Frank Frazetta (Fritz) became a legendary artist in his lifetime, one best known for his powerful illustrative work. Who among us of the appropriate age hasn't bought a John Carter of Mars or Conan the Barbarian paperback reprint on the strength of the cover alone? But that doesn't mean Frazetta wasn't a master funny animal cartoonist, too. See for yourself! Early in his career, he did a fair share of funny animal work. This Dodger the Squirrel story comes from Coo Coo Comics No. 41, September 1948.
You want to see more kids' comics from Frazetta, right? Then, boy, do I have good news! Craig Yoe and IDW Publishing have collected all of Frank Frazetta's funny work in one volume! Needless to say, I've already got mine on preorder. I know you will want to do the same. Just click HERE!
And just for good measure, let's do a seldom seen Jack Bradbury story from the same issue! Masterful, indeed! For those that may not know, Bradbury is at the top of my personal favorites list. Isn't it easy to see why?
This ad comes from the back cover of the same issue. A flashlight, much like a pocket knife, was one of those tools a boy longed for to feel grownup like his Dad.
That Frazetta piece is gorgeous. Like someone took Walt Kelly's Pogo and hired Martin Scorcese to Direct it ! Very creative camera angles, not your standard fair. Thanx for sharing !
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to that Frazetta book. I have a collection of Frazetta funny animal comics published by Kitchen Sink Press years ago. They're all black and white, which has its merits. But I'm hoping the Yoe book reproduces them in color.
ReplyDeleteChristopher - Yep. Rest assured and pre-order with confidence. The Yoe book reproduces the color comics.
ReplyDeleteLysdexicuss: I thought of Kelly, too!!
ReplyDeleteFrazetta's "funny animal" or "bigfoot" stuff is every bit as enjoyable as what he later became known for. A treat to see every piece we can. Thanks, Mykal!
ReplyDeleteJeffie!! So nice to hear from you. I agree about Frazetta. In fact, I'll go further. It's a crying shame he didn't spend all his career in kids' comics, as did Bradbury. A selfish wish, I know, as the world would have been deprived of his amazing illustrative work, but hey! Imagine hundreds of stories like "Dodger!"
ReplyDeleteMykal, I will definitely order that Frazetta book, so thanks for bringing it to my attention (although this hardly makes up for you not sending me that last one).
ReplyDeleteThis is the kind of comic that is sadly lacking in the shops today!
Chuck: I am sure you're gonna love Mr. Yoe's book on Frazetta! I'd give nearly anything if this kind of work was available in a comic today!
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