Alter Ego #54 November 2005 (magazine review).
Probably the biggest interview here is with inker Mike Esposito (1927-2010), conducted by Jim Amash. Reading the 35 pages here, it does become obvious his job description is imprecise as he worked over layouts and distinguished the lines given to him even before getting to the inking, drawing as much as inking. He was also very fast and reliable with work spanning many comic book companies. His insights make for fascinating reading.
There are two pieces related to editor/writer Robert Kanigher. The first piece is entirely his creation, the Metal Men for ‘Showcase’, which he created over the course of a weekend during a creative lull. He then handed over the artwork to Ross Andru and Mike Esposito for further development. Upon reading Lynn Woolley’s article, I was left with the impression that it was essentially a whimsical idea, featuring distinct characters that resonated well with readers. The only aspects of their history that remained unexplored were their human disguises and Magnus’s ability to purchase costly metals such as gold and platinum.
The second piece has a writer. Robin Snyder explores the creation of Sgt. Rock as Bob Hanley first wrote the character under Kanigher’s editorship. Although it’s not a character I ever really read, I didn’t realize he originally started as a boxer before going to war. The issue with DC Comics at the time was that the editors always initiated new titles, and the list of titles and characters created by Kanigher was quite extensive.
John Benson’s run of the second part of the 1966 New York Comicons was one of the highlights. He only ever ran one, but writer Bill Schelly ensured it was well-organized. Reading these early accounts is always beneficial as it demonstrates the evolution of comic book conventions over time.
If you’re interested in finding out when specific creators passed away, ‘In Memoriam’ features several from the past, such as pencillers Jim Aparo (1932-2005), Sam Kweskin (1924-2005), John Albano (1929-2005), and publisher Byron Preiss (1953-2005).
Lastly, Hollywood co-producer Michael Uslan, who has worked on several Batman films, talks about his love for comic books and how he was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time with his friend Bob Klein, collecting them before their value was recognized. I wonder how many comic book fans would have liked to have grown up in that era?
Never assume that the early issues of ‘Alter Ego’ don’t contain valuable lessons about the medium.
GF Willmetts
December 2024
(pub: TwoMorrows Publishing. 100 page illustrated magazine. Price varies. ISSN: 1932-6890. Direct from them, you can get it digitally for $ 4.99 (US))
check out websites: www.TwoMorrows.com and https://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=98_55&products_id=338
