The Comic Book Librarian Supreme

Like a regular comic book librarian, only with tomatoes and sour cream.

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Happy Circulatory System Walking Through The Kitchen Day!

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Last Wednesday was a good day for giant Enchantresses holding our heroes in their hands.

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I am ridiculously excited to read this comic!

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I’m not sure how anyone can know this, but apparently August 1st is the day the unknown man who would become The Joker was born. Perhaps The Joker told someone today was his birthday, which would make him a Leo.  And here I thought he was a Pisces. “The Clown Prince of Crime” debuted in the first issue of Batman on April 25, 1940.  He was created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson.  His appearance was inspired by Conrad Veidt’s character in the film, The Man Who Laughs, whose face was disfigured into having a permanent grin. The creators originally intended to kill The Joker at the end of Batman #1, but the book’s editor, Whitney Ellsworth, disagreed and he was spared. This led to The Joker becoming Batman’s arch-nemesis.  He appeared in nine out of the first twelve issues of Batman.

Initially a homicidal maniac who enjoyed killing for fun, The Joker transformed into a larcenous, goofy prankster during the 50’s and 60’s, after the creation of the Comics Code Authority which prohibited excessive violence and gore.  This toned-down version of The Joker inspired the character’s appearance on the 1960’s Batman TV show.  The Joker returned to his homicidal roots beginning in Batman #251 (September 1973) in “The Joker’s Five-Way Revenge” by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams.  He became the first villain to have his own solo series in May 1975.  It lasted for nine issues.  In 1988’s The Killing Joke (by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland), he famously shot and paralyzed Barbara Gordan, daughter of Batman’s ally, Commissioner Gordon, and secret identity of Batgirl.  During the “Death in the Family” storyline running from Batman #426 (December 1988) through Batman #429 (by Jim Starlin and Jim Aparo), DC readers called a hotline and voted for The Joker to kill the second Robin (Jason Todd). The Joker has been portrayed onscreen by actors Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, and Heath Ledger.  Mark Hamill has voiced the character quite often, beginning with Batman: The Animated Series in 1992.  Jared Leto will play a new version of The Joker in the Suicide Squad movie premiering this week. After 76 years, The Joker remains Batman’s most famous and enduring adversary. These comics are from the DuGarm Collection at the University of Iowa: Special Collections. Interior art from Limited Collector’s Edition C-37 (August 1975) reprinting Batman v.1 #8, written by Bill Finger with art by Bob Kane

Detective Comics v.1 #388 (June 1969), art by Irv Novick

The Joker #1 (May 1975), art by Dick Giordano

Batman v.1 #159 (November 1963), art by Sheldon Moldoff and Ira Schnapp

Batman: Movie Special #1 (1989), art by Jerry Ordway

Batman v.1 #186 (November 1966), art by Murphy Anderson and Ira Schnapp

Batman v.1 #251 (September 1973), art by Neal Adams

Detective Comics v.1 #504 (July 1981), art by George Perez

The Brave and the Bold v.1 #191 (October 1982), art by Jim Aparo

The Joker #3 (October 1975), art by Ernie Chan and José Luis García-López

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Happy Birthday to The Joker! (Probably at least one of the three of them was born today, right?)

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This year, I discovered the ultimate Joker birthday comic, Batman #321 (cover date March 1980), with a sweet cover by the awesome Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. Happy Birthday, Mr. J!

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July 31st is the birthday of the legendary Sgt. Franklin “Frank” John Rock, who led Easy Company in European Theatre of World War II.  He worked in a steel mill in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor.  He fought in numerous battles during World War II, including North Africa, Italy, and Northwest Europe.  Legend has it, he was the last American soldier killed by an enemy bullet on the final day of the war in Europe.   Sgt. Rock was created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert.  A prototype character called “The Rock” first appeared in G.I. Combat #68 (January 1959). He appeared as “Sgt. Rocky” in Our Army at War #81 (April 1959) and makes his first appearance as Sgt. Rock in Our Army at War #83 (June 1959).  He has appeared in hundreds of comic books, the vast majority of which have had covers drawn by the late Joe Kubert. The pictured comics are just some of the many Sgt. Rock comics in the DuGarm Collection at the University of Iowa Libraries: Special Collections. 

Sgt. Rock v.1 #389 (June 1984), cover by Joe Kubert

Sgt. Rock v.2 #20 (January 1992), cover by Joe Kubert

Sgt. Rock v.1 #340 (May 1980), cover by Joe Kubert

Our Army at War #299 (December 1976), cover by Joe Kubert

Sgt. Rock v.1 #326 (March 1979), cover by Joe Kubert

Our Army at War #244 (April 1972), cover by Joe Kubert

Sgt. Rock Special #1 (1988), cover by Joe Kubert

Our Army at War #231 (April 1971), cover by Joe Kubert

The Brave and the Bold #162 (May 1980), cover by Jim Aparo

Sgt. Rock Special 1977 (1977), cover by Joe Kubert

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Happy Birthday, Sgt. Rock! Comic book writer/artist Aaron Gillespie drew me this sweet pic of Sgt. Rock on Free Comic Book Day this year.

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This month, the Hulk knock-offs face off against the swamp monsters.

Damage #6 (August 2018 cover date) Cover by Tony S. Daniel, Danny Miki, and Tomeau Morey

Weapon H #4 (cover date August 2018)  cover by Leinil Francis Yu and Romulo Fajardo Jr.

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Bob Kane, the comic book writer and artist who created Batman with Bill Finger, was born on October 24, 1915 in New York City.  Today is his 101st birthday. After the runaway success of Superman in Action Comics, comic book publishers and editors were scrambling to come up with additional superheroes.  Bob Kane came up with an idea for “The Bat-Man”, combining disparate influences such as Douglas Fairbanks portrayal of Zorro, Leonardo DaVinci’s designs for an ornithopter (a flying machine with bat-like wings) and the 1930 film, The Bat Whispers.  Writer Bill Finger fleshed out Kane’s creation with suggestions for the bat-eared cowl, the grey and black color-scheme, and the Bruce Wayne secret identity.  However, since only Bob Kane was the  under contract at the time, he alone was given official company credit for creating Batman for a long time.  Most recently, DC Comics has started acknowledging Bill Finger’s contributions to the creation of the Batman along with Bob Kane as “Batman-created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger”. These comics (and many more) are part of the DuGarm Collection at the University of Iowa: Special Collections. Inside second cover of Famous 1st Edition F-5 (March 1975), reprinting the cover of Batman v.1 #1 (June 1940), cover by Bob Kane

Interior art from  Famous 1st Edition C-28 (1974), reprinting Detective Comics v.1 #27 (May 1939), written by Bill Finger with art by Bob Kane

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Happy 102nd Birthday to Bob Kane!

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Visionary comic book creator, Jack “King” Kirby, was born on this day, August 28, in 1917. Jack Kirby created (or co-created) over 300 comic book characters including Captain America, The Fantastic Four, The Hulk, Iron Man, The New Gods, Mister Miracle, OMAC, Devil Dinosaur, The Demon, Destroyer Duck, and many, many more.

Which Jack Kirby creation or co-creation is your favorite? These comics (and many more) are part of the DuGarm Collection at the University of Iowa Special Collections

Super Powers v.2 #1 (September 1985), cover by Jack Kirby and Greg Theakston

OMAC v.1 #5 (June 1975), cover by Jack Kirby

Destroyer Duck v.1 (1982), cover by Jack Kirby

Fantastic Four v.1 #82 (January 1969), cover by Jack Kirby 

Black Panther v.1 #2 (March 1977), cover by Jack Kirby

2001: A Space Oddyssey #3 (February 1977), cover by Jack Kirby

Challengers of the Unknown #77 (January 1971), cover by Jack Kirby

New Gods #1 (March 1971), cover by Jack Kirby

Captain America v.1 #203 (November 1976), cover by Jack Kirby and Frank Giacoia

The Demon v.1 #11 (August 1973), cover by Jack Kirby

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Happy 100th Birthday to Jack Kirby!!!

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I’m not sure how anyone can know this, but apparently August 1st is the day the unknown man who would become The Joker was born. Perhaps The Joker told someone today was his birthday, which would make him a Leo.  And here I thought he was a Pisces. “The Clown Prince of Crime” debuted in the first issue of Batman on April 25, 1940.  He was created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson.  His appearance was inspired by Conrad Veidt’s character in the film, The Man Who Laughs, whose face was disfigured into having a permanent grin. The creators originally intended to kill The Joker at the end of Batman #1, but the book’s editor, Whitney Ellsworth, disagreed and he was spared. This led to The Joker becoming Batman’s arch-nemesis.  He appeared in nine out of the first twelve issues of Batman.

Initially a homicidal maniac who enjoyed killing for fun, The Joker transformed into a larcenous, goofy prankster during the 50’s and 60’s, after the creation of the Comics Code Authority which prohibited excessive violence and gore.  This toned-down version of The Joker inspired the character’s appearance on the 1960’s Batman TV show.  The Joker returned to his homicidal roots beginning in Batman #251 (September 1973) in “The Joker’s Five-Way Revenge” by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams.  He became the first villain to have his own solo series in May 1975.  It lasted for nine issues.  In 1988’s The Killing Joke (by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland), he famously shot and paralyzed Barbara Gordan, daughter of Batman’s ally, Commissioner Gordon, and secret identity of Batgirl.  During the “Death in the Family” storyline running from Batman #426 (December 1988) through Batman #429 (by Jim Starlin and Jim Aparo), DC readers called a hotline and voted for The Joker to kill the second Robin (Jason Todd). The Joker has been portrayed onscreen by actors Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, and Heath Ledger.  Mark Hamill has voiced the character quite often, beginning with Batman: The Animated Series in 1992.  Jared Leto will play a new version of The Joker in the Suicide Squad movie premiering this week. After 76 years, The Joker remains Batman’s most famous and enduring adversary. These comics are from the DuGarm Collection at the University of Iowa: Special Collections. Interior art from Limited Collector’s Edition C-37 (August 1975) reprinting Batman v.1 #8, written by Bill Finger with art by Bob Kane

Detective Comics v.1 #388 (June 1969), art by Irv Novick

The Joker #1 (May 1975), art by Dick Giordano

Batman v.1 #159 (November 1963), art by Sheldon Moldoff and Ira Schnapp

Batman: Movie Special #1 (1989), art by Jerry Ordway

Batman v.1 #186 (November 1966), art by Murphy Anderson and Ira Schnapp

Batman v.1 #251 (September 1973), art by Neal Adams

Detective Comics v.1 #504 (July 1981), art by George Perez

The Brave and the Bold v.1 #191 (October 1982), art by Jim Aparo

The Joker #3 (October 1975), art by Ernie Chan and José Luis García-López

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Happy Birthday to The Joker! (Probably at least one of the three of them was born today, right?)

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Just met Nick Derington and Gerard Way at ALA Chicago and showed them my Rebis tattoo. I'm super-pumped! The entire Young Animal line is awesome! Reading their Doom Patrol is like being 18 again.

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R.I.P. Rich Buckler (1949-2017)

Comic artist Rich Buckler passed away last Friday after a prolonged battle with cancer.  He created Deathlok for Marvel, and co-created the All-Star Squadron with Roy Thomas for DC Comics.

Rich Buckler worked on a variety of titles comic titles in the 1970s and 1980s. Here are a few examples of his work in the DuGarm Collection at the University of Iowa Special Collections:

• All-Star Squadron v.1 #1 (September 1981), cover by Rich Buckler

• Astonishing Tales v.1 #25 (August 1974), cover by Rich Buckler and Klaus Janson

• Avengers v.1 #113 (July 1973), cover by Rich Buckler and Joe Sinnott

• Fantastic Four v.1 #148 (July 1974), cover by Rich Buckler

• Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #107 (October 1985), cover by Rich Buckler

• All-Star Squadron v.1 #5 (January 1982), cover by Rich Buckler and Romeo Tanghal

• Astonishing Tales v.1 #36 (July 1976), cover by Rich Buckler

• Avengers v.1 #104 (October 1974), cover by Rich Buckler and Joe Sinnott

• Thor v.1 #244 (February 1976), cover by Rich Buckler and Joe Sinnott

• Fantastic Four #159 (June 1975), cover by Rich Buckler

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Frank Frazetta has convinced me not to smoke.

Ad from Blazing Combat #4 (July 1966). 

This comic is one of many in the DuGarm Collection at the University of Iowa Special Collections.

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RIP, Berni Wrightson

The world lost one of the greats this weekend as legendary comic book artist Berni Wrightson passed away at the age of 68.  For more information, check out his obituary at his website.  The man will be greatly missed. These comics--some of the many Berni Wrightson worked on--are part of the DuGarm Collection at the University of Iowa Special Collections: House of Secrets v.1 #100 (September 1972), cover by Berni Wrightson

Swamp Thing v.1 #1 (November 1972), cover by Berni Wrightson

House of Mystery #211 (February 1973), cover by Berni Wrightson

Swamp Thing #6 (October 1973), cover by Berni Wrightson

Captain Marvel #43 (March 1976), cover by Al Milgrom and Berni Wrightson

Batman v.1 #320 (February 1980), cover by Berni Wrightson

The Masterwork Series of Great Comic Book Artists #3 (October 1983), cover by Berni Wrightson

Berni Wrightson: Master of the Macabre #1 (1983) cover by Berni Wrightson

Berni Wrightson: Master of the Macabre #3 (1983) cover by Berni Wrightson

Batman: The Cult #1 (August 1988), cover by Berni Wrightson

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Happy Birthday, Flash! 

March 19th is the birthday of Barry Allen, better known as the scarlet speedster of Central City, The Flash.

Created by Robert Kanigher and Carmine Infantino, The Flash first appeared in Showcase #4 in October 1956, ushering in the Silver Age of comics. Police scientist Barry Allen’s life was changed forever when a freak accident involving a bunch of chemicals and a lightning strike bestowed him with the power of super-speed.  He quickly determined to use his newfound powers for good by becoming The Flash. These comics (and many more) are part of the DuGarm Collection at the University of Iowa Special Collections: Flash v.1 #196 (May 1970), cover by Murphy Anderson

Flash v.1 #204 (March 1971), cover by Neal Adams

Flash v.1 #205 (May 1971), cover by Dick Giordano

Flash v.1 #218 (November 1972), cover by Nick Cardy

Flash v.1 #227 (June 1974), cover by Nick Cardy and Tatjana Wood

Flash v1 #277 (September 1979), cover by Dick Giordano

Flash v.1 #307 (March 1982), cover by Carmine Infantino

Flash v.1 #324 (August 1983), cover by Carmine Infantino and Rodin Rodriquez

Flash v.1 #331 (March 1984), cover by Carmine Infantino and Dick Giordano

Flash v.1 #335 (July 1984), cover by Carmine Infantino and Klaus Janson

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Happy Birthday, Keating DuGarm!

Henry Keating DuGarm, Jr. was born on March 12, 1961 in Billings, Montana.  He was a high school teacher in Delaware and Minnesota.  He loved teaching, music, travel, art, pop culture, disc golf, reading, baseball, beer, and comics. He was an active contributor to comic book and music fanzines in the 80’s and 90’s.  He passed away in the fall of 2014. His comic collection is now the “DuGarm Collection” at the University of Iowa Special Collections.  It includes over 10,000 comic books, magazines, books, newspapers, and fan-zines. This caricature of Keating DuGarm as “Lager Lad” was included with the fanzines, possibly from Interlac.

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March 10th is the anniversary of the first meeting between Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne.

Here are a few of the many Batman/Superman team-ups from the DuGarm Collection at the University of Iowa Special Collections:

Superboy v.1 #182 (February 1972), cover by Nick Cardy

World’s Finest v.1 #144 (September 1964), cover by Curt Swan and George Klein

World’s Finest v.1 #211 (May 1972), cover by Neal Adams and Gaspar Saladino

World’s Finest v.1 #215 (January 1973), cover by Nick Cardy

World’s Finest v.1 #218 (August 1973), cover by Nick Cardy

World’s Finest v.1 #221 (February 1974), cover by Nick Cardy

World’s Finest v.1 #271 (September 1981), cover by George Perez and Gaspar Saladino

World’s Finest v.1 #291 (May 1983), cover by Walt Simonson

Superman Annual v.1 #9 (1983), cover by Gil Kane

World’s Finest v.2 #1 (August 1990), cover by

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Not exactly a comic book post, but in the neighborhood.  I pulled out my old miniature car collection tonight to give to my son, and I found these Fantastic Four cars. George might not be getting these. Except for the Jaguar D-Type (which is from Hot Wheels), these cars were made by a company called Maisto in 2002.  I’m guessing the Invisible Woman’s car was just invisible.