zaza the Mystic #10 - 1st appearance

2026-05-06T12:45:00.000-04:00

Za Za the Mystic #1

Zaza the Mystic v1 #10, 1956 - A young woman with gypsy blood leans into the stereotype and becomes "Queen of the Gypsy Fortune Tellers" as needed. Using a crystal ball and tea leaves, Zaza the Mystic aids her detective boyfriend. Lt. Bob Nelson is unsure of her abilities, but is keen to utilize her talents. This first issue is written by Jerry Siegel (co-creator of Superman) and drawn by Charles Nicholas and Rocco Mastroserio. Cover by Nicholas and Mastroserio.

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Key 1st appearance, 1st cover Zaza the Mystic, 1st issue

Zaza the Mystic v1 = 1 key issue

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"Crime That Didn't Occur" 6 pages
+ other stories

Za Za the Mystic #1

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Home / Zaza the Mystic / Charlton

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Strange Sargasso Sea

2026-05-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

"a graveyard of ships"

Comic book educational page, 1960s - All about the Sargasso Sea in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Published in Jonny Quest #1.

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