Bernie Wrightson - Mangled Men, Monsters, and the Macabre!

 

I'm not vain enough to think I have anything to say about the brilliance and talent of Bernie Wrightson that hasn't already been said. So I'm just gonna slide out of your way and let you enjoy the output of a man gone too soon.

Thanks to those who own these images and have made them available.

 

Original pencils to the Bruce Jones/Bernie Wrightson masterpiece "Jenifer", from Eerie #63.

A Fitting Tribute Piece

 

Credit Where Credit is Due

Happy Tuesday, friends!

I am joining you specially today to right a wrong from a few months ago. If you'll recall, last June 20 I wished myself a happy birthday by posting some favorite sketches from across the Interwebs. I found this on an image search for Neal Adams and Batman, and tossed it into the post right away. Killer sketch, no? However, I had forgotten that a few months prior I had actually seen the image over at Dan Greenfield's 13th Dimension blog. Dan and I were in conversation this morning, and he'd seen that I'd retweeted the image from the Black & White and Bronze account. Hey, something this awesome needs to be shared more than once! Dan asked if I'd be kind enough to credit his ownership. You bet I would - while I secretly covet the piece from afar!

Do click over to Dan's original post - it's a great read, and I think you'll feel his joy in obtaining this wonderful work of art.

And come back to this space on Thursday, when we'll check in on some macabre men as rendered by Bernie Wrightson. October wouldn't feel complete without Bernie!

The Illustrative Excellence of Nick Cardy

What do you think of when you think of Nick Cardy? Is it the Teen Titans? Aquaman? BatLash? For me, it's usually the Silver Age Teen Titans.

Cardy's illustrative style was endearing to me. Whether on the many covers he penciled or as a narrative storyteller, Cardy's work seemed to have a storybook quality to it. And although he was often working from a hokey script from Bob Haney (which I have come to appreciate as I've aged), Cardy always delivered the goods. From everything I've read about the man, he was a true pro.

Most of the man's output was for DC Comics. I found a few color jobs for Marvel Comics, but couldn't locate the original art. A shame, because it would have been fun to see Cardy get hold of some of Marvel's characters. I've included a Captain America sketch cover to whet your appetite for what might have been.

Leave a reminiscence of the man and his art if you're so inclined. And as usual, many thanks to the collectors who own these gems and provide them on the Internet for all our enjoyment!

 

 

 

Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez: We're Still Praising!

Just because I like you (and let's face it - I like Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez), I'm back with another selection of lovelies from the DC Comics Style Guide, 1982 edition. Back at the beginning of August, we began our little tour, with many samples of Batman and Superman art. Remember - the purpose of the style guide is to show other artists what DC's characters "should" look like. And we also observed that in some cases, JLGL's work has been used as marketing on toy packaging, party favors, etc.

Today we're going to move ahead - but we ain't done yet! The Style Guide is so chock full of images, that it's going to take me yet another post to fully stuff your eyeballs with all this goodness. So check back in another few weeks for the conclusion.

And a helpful reminder - the entire Style Guide - both color and black & white images - is available online. Enjoy! Oh, and three cheers for smiling superheroes!