Alter Ego #109 May 2012 (magazine review).
This 2012 edition of ‘Alter Ego’ spotlights comic book artist Bernard Baily (1916-1996). Although not widely known, Baily co-created the Spectre and Hour-Man (originally ‘Hourman’ before losing his hyphen). Contrary to popular belief, the original Spectre wasn’t actually a ghost but rather Jim Corrigan in costume. Similarly, Hourman gained his super-strength for an hour after taking his ‘miracolo’ tablet. Of equal importance, Baily also contributed to Action Comics #1 with the ‘Tex Thompson’ western strip.
This first part sheds light on how creators’ contributions can be obscured over time. Editor Roy Thomas reveals his ‘holy grail’: uncovering lost JSA stories, discussed in more detail in his four-volume ‘All-Star Companion.’ These works, now nearly 12 years old, are hard to find, much like ‘hen’s teeth.’ With ‘Alter Ego’ now in color, Thomas takes the opportunity to showcase the first three pages of ‘The Will of William Wilson’ in newly mastered color, adding commentary about the ink-only pages, such as missing heads in the roll call. Notably, Hawkman’s hawk-mask appears even more jarring here, and artist Martin Naydel struggled to integrate other figures around Hawkman’s wings.
The issue also includes the fourth and final part of an interview with artist/writer Tony Tallarico (1933-2022) by Jim Amash. Tallarico discusses his career and greater financial success from illustrating and writing coloring books. He recounts the challenges of creating a black cowboy character named Lobo and the problem with distributors returning Dell’s entire monthly title unopened.
Another feature is the concluding part about the career of artist/inker Mike Peppe (1921-1982). Dewey Cassell interviews Peppe’s daughter Michele, who shares insights into her father’s life and his role in a ‘rat pack’ of artists during his golden age work period.
‘Michael T. Gilbert’s ‘Mr. Monster’ piece focuses on parodies of the ‘Charles Atlas’ advertisements that funded many comic books in the 1960s-70s. Interestingly, these parodies are not particularly harsh, simply highlighting the challenge of becoming ‘a man.’ The piece humorously notes that any girlfriend who doesn’t disdain actions like having sand kicked in their boyfriend’s face isn’t worth keeping.
Bill Schelly continues sharing photos from American fandom’s 50th birthday. While there might not be recognizable professionals, there are certainly some notable fan names.
In the Fawcett section, C.C. Beck draws parallels between magic tricks and comic book artists’ use of misdirection in panels. However, Beck expresses disdain for superheroes performing magic tricks. Reflecting on this, aside from wizards like Doctor Strange and the Zatanna clan, there hasn’t been a notable new magician character in modern comics that I can recall.
‘Alter Ego’ always provides plenty to ponder. It’s just a matter of patience if you want to obtain paper copies.
GF Willmetts
December 2023
(pub: TwoMorrows Publishing. 82 page illustrated magazine. Price: varies. ISSN: 1932-6890. Direct from them, you can get it digitally for $ 4.95 (US))
check out websites: www.TwoMorrows.com and https://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=98_55&products_id=1026
