Five Highlights from The Comics Journal #38

Joe Sinardi "Hollywood" spot illustration

THE COMICS JOURNAL #38 (FEBRUARY 1978)

1. NEWSWATCH:

It's rare to get a capsule history of the early days of comics growing in to more adult (although maybe not so mature, yet) content...

Howard Chaykin was a standout in this early phase of graphic novel history with two books announced here, and contributions to a third:

images from GCD

image from isfdb.org

Two other early graphic novels are also mentioned:

images from GCD

Just like MAD earlier, the immediate impact of HEAVY METAL spawned numerous imitators. Two of which are mentioned above:

images from GCD

GASM is the unlikely place to find early Ben Katchor

HOT STUF' was published by Sal Quartuccio who is still publishing art books

2. REVIEW by Marilyn Bethke:

The prototypical TCJ writer makes her first appearance...

3. ASTERIX FEATURE ARTICLE:

Dwight R. Decker compiles an astonishing in-depth analysis of Asterix up to Rene Goscinny's then recent passing. Asterix had not yet been published in the U.S., and had only been translated into English in the UK market.

current U.S. publisher

4. GIL KANE INTERVIEW conducted by

Gary Groth:

The seminal interview with the outspoken and well spoken veteran cartoonist...

5. THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER OF JACK KATZ:

Bill Sherman delivers a clearly written summary and analysis of the first six issues of THE FIRST KINGDOM. This was the suprise of the issue, nice companion piece to the likewise exhaustive ASTERIX piece.

In the tradition of THE COMICS JOURNAL advertising the books they review:

still in print!