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Comics aren't just for kids. My journey through the world of comics has led me from reader to reviewer, to writer. This is the beginning of our journey through new comics and graphic novels.
Folks, if you throw your mind back to when you read comics if you are in your early 40's what do you remember? My memories include the Len Wein run on Spiderman, the Marshall Rogers Batman and Mr Miracle, the amazing Fourth World saga from Jack Kirby, Jonah Hex, The Warlord, Richie Rich, The John Byrne X Men years, and an obscure Charlton series, Billy The Kid and Sportlight. The Death of Captain Marvel. This series of columns will touch on those, but also go back farther in the 1940's and even up to the present. As a professional writer on comic books for Comic Buyers Guide, Comic Book Artist, and Penguin Comics, I enjoy the art form that has evolved from simple one issues tales to the multi-title extravaganzas. Whatever form the story takes, it is the craft behind the pretty pictures that counts. Good stories demand good skill in writing, art, coloring and lettering. My sphere of contacts has expanded greatly since I first picked up a Dell Lone Ranger in my father's comic box to include legends like Tom GIll, Joe Simon, Carmine Infantino, Shelly Moldoff, Joe Kubert, Jerry Robinson, Lew Sayre Schwartz, Dick Ayers, Frank Brunner, Mike Kaluta, John Severin, Marie Severin, Herb Trimpe, Bob Wiacek, John Workman, Steve Englehart, Walt Simonson, Will Eisner, Tim Truman, Joe Lansdale, Jim Amash, Larry Lieber, Marshall Rogers, and so many others. Want to read about Simonson? Let me know. Infantino? Ask. This is my opportunity to share my knowledge with you. I have lots of stories. Joe Sinnott told me one the other day about Stan Lee. And Dick Giordano and friends used to do some odd stuff on their pages. Want to know? To start off, I'd like to bring to your attention three specific titles from excellent publishers. They are: Graphics Classics edited by Tom Pomplun: Rafael Sabitini Modern Masters Volume Six: Art Adams Heroic Comics: Flare 32, Anthem 1, Flare 31, and Tigress #3 Shall we begin? Tom Pomplun, editor extraordinaire, has compiled 12 previous volumes that bring to life classic literature for those who don't think comics are a valid art form. The tales of Rafael Sabitini are rarely seen today, but are dramatic references we know of, but don't recognize. Captain Blood, The Seahawk, Scarasmouche, and other Hollywood films were based on his outstanding fiction. This 144 page book gives us Captain Blood, The Valet Mystery, The Spiritualist, The Risen Dead, and Plague of Ghosts by well respected artists and writers. My favorite...Blood by Carlo Vergara. It just makes me wanna go watch Errol and Olivia one more time. Arthur Adams is explored in detail in Twomorrows Modern Masters Series. Written by George Khoury and Eric Weathington, the extensive interview in six sections in copiously illustrated by sketches, finished pages, and cover art. If you think you know Art Adams...think again. By the way, he is NOT Neal Adams son. Heroic Publishing is one of those companies that you have never seen in the spotlight, but still know their issues. You may have notice them at your local comic store. Flare, The Champions, Anthem, and Tigress are some of their titles. With a decent price at $3.25, good quality glossy paper, their titles are good all the way through. A little witchcraft, action, Amazon goddesses, and family values, they are a good value. By the way, check out their website at www.heroicpub.com for their superior covers by Frank Brunner, Gordon Purcel, and Daniel Acuna. This current batch of issues includes the return of Rascally Roy Thomas to comics in Anthem, and Brunner's outstanding art. Some other issues to look out for this month. Jonah Hex #3, The Warlord #1, Captain America #14, Daredevil, Gotham Knights #74, and any, any AC Comic. But more on those later. Until next week, I am, A fan of the medium Tim Lasiuta Websites to look for: AC Comics www.accomics.com DC www.dccomics.com Marvel: www.marvel.com Heroic Publishing: www.heroicpub.com Twomorrows: www.twomorrows.com Grapahics Classics: www.graphicclassics.com
The copyright of the article Not Just For Kids! in Graphic Novels/Comics is owned by Tim Lasiuta. Permission to republish Not Just For Kids! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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