What Happened When POWER GIRL and PHANTOM LADY Tried to Join the JUSTICE SOCIETY
SUNDAY FUNNIES WITH KERRY CALLEN!
It’s OK to Acknowledge BOB KANE’s Role in Creating BATMAN
A FRANCO’S FREE-FOR-ALL FRIDAYS birthday rumination…
A Bronze Age HALLOWEEN SPECIAL, courtesy of Dark Horse — and Warren… Every October, Dark Horse puts a spooky spotlight on one of the horror books from its library and this year, it’s 2012’s Creepy Presents: Richard Corben. And guess what: They’ve provided, just for you 13th Dimension readers, two complete stories for your Halloween enjoyment — selected by big-name colorist Jose Villarrubia, who wrote the book’s introduction and did its color restoration. (The volume was re-released in 2026.) The two stories? Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven,’ from 1974’s Creepy #67, and In Deep, from 1976’s Creepy #83. Dig Villarrubia’s commentary on why he picked these two Warren classics: — The Raven: Corben did something truly unique: He took Poe’s most famous poem and turned it into a comic book story. Working with Richard Margopoulos, he built a narrative to accompany the text and fill in the gaps in the story. The art is incredible, and the colors defy expectations: This is a horror story, yet it’s painted in brilliant hues. A mini-masterpiece. — In Deep: Bruce Jones and Corben were on fire in this macabre, modern tale, partly inspired by the movie Jaws. Corben combined photorealistic art with actual photographic backgrounds in some panels. The intense, surreal colors heighten the terror the characters endure. An amazing piece of suspense storytelling. Horror comics don’t get better than this one! — Creepy Presents: Richard Corben collects all of the artist’s horror work for Warren. The 352-page paperback lists for $29.99. — MORE — BURIED TREASURE: Brian Azzarello and Richard Corben’s BANNER. Click here. — CREEPY #1: A 60th ANNIVERSARY Salute to One of the Most Influential Comics Ever. Click...
A MORRISON MONDAYS (early) BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE to comics’ master of the macabre… By BILL MORRISON Tomorrow is the anniversary of the birth of late horror comics master, Bernie Wrightson! As a fan and friend of Bernie — who was born Oct. 27, 1948 — I was delighted and honored when a few years ago I was invited to contribute a couple of drawings to a book titled Bernie Wrightson Artbook: A Tribute. The deluxe hardcover publication pays homage to the master comics artist with contributions by more than 180 artists and writers. My favorite Wrightson story has always been Jenifer, written by Bruce Jones and first published in Warren’s Creepy #63 in 1974. I still remember discovering that story in its initial printing, and being both inspired and horrified. The tale begins with a hunter named Jim who discovers a man in the woods holding an ax over a bound girl in a nightgown. After an unheeded warning to stop what he’s obviously about to do, Jim fires his rifle and kills the man. With his dying breath, the man whispers “Jenifer.” The girl is revealed to be horribly disfigured and mute, and Jim takes her to the authorities to get her some help. But upon learning that Jenifer will be institutionalized, something mysteriously compels him to take her in, without consulting his wife and children. This is where the real horror begins, and where my telling of the story ends. If you haven’t read it, you need to experience this beautifully illustrated and haunting tale for yourself. So, my first tribute piece in the book is my depiction of Jenifer, about to meet her fate. Or is it her executioner who is about to meet his? The publishers also offered a limited edition print of this image as one of their Kickstarter incentives. I was also offered the opportunity to write a remembrance of Bernie for the book, and it accompanies my portrait of Jenifer. I’ll save my second piece, a nod to Bernie’s more cartoony work, for next year’s Wrightson birthday celebration. Amazingly, the book is still available from the publishers, Printed in Blood and Monster Forge Productions, in very limited quantities. To any fan of great horror art, I highly recommend this book, which features work by comics luminaries such as Mike Mignola, William Stout, Eric...
SUNDAY FUNNIES WITH KERRY CALLEN!
A FRANCO’S FREE-FOR-ALL FRIDAYS birthday rumination…