I'm rummaging around in my fanzine box today and I've turned up my sole copy of
Fantastic Fanzine. It was tough for me to get hold of American fanzines, so I don't have a lot, but this one is...well, bloody
amazing is what it is. This was Gary Groth's fanzine, started when he was only 13! There are already all the hallmarks of the Groth approach to comics journalism, with extended interviews and frank editorializing, and the quality of art he solicited from the artists he admired is very impressive. This special issue -
Fantastic Fanzine Special #2 was published by Alan Light in 1972. It's notable for in-depth coverage of Phil Seuling's 1971 New York Convention, an interview with inker and artist, Joe Sinnott and a gallery of art from previous issues. The issue runs to 84 page. I've scanned a few of the best pieces for your viewing pleasure. The captions are mine.
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Reprinting the cover of Fantastic Fanzine #10
Steranko inked by Joe Sinnott - with classic Swastika boo-boo |
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| The Silver Surfer - A Kirby-inspired pinup by Barry Smith |
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| Joe Sinnott in his studio |
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| Dave Cockrum - pencils |
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| Joe Sinnott - inks |
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| Steranko at the 1971 New York Convention. Nice shirt, Jim. |
Gardner Fox and Steranko were honoured at the Awards Luncheon. In his speech Steranko said: "...things like typography, design, photography gimmicks, op art and pop art in my comics, which came from films, from radio, from the pulps, from the ad agency, from business, from everything that I could possibly apply from my entire background, including the magic I have done and the gigs I have played...go into every comic book story. Nick Fury became Steranko."
At an impromptu Q and A session, Steranko was asked about working in the future for Marvel or DC. Steranko's response: "I don't work on comic deadlines again, ever."
And finally...Cosplay 1971 style. Is it just my imagination, or were cosplayers slimmer back then?
Note artist Mike Zeck as Black Bolt, and Kirk (Superman) Alyn judging.
