Alter Ego #183 September 2023 (magazine review).
Much of this issue of ‘Alter Ego’ is dedicated to comic book artist Irv Novick (1916-2004). Writers John Coates and Dewey Cassell note that Novick’s work spans different eras, making him recognizable to readers over time. Novick created the Shield for MLJ and, after World War II, worked on various war titles for National/DC Comics.
He also had extended stints working on Batman and the Flash. An included interview reveals that Novick’s contract allowed him to work in advertising and create a newspaper strip named ‘Cynthia’, showcasing his prolific nature. Further interviews with both Novick and his adult children offer illuminating insights. Surprisingly, Novick, who treated his comic book work as a enjoyable job done from home, attended only one comic book convention and was taken aback to learn he had fans.
Interestingly, he wasn’t fond of his children reading comic books. Admittedly, I undervalued Novick’s contributions to the comic book world when I was younger. He was indeed the go-to guy when deadlines loomed, consistently delivering without fail. Coates and Cassell provide fascinating insights and are set to release a comprehensive book on Novick shortly.
Under the ‘Mr. Monster’ title, the issue features stories from various artists who apprenticed with Wallace Wood. In part one, Ralph Reese, now in his 70s, shares his experience. Reese recounts his law-troubled youth and how his life changed after Wood took him under his wing, teaching him art. Reese’s description of Wood’s “swipe room,” used for transportation and other needs, is particularly engaging. He also mentions Wood’s technique of silhouetting a picture when there was no time to add details.
In the Fawcett section, writer Shaun Clancy examines the career of Captain Wilford ‘Billy’ Hamilton Fawcett, the father of the Fawcett business. Clancy explores how Fawcett developed his magazine and comic book company. While there’s some repetition from the introduction to the article, it effectively traces the development of Fawcett’s business acumen and his ability to follow market trends.
Though this review may seem shorter than usual, it’s primarily because the issue contains fewer articles. Nonetheless, the piece on Irv Novick alone is well worth the cost of the issue and is not to be missed.
GF Willmetts
October 2023
(pub: TwoMorrows Publishing. 82 page illustrated magazine. Price: $10.95 (US). ISSN: 1932-6890. Direct from them, you can get it for $10.95 (US))
check out websites: www.TwoMorrows.com and https://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=98_55&products_id=1689
