No one drew Casper like Warren Kremer (Heck, no one could draw like Warren Kremer). As a kid, I used to stare at his splash panels, getting lost in the beautiful details (still do). He was also a great cover artist (as seen here), the equal of Carl Barks in that department.I really love this story about a sorcerer's wishing stone, which weaves a lesson into the fun so purely and simply - like only Harvey could do. This comes from The Friendly Ghost, Casper No. 68, April 1964.
What really grabs is all the attention to detail (especially in that first story) -- the rocks, the trees, the wood grain of the floor boards. Really nice.
ReplyDeleteThat last panel ust happens to be the mantra I've been living by for years ! I agree with Jacque; lots of wonderful little details. Especially Casper's feet protruding through the Mailbox on the cover. And- is that a rolled up Magazine I see ?
ReplyDeleteI did pick up on one continuity error, however (not to be a Muggle !). In the flashback sequence, the Castle is wished for BEFORE the Pond etc. ! Keep this stuff coming, Mykal. My old Mortal coil needs to be reminded by Casper's good-hearted, altruistic deeds. They are so refreshing in this jaded age we live in !
Jacque: So nice to hear from you again - I agree about the details, I still get a thrill out of Kremer's tree roots!
ReplyDeleteLysdexicuss: I will always love how completely moral Casper is.
The Enchanted Forest is someplace I could live. I said it as a 5 year old, I say it with even more conviction now.
ReplyDeleteJeff: I completely agree. As I get older, the Enchanted Forrest looks better and better.
ReplyDeleteDecades ago, I met and lunched with Sid Jacobson, trying to get work at STAR Comics of all things, and Kremer and Barks came up in the same conversation. Sid went on about how Barks' charms were lost on him, and that Kremer was twice the artist that Barks was. I don't think I misunderstood him (for pure draftsmanship, Sid's comparison might arguably be correct), but as an intimidated young person hoping for a job, I glossed over the "apples and oranges" argument forming in my head at the time.
ReplyDeletesdestefano: Thanks for the cool story! For pure draftsmanship, I don't think anyone is or was Kremer's master. Kremer's work for STAR comics was pretty spectacular, too. Planet Terry is awesome.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of awesome: Your'e work, sir, on Lucky in Love is all that and a Coca-Cola, too!
Thank you for the very kind words, Mykal!
ReplyDeleteI sound like a broken record, but Kremer WAS one of the greatest draftsmen in comics, ever. Why this guy isn't world-renowned I'll never know!
ReplyDeleteWHY hasn't he ever even been honored with a posthumous Eisner Award, when so many other lesser lights have?!
Rant completed. Expect this type of blather from me any time you post some of Warren's work, Mykal...
Sdestefano: My pleasure - it's a wonderful book - a great story and your art is full of the lush inking I love!
ReplyDeleteBill: Agree with your rant in its entirety. BTW - I am greatly looking forward to the release of Kaptain Keen!