POST # 53 - "DOWN TO EARTH!" by Wally Wood (Original Artwork)

Hello again, art fans!

I am

THE APOCOLYTE!

One of the greatest comic book artists of all time,

Wallace 'Wally" Wood should be a name familiar to any who call themselves a fan of comics. I've written about him several times on multiple blog posts and multiple blogs, and if you want to see and read more about Wood, just enter his name in the search box in the upper left corner.

While Jack Kirby is generally regarded as the greatest comic book artist of all time, Wally Wood comes in at a very close second place in the minds of many. Any way you rank them, Wood was an amazingly talented individual. 

For an overwhelming majority of fans, Wood's work at EC Comics is considered to be the high point in a prestigious and decade spanning career, and his science fiction comics were among his most well loved works.

Today's post is another rare treat revealing a closer look at the original artwork of Wally Wood for a story entitled, "DOWN TO EARTH!". Originally published in EC's WEIRD SCIENCE #16 in 1952, it was written by Al Feldstein, and features typically lavish Wood detail as only he could provide. Though over sixty years old and yellowed from age, this story stills remains a masterpiece of comic art, and exhibits the masterful style of a one-of-a-kind creative genius.

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--In addition to the original black and white line art posted here, I also posted the story as originally shown in color over at

APOCOLYTE'S WORLD OF COMICS!

So, after you feast your eyes here, click the link (here) and enjoy the color version 

(beautifully colored by Marie Severin)!--

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"DOWN TO EARTH!"

(Artwork courtesy of Heritage Auctions)

-click image to enlarge-

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That story was a thing of beauty!

Be sure to click the link below and go to 

to enjoy and compare the excellent color version!

POST # 45 - "MADE OF THE FUTURE!" by Al Feldstein (Original Artwork)

Here's a treat!

Let's enjoy the original art-boards for "MADE OF THE FUTURE!", written and drawn by Al Feldstein.  It first appeared in WEIRD SCIENCE # 5 (Jan.-Feb. 1951), published by EC Comics.

Al Feldstein became involved with comics as a teen, working for Iger & Eisner Studios, initially doing basic assistance like cleaning up pages by erasing pencils, inking balloons, and  ruling panel borders. Later he began inking backgrounds, and also inking in leopard spots on the skimpy outfits of SHEENA, QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE. Toward the end of the Forties, after being discharged from the service in 1945, he found work for Fox Comics, where he wrote and drew SUNNY and JUNIOR, which showcased his ability to delineate pretty girls.

In 1948 Feldstein joined EC Comics where, along with art chores, he became their main writer and editor during the company's highest successes. Along with publisher William M.Gaines, Feldstein helped forge the New Trend comics line, with titles like TALES FROM THE CRYPT,  VAULT OF HORROR, WEIRD SCIENCE, and others that are widely regarded as benchmarks in 1950's comic book production. After the United States Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency and  the Comic Book Hearings in 1954, championed by anti-comic book advocate Dr. Fredric Wertham, artistic freedom in the genre was effectively stifled by the new Comics Code Authority, and among the many industry casualties was EC Comics, whose entire line drew to a close by 1956, save the lone publication of MAD magazine. After MAD creator Harvey Kurtzman left EC, Feldstein took the helm of MAD from 1956 until retiring in 1985. Since then he has continued his triumphant artistic life by returning to painting, focusing on Western wildlife.   

These rare original art boards from EC, with the Leroy machine-lettered panels and pencil marks visible, reveal the competent and confident hand of Al Feldstein in his tell-tale style.

The story tells of a man who ends up unlucky in love, though a freak occurrence leads him to a discovery that could end his unhappy existence. Of course, we should realize life is always uncertain, especially when the life we build in the present is: 

"MADE OF THE FUTURE"

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For more Al Feldstein art click here.

...and here.

POST # 30 -" HE WALKED AMONG US" by Wally Wood (original art)

As I was reviewing the artwork for today's post, I knew I couldn't hold back any longer.

I had to post it .

You'll see why.

This original artwork is from a classic story originally published in EC comics WEIRD SCIENCE # 13, 1952, written by Al Feldstein and lifted into the heights of near perfection by the pen and brush of Wally Wood. The black and white original art allows us to see in greater definition the incredible details Wood lavished upon every panel..please, do not rush through this one, you'll regret it. Even if you've read it before (and most of us have), take your time and enjoy.

It's one of Wood's best.

When you're done, follow the link to APOCOLYTE'S WORLD OF COMICS for the story in color!

Ready? Here we go!

HE WALKED AMONG US!

click here to see this story in color!