In comic books (not the newspaper strip) two artists dominated the drawing of Popeye the Sailor. The first and best known was Bud Sagendorf, whose wonderful work can by seen in Craig yoe's recent Popeye: The Great Comic Book Tales Of Bud Sagendorf. The other artist, who we will be enjoying today, was George Wildman, who drew the squinty-eyed sailor for Charlton Comics from 1969 until approximately 1978. I just love the heck out of Wildman's nice, thick line (and his Wimpy in the second story is about perfect!). This is from Popeye No. 100, February 1970.
Professor O.G. Watasnozzle (here spelled "Wotasnozzle") was a Segar creation - a kind of mad (more silly than mad) scientist whose madcap inventions fueled many stories, like the following:
Thanks for your interesting post of George Wildman's work! I've know George for 40 years. I started writing to him at age 12 or 13 and consider him a mentor. He will be profiled in a soon-to-be-released issue of "Charlton Spotlight" for which I painted the cover, a portrait of George at work. Incidentally, George's final Charlton "Popeye" was dated 1977, but about a year later he resumed drawing the character for Western (Gold Key/Whitman) until about 1982. I'd be glad to submit more information if you're interested. I passed this along to his son just now too.
ReplyDeleteIf something can be both off-looking and appealing, it would be this version of Popeye. O.G. Wattasnozzle is such a weird looking character. He looks like he'd be fun to draw.
ReplyDeleteI had the same thought. Sometimes, wonky can be beautiful.
DeleteDonnie: Thanks so much for the update on George Wildman. I've always loved his work, and his work on Popeye was wonderful! Wildman's Popeye was instantly recognizable and completely his own.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see the Charlton Spotlight back in action! I've added it to my sidebar under "Comic Resources"
Debbie: Isn't he great? I love that panel in that first story when Popeye punches Brutus. It so cool looking!
I love Wildman's Popeye work. He has a strong line and it whips nicely as he dashes off these romps. His Charlton books are always dandies.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm eager to get hold of that issue of Mike Ambrose's Charlton Spotlight. Those mags are infrequent but always rich and rewarding. I just ordered my copy a week or so ago.
Rip Off
Rip: Great stuff, I agree. And, me too! on the Charlton Spotlight!
ReplyDeleteHey! You put my website on your link section..... I didn't even know your website until now! How did you find out about it? It's Comics By Me.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous: You must have known about this blog as you sent me comments on two different posts asking for feedback here and here. Perhaps yours was just a generic mass mailing. At any rate, good luck with your cartooning.
ReplyDeleteSweet! I just love Popeye!
ReplyDeleteA new issue of "Charlton Spotlight" is in the works now! And George Wildman has done some new art for it! It's a puzzle page featuring Popeye and friends.
ReplyDeleteThere is a new issue of "Charlton Spotlight" in the works with a new page by George Wildman!
ReplyDeleteHere's a 2014 George Wildman update! New stories by George will be featured in "Charlton Spotlight Comics," due out in October! George has illustrated two new scripts starring the old Charlton character Timmy the Timid Ghost!
ReplyDeleteDonnie: I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the print proof! I wrote the scripts, and also lettered and colored. The book has a cover by George, the two Timmy stories (one with Atomic Rabbit in a cameo), and in the middle is an older, unpublished story written and lettered by Bill Pearson, who wrote Popeye for George (Western/Gold Key/Whitman) and worked as his assistant editor at Charlton. Bill's story was illustrated by "Z. Capistance" (not his real name) circa 1980. Bill recently colored it by hand, using pencils, and it looks great!
ReplyDeleteHere is a sneak preview of the cover:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lumandabnersociety.org/George_Wildman.html
This just get's better and better. I'll have to get a copy and talk abut it here. I love Wildman!
ReplyDeleteJust received the printed proof - looks good! I think this is George's first comic book work of the 21st Century! He was very busy for a while doing work for "Highlights for Children" plus commercial art work in Connecticut.
ReplyDeleteArgo Press publisher Michael Ambrose authorized me to place PayPal buttons to allow folks to pre-order! The comics will be delivered in October!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lumandabnersociety.org/George_Wildman.html
Incidentally, recently there have been George Wildman Charlton comic book pages selling on eBay, only they are signed by Tony Tallarico. Some have already sold, but a few may still be available. I checked carefully - they are George's pages.
ReplyDeleteWow, many of these comments go back a "few years!" Since all of this, sadly, "Charlton Spotlight" editor-publisher Michael Ambrose has passed away. Some of his back issues have become available again and if anyone is interested, please contact me and I will help you get in touch with a dealer who is selling them. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donnie
DeleteYou're welcome.
DeleteI did a tribute to George in my comic strip the Sunday after he passed away.
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