Hawkman by Kubert

Hawkman by Joe Kubert

The world is a poorer place without Joe Kubert in it but at least we can cherish his art. Nobody could draw Hawkman as well as Kubert. Murphy Anderson was great but Joe Kubert was very special.

Joe Kubert with large print of Showcase Presents Hawkman #101 (June 1978)
Art by Joe Kubert

Superman: The Silver Age Dailies 1959 - 1961

If like me you are a fan of Silver Age Superman you are in for a big treat if you are lucky enough to get your hands on Superman: The Silver Age Dailies 1959 - 1961.

Superman The Silver Age Dailies 1959 - 1961
Art by Pete Poplaski

These strips have never been reprinted and are a treasure trove of art by Curt Swan, Wayne Boring and Stan Kaye.  The line up of storytellers is packed with all time greats such as Jerry Siegel and Otto Binder, who offer up slices of Silver Age wonder as depicted in the contemporary Superman monthlies under the guidance of editor Mort Weisinger. 

Hawkman leaves the Justice League

It seems to be a lost art in the modern era of decompressed storytelling, I'm referring to the single issue "done in one" tale that ensured that you received value for money from your comic book.  Back in the Bronze Age distribution was patchy and tracking down consecutive issues was a tricky business so reading a well crafted single issue was a welcome treat.  One example that sticks in the mind is Justice League of America #109 (January/February 1974).

Justice League of America #109 (January/February 1974)
Art by Nick Cardy

Top 5 Team-Up Books: World's Finest Comics

The next title in my personal top 5 team-up books contained tales pairing the Dark Knight detective with the Man of Steel for most of its long history:

4 - World's Finest Comics (DC Comics)

World's Finest #207 (November 1971)
Pencil art by Curt Swan, inks: Murphy Anderson

Originating as World's Best Comics for one issue (Spring 1941) before assuming its long running title for 323 issues (Summer 1941 - January 1986) until Crisis on Infinite Earths killed it off.

Batman and Superman meet King Arthur

World's Finest #162 (November 1966)
Pencils: Curt Swan, inks: George Klein

I first encountered this story in a DC Annual from the early seventies, may have been Superadventure or DC Comics Bumper Book.  If anyone remembers please  let me know.  Anyway the story has stuck with me for over 40 years so it must be good, right?  You bet it is!

Atomic Knights

Atomic Knights John Broome (words) and Murphy Anderson (art)
Strange Adventures #138 DC Comics 1962

Post Third World War apocalyptic devastation! Irradiated invulnerable medieval armour! Giant Dalmatians! Psychic sentient plants! It is DC Comics' Silver Age science fiction series the Atomic Knights.

John Broome (words) Murphy Anderson (art)