Pencil Ink

Superboy #1 - Wayne Boring cover + 1st issue

2026-07-30T12:14:00.000-04:00

Superboy #1

Superboy v1 #1, 1949 - A robbery prompts Superman to recall his days in high school, where a fortune teller makes bold predictions in the future. Wayne Boring's cover concept of revealing an interior page isn't new, but builds anticipation nicely. His artwork has a gentle innocence perfectly suited for the series. Continuing the adventures of Superboy from More Fun Comics, this first issue was written by Don C. Cameron and drawn by John Sikela and Ed Dobrotka. Other artists include by Al Wenzel and Stan Kaye.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st issue

Favorite Boring cover

Superboy v1 = multiple key issues

- - - - - - - - - -
"The Man Who Could See Tomorrow" 12 pages

Superboy #1

- - - - - - - - - -

Home / Boring / Superboy / DC

ebay >this comic

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

Blazing Battle Tales - comic series checklist

2026-07-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

- - - - - - - - - -
Blazing Battle Tales v1
Atlas-Seaboard
1975

1 - 1st Sgt. Hawk key

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Atlas Seaboard

Rawhide Kid #79 - Al Williamson reprint

2026-07-29T12:00:00.000-04:00

Rawhide Kid #79

Rawhide Kid v1 #79, 1970 - Published in the early bronze age, this western comic contains a terrific Al Williamson tale from Kid Colt Outlaw #59. Other artists in this issue include Werner Roth and John Tartaglione. Cover by Larry Lieber.

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Williamson / Rawhide Kid / Marvel
ebay >this comic

Williamson >comics >books

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

Adam-12 #1 - 1st issue

2026-07-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Adam-12 #1

Adam-12 v1 #1, 1973 - Driving in their police cruiser Adam-12, officers Pete Malloy and Jim Reed patrol the streets of Los Angeles. This NBC television show consulted with the LAPD to supposedly portray realistic scenarios, which included both fighting crime and helping their community. Unlike most comic book adaptations, this first issue came out toward the end of the program's run. All stories were written by Paul S. Newman and drawn by Mike Roy. Photo cover of actors Martin Milner and Kent McCord.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st issue

Adam-12 v1 = 1 key issue

- - - - - - - - - -

"The Wild Wheelers" 13 pages

+ other stories

Adam-12 #1

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Adam-12 / Gold Key
ebay >this comic

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

World War Stories #1 - 1st issue

2026-07-28T18:00:00.000-04:00

World War Stories #1

World War Stories v1 #1, 1965 - Archduke Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated in broad daylight in Sarajevo, setting off a series of events that culminate in the first World War. Germany, France, England and Russia would be affected and become quickly involved, eventually drawing in the United States. All stories in this informative first issue were written by Paul S. Newman and drawn by Sam Glanzman. Cover by painting by Victor Prezio.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st issue

World War Stories v1 = 1 key issue

- - - - - - - - - -

"Two Shots Heard 'Round the World" 10 pages
+ other stories

World War Stories #1

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / World War Stories / Dell

ebay >this comic

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

Paragon Illustrated #4 - Jim Steranko cover

2026-07-28T12:09:00.000-04:00

Jim Steranko

Paragon Illustrated v1 #4, 1972 - One of several fanzines on comic books that emerged in the late sixties, Paragon Illustrated's interior art and articles were in black and white. Interestingly, their covers were in full color. This final issue features a spooky Jim Steranko cover illustration of grave robbers in for a rude surprise. Bill Black provides the inks and mostly does an adequate job. Both artists' names appear on the tombstone on the lower left.

- - - - - - - - - -

Paragon Illustrated v1 = 1 Steranko issue

- - - - - - - - - -

Steranko cover pencils (Bill Black inks) = ***

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Steranko / Paragon Illustrated

ebay >this comic

Steranko >comics >books

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

Aquaman #60 - Don Newton art

2026-07-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Aquaman #60

Aquaman v1 #60, 1978 - Midway through this title's bronze age run, Don Newton takes over the artistic reins. His portrait of a determined Aquaman on the opening splash is somewhat marred by too much text. That aside, his drawings are softer and more fluid than that of his predecessors. The King of Atlantis seems even more commanding and regal than usual. This story was later reprinted in Aquaman: Death of a Prince TPB. Other artists in this bronze age comic include Juan Ortiz and Vince Colletta. Cover by Jim Aparo.

- - - - - - - - - -

A quaman v1 = 4 Newton issues
- - - - - - - - - -
"Scavenger, Ravenger, Plunderer, Thief!" Newton story pencils (John Celardo inks) 11 pages = ***

Don Newton

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Newton / Aquaman / DC
ebay >this comic

Newton >comics >books

Aquaman >comics+collectibles >books >movies+tv >toys+games >clothing

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

Weird Fantasy #15 - Wally Wood art

2026-07-27T12:00:00.000-04:00

Weird Fantasy #15

Weird Fantasy v1 #15, 1950 - A lone astronaut and scientist returns from an excursion to the dark side of the moon. Distressed, he recounts being captured by little green men planning to blow up Earth's only satellite. Wally Wood's pencils have some rough edges, but his inking and brushwork more than make up for it. His textural effects on the opening page set a perfectly ominous tone for the rest of the story. Other artists in this issue include Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Kamen and Al Feldstein. Cover by Feldstein.

- - - - - - - - - -

Weird Fantasy v1 = 5 Wood issues

- - - - - - - - - -

"The Dark Side of the Moon" Wood story pencils and inks 8 pages = ***

Wally Wood

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Wood / Weird Fantasy / EC
ebay >this comic

Wood >comics >books

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

Amazing Spider-Man #218 - Frank Miller cover

2026-07-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

Frank Miller

Amazing Spider-Man v1 #218, 1981 - Frank Miller never seems to tire from drawing block-shaped creatures, as on this eye-catching cover. The creature's rough textures nicely contrast against the more tightly rendered buildings below. The bright colors seems a tad optimistic for the scene, but it is appealing nonetheless. Other artists in this copper age comic include John Romita Jr., Al Milgrom and Jim Mooney.

- - - - - - - - - -

Amazing Spider-Man v1 = 2 Miller issues
- - - - - - - - - -
Miller cover pencils and inks = ***

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Miller / Amazing Spider-Man / Marvel
ebay >this comic

Miller >comics >books

Amazing Spider-Man >comics+collectibles >books+magazines >movies+tv >toys+games

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

Spooky Haunted House #1 - 1st issue

2026-07-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

Spooky Haunted House #1

Spooky Haunted House v1 #1, 1972 - Tired of his old, run-down house, Spooky decides to look for a new home. He sees an ancient castle for sale and gets a tour from the ghostly owner. They suddenly see a pair of large monsters wandering outside, making the castle far scarier and less desirable than before. This bronze age first issue was drawn by Warren Kremer. Cover by Kremer.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st issue

Spooky Haunted House v1 = 1 key issue

- - - - - - - - - -

"Monster Business" 5 pages
+ other stories

Spooky Haunted House #1

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Spooky Haunted House / Harvey

ebay >this comic

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

Holy Hobby Kits

2026-07-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

"If you dig Batman..."

Aurora comic book ad, 1960s - Plastic model kits of the Batmobile and the Batplane, coinciding with the Batman tv show. Holy hobby kits indeed! Published in Spyman #2.

- - - - - - - - - -

Home / Ads

Queen of the West Dale Evans #17 - Russ Manning art

2026-07-25T18:00:00.000-04:00

Queen of the West Dale Evans #17

Queen of the West Dale Evans v1 #17, 1957 - Failing to buy a horse from an old man, a local bully steals her instead and commits a bank robbery. Dale and a friend ride in pursuit, with a surefire way of finding him. Russ Manning hones his skills, tightening and clarifying his drawings. His page layouts seem more varied than usual, taking advantage of the mountainous settings. These scenes in particular (pages 6-11), contain natural forms and textures that increases visual interest. Against Manning's beautiful backdrop, the story builds up to its eventual climax. Other artists in this golden age comic include Dan Spiegle. Photo cover.
- - - - - - - - - -

Queen of the West Dale Evans = 15 Manning issues

Manning gallery
- - - - - - - - - -
"Slip Egan's Mistake" Manning story pencils and inks 13 pages = ***

Russ Manning

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Manning / Queen of the West Dale Evans / Dell

ebay >this comic

Manning >comics >books

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

Juke Box Comics #1 - Alex Toth art & cover + 1st issue

2026-07-25T12:00:00.000-04:00

Juke Box Comics #1

Juke Box Comics v1 #1, 1948 - Showcasing the greats of the big band era, this first issue contains short stories of many musicians' starts. Among them: Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Perry Como and more. Alex Toth chronicles the rise of Spike Jones and his innovative approach to music. His drawings mostly fall flat and his cover is especially monotonous. Note that the face on his opening panel is repurposed on the masthead. Artists in this issue include Robert Webster, Sid Greene, Fred Guardineer, Alvin Hollingsworth and others.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st issue

Juke Box Comics v1 = 1 key issue, 1 Toth issue

- - - - - - - - - -

Toth cover pencils and inks = *

"Music Was Never Like This" Toth story pencils and inks 4 pages = **

Juke Box Comics #1

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Juke Box Comics / Toth / Eastern Color

ebay >this comic

Toth >comics >books

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

Super-Villain Team-Up - comic series checklist

2026-07-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

- - - - - - - - - -
Super-Villain Team-Up v1
Marvel
1975-80

1
2-4

5 - 1st Shroud key
6-10
11-13
14 - Byrne cover
15-17

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

Nova #19 - 1st Blackout

2026-07-24T12:00:00.000-04:00

Nova #19

Nova v1 #19, 1978 - A new villain emerges from the shadows, one that can solidify black light energy at will. The result of a scientific experiment forced upon a prison inmate, Blackout now plans to plunder the entire city. Nova encounters him by chance, but are even his powers enough to defeat him? This Marv Wolfman story was drawn by Carmine Infantino and Tom Palmer. Cover by Infantino and Palmer.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st appearance, 1st cover, 1st origin Marcus Daniels as Blackout

Nova v1 = multiple key issues

- - - - - - - - - -
"Blackout Means Business and his Business is Murder" 17 pages

1st Blackout

- - - - - - - - - -

Home / Nova / Marvel
ebay >this comic

Nova >collectibles >books >toys

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

Hi-School Romance #54 - Jack Kirby cover

2026-07-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

Jack Kirby

Hi-School Romance v1 #54, 1956 - Caught by surprise, a young man receives a well planted kiss at a roller skating rink. Onlookers seem fairly neutral at this public display of affection. Jack Kirby's layout is a tad crowded, and the figure drawings seem strained. On the plus side, the artist uses the curvature of the wall to lead the reader's eye from the masthead to the main figures. Within the rink itself, concentric circles add movement to an otherwise static scene. Other artists in this golden age comic include Al Avison.

- - - - - - - - - -

Hi-School Romance v1 = 5 Kirby issues

Kirby gallery
- - - - - - - - - -
Kirby cover pencils (Al Avison? inks) = **

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Kirby / Hi-School Romance / Harvey
ebay >this comic

Kirby >comics >books

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

Banner Comics #3 - 1st Captain Courageous, Lone Warrior

2026-07-23T18:00:00.000-04:00

Banner Comics #3

Banner Comics v1 #3 (#1), 1941 - A little girl cries when her father is framed for committing espionage. Captain Courageous intervenes, using super strength, flight and invulnerability to capture the real Nazi spy. In a separate adventure, an army recruit and his little buddy discover German saboteurs. Both recipients of a powerful injection, the Lone Warrior and Dicky don their patriotic garb and go into action (why the "Lone Warrior" needs a partner is yet to be explained). Artists in this first issue include Jim Mooney, Art Saaf, Warren Kremer and George Wilson. Cover by Mooney.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st appearance, 1st cover Captain Courageous, 1st appearance Lone Warrior, 1st issue

Banner Comics v1 = 1 key issue

- - - - - - - - - -

"Captain Courageous" 16 pages

"Lone Warrior" 16 pages
+ other stories

1st Lone Warrior

1st Captain Courageous

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Banner Comics

ebay >this comic

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

Dreadstar #27 - Jim Starlin art & cover

2026-07-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

Jim Starlin

Dreadstar v1 #27, 1986 - With Vanth's team assembled, an unexpected guest arrives, new allies join and the traitor in their midst is finally outed. Jim Starlin's story ties up all the loose ends, while delivering artwork of simplicity and clarity. The interior page below shows his mastery of recapping previous events.

- - - - - - - - - -

Dreadstar v1 = 32 Starlin issues
- - - - - - - - - -
Starlin cover pencils and inks = ***
"Answers" Starlin story pencils and inks 28 pages = ***

Jim Starlin

- - - - - - - - - -

Home / Starlin / Dreadstar
ebay >this comic

Starlin >comics >books

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

Our Army at War #196 - Joe Kubert art & cover

2026-07-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Joe Kubert

Our Army at War v1 #196 featuring Sgt. Rock, 1968 - Leading a patrol of inexperienced soldiers, Sgt. Rock reaches a breaking point when enemy fire decimates them. Despite the severity of the theme, the coloration of Joe Kubert's cover is strangely festive. The interior story is more appropriately somber, including the devastating portrait of Sgt. Rock on the two-page spread. As his imagination runs wild from grief, images of historical events appear in rapid fire succession. These scenes add meaning and purpose to the war effort overall. This story was later reprinted in DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #21 and Our Army at War #269. Other artists in this silver age comic include Russ Heath.

- - - - - - - - - -

Our Army at War v1 = 236 Kubert issues
- - - - - - - - - -
Kubert cover pencils and inks = ***
"Stop the War, I Want to Get Off" Kubert story pencils and inks 12 pages = ***

Joe Kubert

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Kubert / Our Army at War / DC
ebay >this comic

Kubert >comics >books

Our Army at War & Sgt. Rock >collectibles >books >toys

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

Bo #1 - 1st appearance

2026-07-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

Bo #1

Bo v1 #1, 1955 - A sink full of dirty dishes after an afternoon party becomes a welcome excuse for family to eat out. When Mr. Green sets aside bones for their dog Bo, that evening's circumstances has him prowling all over the neighborhood. This first issue, written and drawn by Frank Beck, follows the newspaper strip of the same name. Cover by Beck.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st appearance in comics, 1st cover Bo, 1st issue

Bo v1 = 1 key issue

- - - - - - - - - -

Untitled 11 pages

+ other stories

Bo #1

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Bo / Charlton

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

Don Newton original art - Batman #371 page

2026-07-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

Don Newton

Original Don Newton page from Batman #371, 1980s.

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Original art / Newton / Batman

ebay Newton >comics >books

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

Amazing Spider-Man #7 - Steve Ditko art & cover

2026-07-21T18:00:00.000-04:00

Steve Ditko

Amazing Spider-Man v1 #7, 1963 - Escaping from prison, the Vulture goes on a crime spree. The villain comes doubly prepared for battle, resulting in Spider-man breaking his arm. Steve Ditko's quiet cover belies the frenetic action inside. Visually, the most exciting scenes occur inside the Daily Bugle, where Spidey and the Vulture run rampart through their offices and pressrooms. Also worthy of note is Ditko's sequence on page 7 (see interior page below), using vertical panels to heighten tension.

- - - - - - - - - -

Amazing Spider-Man v1 = 38 Ditko issues
- - - - - - - - - -
Ditko cover pencils and inks = ***
"The Return of the Vulture" Ditko story pencils and inks 21 pages = ***

Steve Ditko

- - - - - - - - - -
Home / Ditko / Amazing Spider-Man / Marvel

ebay >this comic

Ditko >comics >books

Amazing Spider-Man >comics+collectibles >books >movies+tv >toys+games >clothing

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

Justice League of America #64 - 1st Red Tornado

2026-07-21T12:00:00.000-04:00

Justice League of America #64

Justice League of America v1 #64, 1968 - Insisting he's a member of the Justice Society, a red-garbed superhero helps the team to stop the theft of the 20th Century Museum. One by one they fail, leading the Red Tornado to discover he was created by T. O. Morrow for nefarious purposes. This Gardner Fox story, drawn by Dick Dillin and Sid Greene, nicely references the original Red Tornado from the 1940s. Cover by Dillin and Jack Abel.

- - - - - - - - - -

Key 1st appearance, 1st cover silver age Red Tornado

Justice Leag ue of America v1 = multiple key issues

- - - - - - - - - -

"The Stormy Return of the Red Tornado" 23 pages

1st Red Tornado

- - - - - - - - - -

Home / Justice League of America / DC
ebay >this comic

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

48 Famous Americans - comic series checklist

2026-07-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

- - - - - - - - - -
48 Famous Americans v1
JC Penney
1947

NN - Kirby art & cover

- - - - - - - - - -
Home

Vault of Horror PB - Frank Frazetta cover

2026-07-20T12:00:00.000-04:00

Frank Frazetta

Vault of Horror PB (paperback book), 1965 - Compiling EC horror comics from the 1950s, this paperback reprints stories in black and white, re-composing the panels to fit the smaller format. Frank Frazetta provides a horrific new cover that would wake the dead. Accompanying books in this Ballantine series include Tales of the Incredible PB and Tales from the Crypt PB and Vault of Horror PB.

- - - - - - - - - -

Frazetta cover pencils and inks = ****

- - - - - - - - - -

Home / Frazetta

ebay >thisbook

Frazetta >comics >books

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