Pencil Ink

Blazing Combat - magazine series checklist

2026-05-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

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Blazing Combat v1
Warren
1966-66

1 - Frazetta cover, Toth art + 1st issue key
2 - Frazetta cover, Toth, Williamson art
3 - Frazetta cover, Toth, Wood art
4 - Frazetta cover, Toth, Wood art

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Home / Warren

Tarzan #45 - Russ Manning art

2026-05-23T18:00:00.000-04:00

Tarzan #45

Tarzan v1 #45, 1953 - Heading back to their tribe, the Brothers of the Spear is pursued by enemy soldiers. Trapped in a ravine, the two escape through a cavern opening. Russ Manning's artwork shows promise on certain pages and panels, honing his skills with each issue. Jungles and underground caverns provide ample opportunity but Manning's inexperience is evident. Other artists in this golden age comic include Jesse Marsh. Photo cover.

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Tarzan v1 = 132 Manning issues
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Untitled Brothers of the Spear story Manning pencils and inks 6 pages = *

Russ Manning

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Home / Manning / Tarzan / Dell
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Joe Kubert original art - Our Army At War #198 cover

2026-05-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

Joe Kubert

Original cover from Our Army At War #198, 1960s.

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Home / Original art / Kubert / Our Army at War
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Blade v3 #1 - 1st issue

2026-05-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Blade v3 #1

Blade v3 #1, 1998 - At a decrepit, abandoned riverboat in New Orleans, our hero awaits his vampire prey. He finally arrives, close to dawn, with his intended female victim. This first issue, written by Don McGregor and drawn by Brian Hagan and Sandu Florea, also briefly retells the vampire hunter's origin. Rounding out the book are several promo pages for Blade: The Movie, complete with photos.

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Key 1st issue

Blade v3 = 1 key issue

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"Blood Allies" 23 pages

Blade v3 #1

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Home / Blade / Marvel

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Dreadstar #26 - Jim Starlin art & cover

2026-05-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

Jim Starlin

Dreadstar v1 #26, 1986 - Vanth, Syzgy, Willow and the rest of the crew are transported to an uninhabited planet. Their means of execution, an atomic bomb, accompanies them. Jim Starlin emphasizes this fact on the cover. Inside, his artwork shows no lack of detail or effort. This is the last issue published by Marvel under the Epic Comics imprint.

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Dreadstar v1 = 32 Starlin issues

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Starlin cover pencils and inks = ***
"The Execution" Starlin story pencils and inks 30 pages = ***

Jim Starlin

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Home / Starlin / Dreadstar / Marvel
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Love Problems and Advice Illustrated #41 - non-attributed Jack Kirby cover

2026-05-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

Jack Kirby

Love Problems and Advice Illustrated v1 #41, 1956 - A kiss drawn in profile appears to be an easy solution for Jack Kirby. Though the approach works in tandem with graphic nature of the layout, it still seems a little forced. The setting is conveyed through a diagonal fold, with circus performers crowded inside. Other artists in this golden age comic include Jack Sparling and Bob Powell.

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Love Problems and Advice v1 = 3 Kirby issues

Kirby gallery
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Kirby cover pencils = **

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Home / Kirby / Love Problems and Advice / Harvey
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Showcase #100 - Milestone issue

2026-05-21T12:00:00.000-04:00

Showcase #100

Showcase v1 #100, 1978 - For its one hundredth issue, this long running title includes all the heroes featured in the series since 1956. The Flash, Green Lantern, Metal Men, Hawk and the Dove, Creeper and the Atom are but a few who made their first appearance in Showcase. With the larger page count than usual, writers Paul Kupperberg and Paul Levitz have ample room to take on this ambitious tale. Interestingly, a source online points out that Nightmaster is absent from the story. Cover and interiors are drawn by Joe Staton. Cover inks by Dick Giordano.

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Select Milestone issue

Showcase v1 = 1 select issue

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"There Shall Come a Gathering" 34 pages

Showcase #100

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Home / Showcase / DC
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Dynomutt #1 - 1st appearance

2026-05-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

Dynomutt #1

Dynomutt v1 #1, 1977 - With this firstissue, Hanna-Barbera's dog wonder makes his debut in comics. In the midst of a huge crime wave, Dynomutt and his partner Blue Falcon take on more than they can handle. Searching for the criminal mastermind behind it all, are they overlooking Little Miss Goody Two Shoes? Or will their investigation run cold? Two stories were written by Mark Evanier and drawn by Paul Norris. Dan Spiegle illustrates a Scooby-Doo back-up tale. Cover by Norris.

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Key 1st appearance in comics, 1st cover Dynomutt, Blue Falcon, 1st issue

Dynomutt v1 = 1 key issue

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"Little Miss Goody Twoshoes" 10 pages
+ other stories

Dynomutt #1

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Home / Dynomutt / Marvel

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Fantastic Fanzine #11 - Jim Steranko cover

2026-05-20T12:00:00.000-04:00

Jim Steranko

Fantastic Fanzine v1 #11, 1970 - Edited by Gary Groth, this issue of the ongoing fanzine takes flight with its first full color cover. A Jim Steranko interview resides inside, while the artist supplies a contemporary rendition of the golden age Black Condor.

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Fantastic Fanzine v1 = 2 Steranko issues

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Steranko cover pencils and inks = ***

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Home / Fantastic Fanzine / Steranko

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Thrilling Comics #68 - Frank Frazetta art

2026-05-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Thrilling Comics #68

Thrilling Comics v1 #68, 1948 - Not one, but two Frank Frazetta tales grace this varied collection of genres. Looie Lazybones, a L'il Abner-type hillbilly, benefits from his masterfully fluid drawing style and precise attention to detail. Even better is the teenage strip Kathy (see interior page below), where Ralph Mayo's pencils are finished by sensitively applied brushwork. Frazetta transforms the tale, bringing an unusually high level of depth and realism to a work of situational humor. Other artists in this issue include George Tuska and Art Saaf. Cover by Alex Schomburg.

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Thrilling Comics v1 = 8 Frazetta issues

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"Shutterbugs" Frazetta story inks (Ralph Mayo pencils) 9 pages = ****
"Everything's Vine" Frazetta story pencils and inks 7 pages = ***

Frank Frazetta

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Home / Frazetta / Thrilling Comics
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Walt Simonson gallery - Star Wars issues

2026-05-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

Gallery of all Walt Simonson art and/or covers on Star Wars, 1970s:

Rocky Lane's Black Jack #26 - Steve Ditko art

2026-05-19T01:00:00.000-04:00

Rocky Lane's Black Jack v1 #26, 1959 - Steve Ditko drew comparatively few westerns, both two of his stories appear in this issue. In the first, Black Jack (Rocky Lane’s horse) helps an old miner traversing through the vast desert. Using thin lines and graphic shapes, the artwork is stark but appealing. Ditko’s second tale tells of a city dude taught a hard lesson: toughen up or head back east. The drawings are softer and more fluid, but lack clarity. The inclusion of both styles creates a good opportunity for comparison. Other artists in this golden age western comic include Rocco Mastroserio and Sal Trapani.

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Rocky Lane's Black Jack v1 = 5 Ditko issues

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"The Phantom Spring" Ditko story pencils and inks 5 pages = ***
"The Merciless Mesa" Ditko pencils and inks 5 pages = ***

Steve Ditko

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Home / Ditko / Rocky Lane's Black Jack / Charlton
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Punisher v2 #1 - 1st issue

2026-05-18T12:00:00.000-04:00

Punisher v2 #1

Punisher v2 #1, 1987 - Following the success of his earlier limited series, the character begins a second, longer running title. In this first issue, Frank Castle learns of an international drug ring decimating the community. It's rumored to be led by a buddy he served with in Vietnam. He decides to pursue his leads regardless of past history or friendships. Story by Mike Baron, art and cover by Klaus Janson.

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Key 1st issue

Punisher v2 = 1 key issue

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"Marching Powder" 23 pages
+ other stories

Punisher v2 #1

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Home / Punisher / Marvel

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Savage Sword of Conan #29 - non-attributed Neal Adams, John Byrne art

2026-05-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Savage Sword of Conan #29

Savage Sword of Conan v1 #29, 1978 - Accompanying the main Conan feature, a handful of single page portraits by Bruce Patterson help fill in the remainder of the issue. One stands out above the rest: a Red Sonja page superbly finished by Neal Adams. Also contributing to this issue is John Byrne, who delivers a bold splash of Solomon Kane fending off a demon. The style suggests an earlier effort, finally seeing publication for the first time. Neither work is attributed in some comic book price guides. Other artists in this bronze age magazine include John Buscema, Gil Kane, Ralph Reese and Russ Heath.

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Savage Sword of Conan v1 = 6 Adams issues, 2 Byrne issues

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"Red Sonja" Adams pin-up inks (Bruce Patterson pencils) 1 page = ***
Byrne pin-up pencils (Duffy Voland inks) 1 page = **
(All interiors in black and white)

John Byrne

Neal Adams

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Home / Adams / Byrne / Savage Sword of Conan / Marvel
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Comics Journal #54 - Marshall Rogers article

2026-05-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

Comics Journal #54

Comics Journal v1 #54, 1980 - Marshall Rogers is interviewed about his immensely popular run on Detective Comics a few years earlier, and his current collaboration with writer Don McGregor on Detectives Inc. The issue also contains the final interview granted by Al Capp, creator of Lil Abner and reviews of new titles Night Music (by Eclipse) and Epic Illustrated (by Marvel). Kudos to Bill Sienkievicz for his humorous take on Batman & Moon Knight on the cover.

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Comics Journal v1 = 1 Rogers issue

Comics Journal #54

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Home / Rogers / Comics Journal

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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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Home / Manning / Tarzan / Gold Key

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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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Home

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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Home / Amethyst / DC

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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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Home / Black Widow / Marvel

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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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Home / Ads

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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Home / Kubert / Our Army at War / DC

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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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