Alter Ego #189 September 2024 (magazine review).
The cover of this edition of ‘Alter Ego’ clearly identifies it as the ‘John Romita Tribute Issue.’ Romita (1930-2023) drew Captain America for Timely back in the 1950s before moving to DC/National Periodicals and doing romance titles. When he was planning to go to work in the advertising field, Stan Lee enticed him to work for Marvel. Initially, he worked on Daredevil, and following Ditko’s departure, he took on a role as a webcrawler. Whenever he received a title, his sales increased.
Steve Houston, John Cimino, Nile Scala, Roy Thomas, John Romita Jr., Steve Englehart, Brian Pulido, Jim Starlin, and Jaime Jameson paid tribute to the jazzy one in a podcast on June 15, 2023. This includes when they first met him and how his artwork influenced their lives. Romita designed the costumes for Wolverine, Satana, the Punisher, Brother Voodoo, and even a new costume for the Sub-Mariner. All the original sketches are shown here. He also assumed the role of Marvel’s art director, concurrently creating the pages of Spider-Man, without any constraints other than to consistently deliver his best work.
David Armstrong conducted an interview with John Romita in 2001, delving into his early history. The interview also demonstrates his deep connection to the history of American comic books. There is a common pattern where those who were drafted continue to create art while serving in the military and are also able to incorporate elements of comic book art. His comparisons between DC and Marvel are priceless, even when it comes to facial expressions and the former’s editors not getting it. The Marvel method certainly gives the page design back to the artist, especially if they have some writing skill. Romita seemed to think he hasn’t, although when you see what he could encapsulate into a large panel or cover, it does prove he can capture the mood needed. You only have to look at Mary Jane Watson’s first appearance or Peter Parker ditching his costume. Other artists continue to emulate the latter move.
Writer John Cimino had a tough time picking out his favorite Romita stories. I think I would have, too.
Michael T. Gilbert’s ‘Mr. Monster’ looks at the early work of Murphy Anderson, from penciller on ‘Planet Stories’ to inker at DC Comics and then back to penciller on the likes of Hawkman and The Spectre.
The Fawcett Collector centers on artist Phil Bard (1912-1966), primarily known for his work on Minute Man and heavily influenced by Jack Kirby, as writer P.C. Hamerlinck demonstrates. His life extended beyond comic books. He participated in the Spanish Civil War, but was sent home a month later due to health issues. This experience demonstrated his activism, and he must have been well-liked by others, as evidenced by the two portraits of him.
The issue is once again bustling with an abundance of artwork.
GF Willmetts
December 2024
(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=1784
