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!

Five Highlights from THE COMICS JOURNAL 33

THE COMICS JOURNAL #33 (April 1977)

Image from HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

NEWSWATCH DC: Mike Catron gives a firsthand account of Christopher Reeve visiting the DC offices before filming of the first Superman movie. (page 4)

Image from GCD (Published the year before Childress' death)

NEWSWATCH: Obituaries of Bob Brown, Edmond Hamilton, John Rosenberger,  and James Childress (page 4)

image from TCJ Archives 

ADVERTISEMENT: Michael Kaluta exhibition! An incredible array of his illustrations and early comic book originals were on sale here. (page 11)

Image from GCD

excerpt from TCJ Archives 

ADVERTISEMENT: Russ Cochran full-page prospectus for the proposed Complete EC Comics Library (page 23)

Image from flickr

BILL SHERMAN COMIX: BASIX Underground comix column debut by Bill Sherman, a manifesto for critical writing on underground comix. Highlighted by a really good comparison of Rory Hayes/Neal Adams + Rory Hayes/art spiegelman. (page 29)

Five Highlights from THE NEW NOSTALGIA JOURNAL 29

Image from TCJ Archive

THE NEW NOSTALGIA JOURNAL (October 1976)

John Benson fanzine from 1975 (an example of what Groth is speaking to below)

(Image from EC Comics Wiki)

THE EDITOR'S BALLOON: Gary Groth talks about what he looks for in writing on comics in fanzines: "The second faction is primarily concerned with comics as art, and write with that in mind. Their work is scarcer, probably due to the fact that there are so few comics works that can stand up to the demands of art, and for the most part they don't write about less accomplished comics creators. They write with posterity in mind, are interested in a story's feeling, it's implications and texture as opposed to how it is being received in the marketplace, or whether or not it is trendy. They are particularly interested in the artist's technique, the relationship between writer and artist, storytelling structures, and theories. Their work is absorbing to say the least. Among this group are Fred Patten, John Benson, Richard Kyle, and James Denney (who writes too rarely on comics)." (pages 2 and 6)

Alan Freedman pictured after his tenure as assistant editor on The Journal

(Image from GCD)

Lost in the mists of time: "TNJ now has an assistant editor: Alan Freedman, a comics and science fiction fan, joins the TNJ staff with this issue. Alan is working with us on the day to day hustle and bustle of putting out TNJ (and SOUNDS FINE). Alan has already proven himself to be of great help, and we're very happy to welcome him aboard." (page 4)

An undated photo of John Adkins Richardson 

(Image from siue.edu)

TNJ LETTERS: Illustrator and scholar John Adkins Richardson and future TCJ columnist Bill Sherman. (page 8)

A recent collection of "Inside Woody Allen"

(Image from Abrams)

NEWSWATCH debuts: News from Marvel (Midas, The Million Dollar Mouse and Super Rabbit the Marvel Bunny are announced), DC (Jim Shooter leaves for Marvel), Charlton (Temporarily suspends publishing), and King Features Syndicate ("Inside Woody Allen" comic strip debuts). (page 14)

Howard Chaykin created this poster for the 1976 San Diego Comic Con

(Image from Sotheby's)

Frank Catalano's FUTURESCOPE: "Film Notes" sidebar details advance information on upcoming STAR WARS movie. (page 22)