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The above cover would be a worthy inclusion in our 'Comic Covers Snap' series as there's been quite a few variations on it down through the years, some, I'm sure, even pre-dating JOHN BUSCEMA's excellent example from 1968. I'm lucky enough to possess the above mag (along with its predecessor, #1), and what an iconic issue it is. Don't have it? Then why not purchase The AVENGERS OMNIBUS Volume 2, which includes this very Mighty MARVEL Masterpiece?! Go on!
Take a moment to wax lyrical about why Big John is one of your favourite comicbook artists in our comments section. Don't keep all that awe and appreciation to yourselves!
I love these type of covers and have quite a few of them mostly DC with the JLA v JSA etc stories, although this one is probably the best in that genre. There’s not much you can say about John Buscema he was simply one of the very best comic artist ever (although to be honest I preferred Sal Buscema's art when he was at his peak) Big John’s work on Conan (the mag) with Alfredo Alcala was amazing.
ReplyDeleteI also liked Sal's art, PM, but it often depended on who was inking him on how well I liked it, I found. And his style became increasingly looser over time, which gave it a sort of rushed look. You're right about John and Alfredo - but, astonishingly, Big John himself wasn't too keen on the combination.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a really great cover. Like you I'm lucky enough to own a copy - still the original one I bought back in 1968 or 69, in vg condition. I've also got #3 and 4, but not #1.
ReplyDeleteEven in those days, John Buscema's style always struck me as more "grown up" than Jack Kirby's. There are a few examples of his pre-Marvel work at comicbookplus.com (because they're in the public domain now). I was struck by how close they are to his mature style - for example the first story in Forbidden Worlds #79 from 1959 (http://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=18000)
I've got #1, 2 & 4, AM, so between us, we have the first four issues. I've still to take a look at the link, but from what little I've seen of his early work, I always felt it lacked the 'punch' it later acquired when he adopted (or imitated, if you prefer) Jack Kirby's style of storytelling. (Without copying his actual art style 'though.) Off now to look at that link.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link Andrew what a great wee site - I agree John Buscema’s style is instantly recognisable here, Forbidden Worlds #79 from 1959 looks very much like his Marvel work
ReplyDeleteI had very few Avengers issues after 1967, and I probably didn't notice any difference between John and Sal at the time.
ReplyDeleteComic Covers Snap: Avengers #53 and #70, Defenders #119, X-Men #100, and Justice League of America #56.
The JLA one is the earliest that I know of offhand, but there may have been others before that.
The Panther really must have drawn the short straw on the Avengers Annual #2 cover. But then, Captain America wasn't really any better off.
Looking at the cover again, TC, I've just noticed that if the Panther and the Hulk stood up, the former would be taller than the latter. Seems that it wasn't just Kirby who had difficulty maintaining consistency between the sizes of certain heroes. It's still a great cover 'though.
ReplyDeleteBig John has been quoted as not being overly fond of drawing superheroes - but look at what a great job he did (professional that he is)! Imagine his art if he had really liked the subject matter! Always been a big fan of Big John, first introduced to his art through the Avengers back in the day. To my eyes brother Sal was a pale imitation of his sibling and I could always tell ones art from the other. My favorite examples of his work would have to be the late 60s and early 70s when it was very fluid and heroic, for want of a better word. One of the greats to be sure.
ReplyDeleteI think Sal's work was very good when it was given to an inker who enhanced his pencils, PC, rather than just go over the lines, but you're right, Big John was the better artist. I loved his stuff when it was inked by Tom Palmer, although John always said that he thought Sal's inking suited his pencils best. Not in direct comparison to Tom Palmer, but in general. However, just as Jack Kirby's work was vastly improved when inked by Wally Wood, so to was John's when inked by Palmer or Alcala.
ReplyDeleteYep, I used to own both this and Annual #1, - both of them great comics, but foolishly sold them in a collection in 1980! I know what you're gonna say, Kid, so ,"It's on me list!!"
ReplyDeleteYeah, our mate, TC, has recently told me they're known as "clash covers" and you can add me to the fan club, too!
I can't imagine anyone not being a fan of John Buscema's art, JP. And he drew the cover of the very first ish of The Mighty World Of Marvel back in 1972.
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