View allAll Photos Tagged swordandsorcery
Dagar / Heft-Reihe
Another World...Another Time
cover: ?
Gold Key Publications Inc.
(New York/USA; 1973)
ex libris MTP
“Star*Reach” was an influential American science fiction and fantasy comics anthology published from 1974 to 1979 by Mike Friedrich. One of the first mainstream independent comic books, “Star*Reach” bridged the gap between the countercultural underground comics and traditional Marvel/DC Comics fare, providing mature genre stories for an adult audience. The fan press of the time referred to this and the magazine “Heavy Metal” as "ground-level publications.” “Star*Reach” was a forerunner of the late-1970s rise of the modern graphic novel, and of the 1980s' independent comics. [Source: Wikipedia]
Calvin's Custom 1/6 one sixth scale custom Thulsa Doom, Thorgrim and Rexor from Conan the Barbarian 1982
Suspended Animation Classic #783 First published December 28, 2003 (#52) (Dates are approximate)
Conan, The Legend; Batman
By Mark Allen
After being at Marvel for over 30 years, the rights to Robert E. Howard's barbarian character Conan now reside at Dark Horse Comics. And, so far, this new comic age of the legendary Cimmerian is off to a particularly impressive start. I mean, with a 25-cent zero issue sporting an intriguing story and incredible artwork, how can comic fans, present and potential, go wrong?
It all begins with the caravan of a spoiled and bored prince, as it makes it's way through the west, where the city of Aquilonia once stood. Upon discovering a chamber in the ruins, the prince happens upon a statue of Conan, and becomes fascinated by his legend. Writer Kurt Busiek's characters are interesting, and this "appetizer" has me looking forward to the series.
Cary Nord's artwork on Conan is possibly the best seen since the character's first comic incarnation, under artist Barry Windsor Smith. Besides the attention to detail, and sense of realism, Nord's style is highly dramatic, and energetic, getting a further boost from the deep, rich colors by Dave Stewart. I don't really want to employ the over-used term "cinematic" in a description of this comic work, so it will have to suffice to say that this is what should be the look of the next Conan movie, come to comics.
Conan, The Legend, published by Dark Horse Comics, 20 pages, 25 cents.
Batman, published by D.C. Comics, 32 pages, $2.25.
The latest storyline in D.C.’s Batman series is some of the best material the title has enjoyed for the last couple of years. Writer Brian Azzarello primarily writes crime comics, and is new to super heroes. I read somewhere about the unique way he is approaching the character; he just imagines the cape as a trench coat. It works. Batman is one of the few super heroes who is not out of place in a crime noir setting.
Due to some racy content, recommended for older readers. Find both titles at your local comic shops.
MINIVIEW: Batman. The latest storyline in D.C.'s Batman series is some of the best material the title has enjoyed for the last couple of years. Writer Brian Azzarello primarily writes crime comics, and is new to super heroes. I read somewhere about the unique way he is approaching the character; he just imagines the cape as a trench coat. It works. Batman is one of the few super heroes who are not out of place in a crime noir setting.
Published by D.C. Comics, 32 pages, $2.25. Due to some racy content, recommended for older readers. Find both titles at your local comic shop.
Blood of Elves by Andrzej Spakowski. Gollancz 2012. Translated from Polish, original publication 1994
A full novel. I found the opening bad but it improved rapidly
Suspended Animation Classic #1,039
First published November 16, 2008 (#46) (Dates are approximate)
Comics Legend Joe Kubert
By Mic hael Vance
Joe Kubert is a Renaissance Man of comics, having worked as a penciller, inker, editor, writer and publisher in a career than spans more than sixty years.
His career began in the Chesler Shop in 1939, churning out assembly-line work with other young artists and writers for new publishers often out to make a quick buck in a new industry. But Kubert would be among the serious artists and writers who would turn a publishing fad into an artform.
Almost from the beginning, Kubert left the predominantly cartoonish, "big foot" art of early titles for a near realistic portrayal of the world. Heavily influenced by other realistic comic strip artists including Hal Foster, Alex Raymond and Mort Meskin, he became one of the most critically acclaimed artists in comic books. In particular, Kubert brought a high level of drama, realistic human anatomy, and an epic visual sweep to his work whether he was drawing a superhero with gigantic wings or a German World War I pilot.
His greatest influence may have come from creating a school for comic book and strip artists and writers that he still heads today.
Kubert's comic book work includes: Black Witch (MLJ, 1942-'43), Phantom Lady (Quality, '42-'43), Volton (Holyoke, 1942- '43), Johnny Quick, Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Rip Hunter, Sgt. Rock, Cave Carson, Tarzan, Enemy Ace and many more (DC, 1943-'?). Also, Black Cat (Harvey, 1943-'48), Tor, Mighty Mouse 3-D [the first 3-D comic book], 3 Stooges and Son of Sinbad (St. John, 1950-'55), Fax From Sarajevo (Dark Horse) and many other titles and characters for publishers like , Fiction House, Avon, DC, Marvel and Gleason.
Kubert also inked The Spirit comic strip in 1943 and 1944, and drew the Green Berets strip (1966- '67).
The work of Joe Kubert is very highly recommended.
Published over many years, some titles may be difficult to locate. A price guide or comics dealer will help. Comic book shops, mail order companies, trade journals and comics conventions are best sources.
Prices vary widely; shop around.
Condor Superhelden Taschenbuch / Taschenbuch-Reihe
Magnus und Conan
> Conan / Der Phönix und das Schwert
(art: John Buscema)
Condor Verlag (Deutschland; 1984)
Copyright: Marvel Comic Group (USA; 1977-1984) > Conan, The Barbarian
ex libris MTP
"along the road there lived a djinn,
filled with fire and questions,
both that would burn into the night"
Why am I adding Dealthwalker to my flickr site? Because it's author, R. A. Jones, is my closest friend and occasional co-author.
News release
Airship 27 Productions announces the release of a new fantasy novel by noted novelist and comic book writer and historian, R.A. Jones; “Deathwalker.” Jones is best known for his work for Malibu Comics on his adult action series, “Scimitar” along with artist Rob Davis. Now he turns his imagination to a different kind of hero, this one inspired by novelist Robert E. Howard’s world famous barbarian, Conan.
While on his vision quest, a young Cheyenne brave, High Bird, encounters the spirit of Death. The powerful wraith recruits the boy as his new agent in the world, and High Bird returns to his tribe altered forever as Deathwalker. When the Cheyenne people become the target of a vengeful Pawnee Shaman, Stands Alone, only Deathwalker can stand between this evil sorcerer and the total destruction of his people.
Writer R.A. Jones has woven a new and exciting fantasy set against the background of authentic Native American lore and culture. He dares to imagine what this wild untamed land would have become had there been no conquests by outside civilizations beyond the great waters. Here is an old world re-envisioned in a bold new action packed adventure worthy of pulp writers such as Robert E. Howard and Edgar Rice Burroughs. Featuring stunning cover art by Laura Givens with interior illustrations by Michael Neno.
Airship 27 publishes anthologies and novels in the pulp magazine tradition.
In the past, Airship 27 has released “Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective”, a series of “Weird Horror Tales” novels, and more pulp fiction in “The Green Lama” and “Secret Agent X”.
AIRSHIP 27 PRODUCTIONS – Pulp Fiction For A New Generation!
Suspended Animation Classic #372
Originally published February 4, 1996 (#5)
(Dates are approximate)
Comics Legend Frank Frazetta
By Michael Vance
Powerful, bold, dramatic, and epic all describe the work of an artist who became one of the first comic book superstars … backwards.
Before organized comic book fandom or widely circulated publications about the artform, Frank Frazetta’s fame had spread across America by word of mouth. He was “that unbelievable cover artist” for Robert Howard’s “Conan” and Burroughs’ “Tarzan” novels.
It was first rumored and then confirmed that he’d also done work for “Mad” magazine and even for the legendary EC comics during the 1950s. As the first attempts at comic book history were published, the greatest thrill of all for comic book fans was discovered. Frank Frazetta had drawn comic books.
It was a thrill because comic book art was held in disdain by the same people who loved Frazetta’s work. So there!
Rooted in Naturalism (the artsy term for realistic representation), Frazetta’s cover paintings of barbarians and voluptuous women are powerful in composition, bold in color, dramatic in subject and epic in scale. His exaggerated anatomy, perfect for the fantasy worlds illustrated, changed the direction of heroic art in comic books and heavily influenced SF, fantasy, and adventure covers for paperback novels and magazines.
His small but important body of comic book work is no less powerful, and has been collected and reprinted in many editions.
Frazetta’s comics work includes “Snowman” (Bailey), “Thundra”, “Straight Arrow”, “Tim Holt”, “Ghost Rider” (all ME), “Golden Arrow” (Fawcett), “Shining Knight”, “Tomahawk”(both for DC), “Buster Crabbe (Eastern Color), crime, horror, fantasy, science fiction and “Mad” magazine (EC), “Creepy” (Warren) and “Forbidden Worlds” (ACG).
His comic strip work includes “Johnny Comet”, and “Li’l Abner” (as Capp’s assistant). Poster art for movies and a stint as Harvey Kurtzman’s assistant on “Little Annie Fannie” for “Playboy” magazine all broadened his career.
Frank Frazetta’s work is highly recommended.
Some older titles are expensive and difficult to locate. Price guides or comics dealers help. Comic shops, conventions, mail order companies, and trade journals are best sources. Prices vary; shop around.
Artist Trading Card done in pencil crayon and a Staedtler Mars Graphic 3000 brush pen thingy.
Private Collection
Marvel Comics (March 2019)
Reprinting Conan the Barbarian #1 (Oct 1970) Written by Roy Thomas. Art and Cover by Barry Windsor-Smith.
Creatures on the Loose / Heft-Reihe
featuring Thongor, Warrior of Lost Lemuria
Attack of the Lizard-Hawks!
cover: John Romita, Ernie Chan
> Red Swords, Black Wings!
(art: Val Mayerik, Vince Colletta)
Marvel Comics Group / USA 1973
ex libris MTP
Sword and sorcery is a subgenre of fantasy and historical fantasy , generally characterized by sword-wielding heroes engaged in exciting and violent conflicts .
Robert E Howard is probably the best known creator of this type of work introducing heroes like Conan , Kull , Cormac Mac Art and Bran Mak Morn before his death in the 1930s . The release by Lancer Books of a number of Conan collections in the 1960s seemed to reawaken interest in this type of story and , before too long , heroes like Michael Moorcock's Elric , Lin Carter's Thongor , John Jakes' Brak , Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd & The Gray Mouser , and many others had appeared on the scene . Most were characterised with beautifully painted covers by the leading fantasy artists of the day like Jeff Jones and Frank Frazetta .
My interest in this type of story and the wonderful covers drew me to them like a moth to a flame .
Dagar / Heft-Reihe
> The Sword of Dagar
> Castle of the Skull
cover: Jesse Santos (?) , George Wilson (?)
Gold Key Publications Inc.
(New York/USA; 1972)
ex libris MTP
Creatures on the Loose / Heft-Reihe
featuring Thongor, Warrior of Lost Lemuria
The Wizard of Lemuria!
cover: Gil Kane, Frank Giacoia
> The Wizard of Lemuria
(art: Val Mayerik, Vince Colletta)
Marvel Comics Group / USA 1973
ex libris MTP
Ironjaw / Heft-Reihe
The Saga of Ironjaw
Cover: Neal Adams
Story: Michael Fleisher
Art: Mike Sekowsky / Jack Abel
Atlas Comics / Seaboard Periodicals
(N.Y.C. / USA ; 1975)
ex libris MTP
Dagar / Heft-Reihe
The Beast Within
cover: ?
Gold Key Publications Inc.
(New York/USA; 1973)
ex libris MTP
Suspended Animation Classic #696
First published April 28, 2002 (#17) (Dates are approximate)
Comics Legend Sergio Aragones
By Mark Allen
Comics Legend Sergio Aragones left Spain to live in Mexico because of civil war.
Sergio was not as dumb as a doodle like his most famous creation.
The cartoonist began selling magazine cartoons in 1954 even as he attended architecture school, participated in pantomime, theater and clowning. In 1962, Sergio began selling his famous, tiny doodles for the margins of Mad Magazine and freelancing for DC Comics. The year 1982 marked the creation of his famous barbarian, Groo the Wanderer, followed by the Smokehouse Five and Buzz and Bell.
Groo the Wanderer first appeared in an early, alternative comic book, Destroyer Duck, as a parody of Conan the Barbarian. What distinguishes the two characters is that Groo is a parody, is even more stupid than Conan, and is unbeatable in hand-to-hand combat.
Sergio Aragones is easily the most famous doodler in the history of comics. His art is deceptive in its simplicity, and was attractive to many readers because they thought they could draw as well or better than the Spaniard. Groo, however, did much to set aside that myth. The simplicity of each character and of Aragones' backgrounds is belied by the incredible detail, a veritable doodle explosion, lavished on many panoramic scenes in his stories. He is also the only man alive who can make doodled women sexy.
Comic book appearances include: Mad Magazine (EC, '67/#76-on); El Diablo, Angel & the Ape, Plop, Bat Lash, The Best of DC (DC, 1967+); Destroyer Duck (Eclipse,'82-'84); Starslayer #5-? (Pacific,'82-'84); Groo the Wanderer (Pacific, '82-'84); Groo Special (Eclipse, '84), Marvel Graphic Novel #32 (Marvel, ?); Groo the Wanderer (Epic, '85--?); Groo Carnival (Epic, '91).
Aragones has work in more then twenty books, and has supplied animation for television's Laugh-in and TV Bloopers.
The work of Sergio Aragones is highly recommended. MV
Some older comics are expensive or difficult to locate. Price guides or comics dealers help. Comics shops, conventions, mail order companies and trade journals are good sources. Prices vary; shop around.
Cuda B.C. / one-shot
The Lurker beneath the Bog
cover: Tim Virgil
Verlag: Rebel Studios (USA; 1995)
ex libris MTP
Over the top cover art by Uldis Klavins (according to ISFDB).
Nice illustrations by Thomas O. Miller.
Suspended Animation Classic #12
First published on Sun. March 26, 1989
Pigeons From Hell
By R. A. Jones
Robert E. Howard was one of the preeminent writers to come out of the pulp magazines that proliferated in America from the 1920s until the rise of the paperback in the 1950s. This haunted young man’s luminous career came to an abrupt and tragic end in 1936 when, faced with the impending death of his beloved mother, he took his own life.
Howard had already assured himself of lasting fame by creating the sword-and-sorcery hero Conan the Barbarian. While it is for his work in this area of heroic fiction that Howard is best remembered, he also wrote westerns, fantasies, sports stories – and a handful of horror stories (like his contemporary and friend, H. P. Lovecraft).
The most chilling of Howard’s horror tales in “Pigeons From Hell,” which modern novelist Stephen King has described as “one of the finest horror stories of our century.”
“Pigeons From Hell” has now been adapted for comics by illustrator Scott Hampton. It is published in the form known alternately as a graphic album or graphic novel: that is, unlike the standard comic book, one which has the physical dimensions of a magazine – with square spine, stiff covers, and slick pages within.
Scott Hampton, one of the most talented artists working in comics today, did not simply draw this adaptation of the Howard yarn, but literally painted each panel with painstaking care. The result is breathtaking; with stunning use of colors that evokes the darkest fears within us all.
The story itself takes place in an abandoned mansion somewhere in the Deep South. When two travelers from New England opt to spend the night in its dusty drawing room, they enter a nightmare world of violence and undead horrors. An intense and at times bloody tale, it is far too intense for young children.
“Pigeons From Hell” is published by Eclipse Books at a price of $7.95, and is available at comic book specialty stores. It is highly recommended for those with the maturity and taste for horror.
Arak, Son of Thunder / Heft-Reihe
cover: Ernie Colón, Dick Giordano
> Tournament of Titans!
(art: Ernie Colón, Rodin Rodriguez)
DC Comics / USA 1982
ex libris MTP
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arak_(comics)
Prince Arin stood before the mirror, his reflection shimmering in the flickering torchlight. He fastened his intricately forged armor, adorned with his lineage's emblem, each buckle and strap securing his resolve. The legendary sword, Eldrid, hung at his side, its worn leather grip reassuring. As he donned his helmet, the weight of impending battle settled upon him. Outside, orcish war drums echoed through the castle walls, their primal beat stirring dread within his chest. Arin's heart quickened, anticipating the chaos to come. His thoughts raced with visions of clashing steel, screams and the unfamiliar faces of foes. With a deep breath, he steeled himself, shouldering the burden of his duty.
Calvin's Custom 1/6 one sixth scale custom Thulsa Doom, Thorgrim and Rexor from Conan the Barbarian 1982
The Adventurers / Heft-Reihe
The Halls of Anubis
cover: Peter Hsu
Adventure Publications / USA 1987
Reprint: Comic-Club NK 2010
ex libris MTP
Cuda B.C. / one-shot
Cuda, Heart of Darkness (Silverwolf Comics; 1986)
art: Tim Virgil
Verlag: Rebel Studios (USA; 1995)
ex libris MTP
The grim defender Soloymn Kane encounters the rogue swordswoman La Loup while saving a boy. Then again in darkest Africa, where witchcraft, giant women and monstrous apes await.
www.smashwords.com/books/view/18677
Artwork by Andrew J. Ferguson
www.flickr.com/photos/afdn/2757742273/sizes/z/in/set-7215...
Dagar / Heft-Reihe
> The Treasure of Nai-Po-Gah
> Demon of the Temple
cover: Jesse Santos
Gold Key Publications Inc.
(New York/USA; 1974)
ex libris MTP
Condor Superhelden Taschenbuch / Taschenbuch-Reihe
Magnus und Conan
> Conan / Der Phönix und das Schwert
(art: Vicente Alcazar)
Condor Verlag (Deutschland; 1984)
Copyright: Marvel Comic Group (USA; 1977-1984) > Conan, The Barbarian
ex libris MTP
The Adventurers / Heft-Reihe
The Gate of Chaos
cover: Peter Hsu
Adventure Publications / USA 1986
Reprint: Comic-Club NK 2010
ex libris MTP
Cuda B.C. / one-shot
The Lurker beneath the Bog
art: Tim Virgil
Verlag: Rebel Studios (USA; 1995)
ex libris MTP
Dagar / Heft-Reihe
Vengeance -- Sweet Vengeance
cover: ?
Gold Key Publications Inc.
(New York/USA; 1973)
ex libris MTP