Some of my favorite art from the Warren horror line was created by today's artist, Dan Adkins.
While he did perhaps a mere half dozen stories and a handful of covers for Warren, the work he did still holds ups against the finest offered from Warren's ranks. And yes, it's true he began his comics career by working in the Wally Wood studios, and that his artwork is often examined in the light that is prominently overshadowed by Wood, even though several works credited to Wood during this period were done in large part or even entirely by Adkins.
The fact remains that Adkins is a fine artist, painter, penciller, and inker, and his work deserves to stand on it's own merits, and today's story is certainly no exception. From EERIE # 8, 1967, THE DAY AFTER DOOMSDAY was created at the beginning of his career in comics and highlights Adkins' finesse with fine lines while it showcases his skills for solid forms and shadows. Where other artists work in a loose and carefree fashion, Adkins invariably brings a completeness and a level of detail beyond most of his contemporaries that is unavoidably reader-friendly and instantly enjoyable to the eye.
Imagine yourself awaking to discover that a devastating war has taken place, and you have somehow miraculously survived. Now imagine the horror and burden of lonliness you feel as you claw your way through the endless rubble and begin to search through the smouldering ruins for other survivors. Finally, as you fight for your life, imagine your complete and utter despair when you realize what lies waiting for you...
THE DAY AFTER DOOMSDAY!
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Art by Dan Adkins / Story by Archie Goodwin
Originally published in EERIE # 8, 1967
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Now that you've seen what happens on the day after doomsday,
Man~ you can really see all of Adkin's influences on display here~ especially Ditko & Wood~ yet he keeps it something special all his own.
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ReplyDeleteIt telegraphed it's conclusion almost from the beginning, but somehow it still shocked me - a bit like Ron Howard's Apollo 13 where you knew for a fact they survived yet somehow it managed to grip you and fill you with anxiety on the crew's behalf.
...power of the artist, I guess.
Found this post via Apocolyte's blog. The artwork is incredible. Can't wait to take the time to read the story. Thanks for sharing these images!
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