John Kricfalusi has recently posted some Dennis the Menace artwork on his great blog, John K Stuff; and Mr. K has requested some Dennis work by Owen Fitzgerald. No problemo. Every page and panel that follows is pure Fitzgerald, including this nearly perfect Dennis cover.
Let’s not beat around the bush: after Hank Ketcham, Fitzgerald is my favorite Dennis artist. Fitzgerald had loose and relaxed down cold; and he captured such character in so few lines. Every panel has vibrant energy.Let’s not forget the quality of writing in these stories as well, courtesy of Fred Toole, who was hand-selected by Ketcham for the comic book work. In this first story, The Great Teddy Tizzy, we find Dennis and his best pal, Joey, finding wonderful chaos. Sure, from an adult/parent perspective, Dennis was . . . a challenge. But from a kid’s point of view? Heck, they don't make pals any better than the little tow-head.
This one-page back cover is also Toole and Fitzgerald.
Love these.
ReplyDeleteWhat bold line-work and dynamic page designs.
Easy to read characters too.
Besides that...they're just good fun to see!!
The scariest thing about this post? I had this comic in my collection at one time.
ReplyDeleteThese are some high quality scans of some great condition originals.
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly!
Cheers!
Steven G. Willis
XOWComics.com
Jeff: "easy to read characters" - exactamundo!
ReplyDeleteIvan: You got me beat, my friend! I had to hunt it down (but rest assured - I am of an age that I might have easily had this one in my collection).
Steven: Thanks!
I never really noticed this before, but Dennis seems to be a really good mix of his parents -- look-wise.
ReplyDeleteJacque: I always thought he sort of favored his mother in looks and Dad in temperment. What do you see from the father's side?
ReplyDeleteI've always been a big fan of Al Wiseman's work on this series, but I can't really call Fitzgerald #2... Hank Ketcham really formed a three-headed monster when he selected them both, and whom you prefer just boils down to sentiment, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteI always love to examine how each artist simplifies things...here I find myself returning to those Christmas trees! I love how he rendered them, and left it to the colorist to define the shapes.
Also, "Big Business" with it's Christmas tree theme can't help but remind me of the Laurel & Hardy short of the same name...easily one of the funniest films they ever made, featuring the boys as...Christmas tree salesmen! Coincidence?
It's the way Fitzgerald simplifies things, using so few loose lines to suggest so much life and movement. He can make the hardest drawing seem like a quick knock off - his style is very deceptive, I think. Wiseman is impressive for his sheer draftsmanship, too.
ReplyDeleteI guess it is the personality... and the ears!
ReplyDeleteJacque: He does have his father's fiery temper - And the ears! I never noticed, but yeah, both father and son have some pretty jug-sized ears!
ReplyDelete¿do you have red rabbit comics or the new adventures of peter rabbit? ¿or any other anthropomorphic cowboy animal? thank you, sorry to bother you
ReplyDeleteNo trouble at all, but I don't have any of the comics you mention. Sorry!
ReplyDeletewell, if you find them ¿will you post them?
ReplyDeleteI sure will! I'll keep my eye out.
ReplyDelete