Pencil Ink

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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Home / Funky Phantom / Gold Key
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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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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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Ghost Manor v2 #15 - Steve Ditko art & cover

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

Steve Ditko

Ghost Manor v2 #15, 1973 - Imprisoned in a World War Two stalag, American soldiers attempt to escape through a painstakingly dug tunnel. Despite a heroic attempt, Steve Ditko's cover remains a bit too chaotic and lacks hierarchy. In his interior story, he squanders an opening splash page with a poor layout. Yet overall, the artwork meets expectations. Other artists in this issue include Jack Abel and Tony Tallarico.

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Ghost Manor v2 = 28 Ditko issues

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Ditko cover pencils and inks = **
''Escape'' Ditko story pencils and inks 9 pages = ***

Steve Ditko

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Jonah Hex #12 - Jim Starlin cover

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

Jim Starlin

Jonah Hex v1 #12, 1978 - Known mostly for superhero comics, this is among the few Jim Starlin western covers (see also Weird Western Tales #44 and #45). The composition is unusually dynamic for the genre and the figures posed a little too heroically. Still, other artistic details are appropriate and even praiseworthy. I especially like how Jonah's head conveniently falls into shadow, allowing for some dramatic backlighting. Other artists in this bronze age comic include Vicente Alcazar. This is 1 of 1 Jonah Hex issues by Starlin.
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Starlin cover pencils and inks = ***

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X-Force #125 - 1st Dead Girl

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

X-Force #125

X-Force v1 #125, 2001 - Tasked with rescuing a space station crew, X-Force preps for a mission to Mars. U-Go Girl, Orphan and Anarchist receive a strange omen while recruiting their newest member in a graveyard. Dead Girl shows up just in time before rocket lift-off, with little to no information on her origin or abilities. This Peter Milligan story was drawn by Mike Allred. Cover by Allred.

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Key 1st appearance Dead Girl

X-Force v1 = multiple key issues

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"One of Us" 22 pages

1st Dead Girl

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Conan the Barbarian #4 - Barry Windsor Smith art & cover

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

Barry Windsor Smith

Conan the Barbarian v1 #4, 1971 - Freely adapting from Robert E. Howard's Tower of the Elephant, Conan seeks riches within a jeweled, yet well guarded structure. Barry Smith's artwork displays an increased confidence and maturity. Decorative elements enhance the interior settings on pages 10-16. The seedy tavern on the first page also more thoughtfully detailed than previous issues. His pacing, sequencing and organization is carefully planned and continues to improve. This story was first reprinted in Conan king-size special #1.

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Conan the Barbarian v1 = 22 Smith issues

Smith gallery

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Smith cover pencils and inks = ***
"Tower of the Elephant" Smith story pencils (Sal Buscema inks) 20 pages = ***

Barry Windsor Smith

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Huey, Louie and Dewey Junior Woodchucks #22 - Carl Barks reprint

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

Huey, Louie and Dewey Junior Woodchucks #22

Huey, Louie and Dewey (Junior Woodchucks)v1 #22, 1973 - A backup story features a fine work by Carl Barks. It was first published in Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #282. Other artists in this issue include Bob Gregory.

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F-Troop #1 - 1st issue

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

F-Troop #1

F-Troop v1 #1, 1966 - An important officer arrives at Fort Courage, with big plans to build a new type of sectional bridge. The inept Captain Parmenter supports his cause, but two of his crooked officers are afraid it might negatively affect their side hustles. Based on the ABC television comedy, this first issue was drawn by Bill Fraccio and Tony Tallarico. Photo cover of actors Ken Berry, Forrest Tucker and Larry Storch.

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Key 1st issue

F-Troop v1 = 1 key issue, multiple key issues

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"Don't Cross Your Bridges" 16 pages
+ other stories

F-Troop #1

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Home / F-Troop / Dell

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Crime and Punishment - comic series checklist

2026-05-02T18:24:00.000-04:00

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Crime and Punishment v1
Lev Gleason
1948-55

1
2-4
5-10
11-65
66 - Toth art & cover
67
68 - Toth cover
69-74

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Home

Love Romances #85 - non-attributed Matt Baker art, Jack Kirby art & cover

2026-05-02T12:00:00.000-04:00

Jack Kirby

Love Romances v1 #85, 1960 - In an un-attributed work by Matt Baker, Judy falls for a dashing artist who lives life to the fullest. Jack Kirby's tales tells of an up-and-coming actress whose learns what love is when she's stricken by an illness. Baker's pencils are quite evident on his story, but suffer from insensitive inking. By contrast, Kirby's story spotlights a mature, precise drawing style. Note the excellent composition of his opening splash (see interior page below). Other artists in this issue include Jay Scott Pike and Don Heck.

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Love Romances v1 = 12 Baker issues, 18 Kirby issues

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Kirby cover pencils (Vince Colletta inks) = *
"The Man I Love" Baker story pencils (Vince Colletta inks) 5 pages = ***
"I Learned About Love from Larry" Kirby story pencils (Chris Rule inks) 5 pages = ****

Matt Baker

Jack Kirby

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Blazing Battle Tales #1 - 1st Sgt. Hawk

2026-05-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

Blazing Battle Tales #1

Blazing Battle Tales v1 #1, 1975 - Sgt. Hawk and two of his men take on an impossible mission: the rescue a French resistance fighter from the Nazi's most infamous torturer. Nonetheless, they make it to the German encampment. But can they escape with their charge despite being outnumbered and surrounded? This tale was written by John Albano and drawn by Pat Broderick and Jack Sparling. Other artists in this comic include Al McWilliams and John Severin. Cover by Frank Thorne.

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Key 1st appearance, 1st cover Sgt. Hawk, 1st issue

Blazing Battle Tales v1 = 1 key issue

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"The One-Armed Beast" 12 pages

+ other stories

Blazing Battle Tales #1

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Superman #233 - Neal Adams cover

2026-05-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Neal Adams

Superman v1 #233, 1971 - With Kryptonite no longer a threat, Superman bursts through metaphorical chains to assert his freedom. Neal Adams' concept is beautifully executed, eliciting excitement by the radiating lines in all directions. While iconic, I find this effort superb but not among his very best on the series. Still, many regarded this as a classic and ranks high among collectors of Adams' work. Other artists in this bronze age comic include Curt Swan.

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Superman v1 = 32 Adams issues

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Adams cover pencils and inks = ***

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Web of Spider-Man #1 - Charles Vess cover + 1st issue

2026-05-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Web of Spider-Man #1

Web of Spider-Man v1 #1, 1985 - In this first issue of Spidey's third series, Peter Parker tries to distance himself from his symbiote costume but to no avail. Meanwhile, a gang inspired by his arch-enemy the Vulture takes to the skies. While Spider-man struggles out in the open, the Vulturions launch an attack. Charles Vess' ethereal painted cover adds a touch of fantasy to the character, making this issue all the more special. This Louise Simonson story was drawn by Greg LaRocque and Jim Mooney.

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Key 1st appearance, 1st origin Vulturions, 1st issue

Favorite Vess cover

Web of Spider-Man v1 = 2 key issues, 1 favorite issue

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Vess cover painting

"Til Death Do Us Part" 22 pages

Web of Spider-Man #1

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Home / Web of Spider-Man / Marvel

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Casper and Spooky #1 - 1st issue

2026-04-30T12:22:49.735-04:00

Casper and Spooky #1

Casper and Spooky v1 #1, 1972 - On the outskirts of town, Spooky shows Casper an abandoned house he took over. When a little girl unexpectedly drops in, they find out the whole valley will be submerged when the dam is opened. Naturally, Casper tries to save the house. This first issue begins a series starring two of Harvey's ghostly stars.

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Key 1st issue

Casper and Spooky v1 = 1 key issue

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"The Deserted House" 15 pages
+ other stories

Casper and Spooky #1

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Bart and his Butterfinger Make History

2026-04-30T12:22:41.067-04:00

"Help us finish this story"

Nestle Food Company comic book ad, 1990s - Butterfinger candy bar cross promotion with the Fox tv show. Published in Simpsons Comics and Stories #1.

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