Alter Ego #186 March 2024 (magazine review).
The focus of this issue’s “Alter Ego” is comic book artist Angelo Torres. Although I hadn’t amassed a significant collection of “Mad” magazines, the artists’ names didn’t always make a lasting impression. Now, at 90, at the time this issue was prepared, we feature discussions from 29 professionals about Torres, painting a comprehensive portrait of him. For EC Comics, it’s noteworthy that his only solo story was rejected by the Comics Code Authority and remained unpublished until 1971. Additionally, he was a member of the esteemed Fleagle Gang, a group of top professionals who supported each other in times of need.
My recognition of his work clicked when I encountered the opening page of “Pursuit of The Vampire,” famously appearing in Creepy #1. Initially, I saw it reprinted in a subsequent issue and, last year, acquired the first issue, which quickly became one of my favorites due to its twist ending. This connection helped me fully appreciate who he was. A story becomes memorable not just through Archie Goodwin’s writing but also through fantastic art. The issue concludes with a brief interview with Torres and a comprehensive checklist of all the companies he worked for, spanning an extensive range of genres.
In the “Mr. Monster” section, artist Ralph Reese wraps up his “Life With Wood” series, detailing Wallace Wood’s decline due to illness and his eventual suicide. Based on this, it appears Wood was his own worst enemy, given his issues with alcohol, smoking, and neglect of his health. It’s hoped that, over the past 45 or so years, creators have become more conscientious about self-care.
Additionally, we feature an obituary for Al Jaffee (1921-2023), one of the oldest “Mad Magazine” creators to pass away, leaving behind an impressive 73-year career.
Under the Fawcett banner, writer Carl Lani’Keha Shinyama explores Otto Binder’s innovative approach to Captain Marvel’s ability to time travel, revealing the Rock of Eternity to be more than merely a mountain peak. Another intriguing discovery was the origin of Mr. Tawney, a character transformed into a humanoid through an energizing serum that granted him the power of speech. This was a revelation to me, as I had simply assumed he was naturally a humanoid tiger. It’s always enlightening to learn something new.
This edition proved to be an unexpected treasure, offering a wealth of information about Angelo “Ange” Torres and putting a name to the artist behind a comic strip that had always stayed with me. Don’t miss out on acquiring a copy.
Geoff Willmetts
February 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=1769
