Best The Batman by John Fantucchio

So, a year ago April Fool's Day (again, the date shoulda given me a clue), I put up a fistful of Fantucchio Batmans, fittingly called Batman by John Fantucchio.  At the time, I didn't realize I'd left out his best Batman, this fanzine draw'n from 1972.  We know it's the best, cause John told Rickey it was

 

Totally Tubular Total War Hovercraft by Wally Wood

Although his hovercraft only appear in issue #1, Wally totally rocked the first three issues of Total War (except for the covers-drat).  If you like Wood obscura (#Jungle Jim#Heroes, Inc.#Unearthly Spec), and you don't possess these, don't walk, take your hoverboard to your friendly neighborhood comic shop, and buy all three

 

The Jack Kirby Collector 100th Issue Cover

My fingers were itch'n to type "by Jack Kirby" at the end of this title, so I'm gonna take another allergy pill and keep on keep'n on.  Always admired John Morrow for doing what a lotta us just dreamed of-bring'n fandom the whole Kirby enchilada

 

Triceratops Rider by Roy Krenkel

Not entirely sure why, but I am totally mesmerized by this sketch.  The idea that someone could hunt by riding a T top and using a longbow is nothing short of delightful.  If we think of Rhinos as their descendants, and knowing that Rhinos can gallup somewhere just above 30 MPH, it makes perfect sense.  I do have a big ask about this rough (think it was Pee Wee Herman who wondered why people always have a big ask):  did Roy ever do a more finished illo of this?  If you know of sump'n sump'n, please holla

Daze later, I finally remembered another Triceratops I dig, a fanzine drawing by Bob Kline

 

Psychon's Psweet Ride by Jack Kirby

The published panel was in the comic that tied with New Gods #7 for the greatest comic ever (in Cap'n's mind)-Fantastic Four King-Size Special! #5, so the pencils are a moot point this time, as Joe Sinnott also ties Mike Royer for greatest Kirby inker ever.  But the pencils are still wondrous to me.  Love how Kirby says what's happen'n in a five-word note that detracts not one bit from the art.  Other notes in the original art call this new baddie Psychon, instead of the published Psycho-Man.  Either way, it's better than Master of Emotions

 

Nick Fury by Gil Kane

Bite'n my tongue here, so let me just say Kane did an amaze'n Fury that I never saw, and too many chefs spoil the soup

 

Squa Tront Mail'n Envelope by Kenneth Smith

My last post, New Cover by Wally Wood (which was apropro dated April Fool's day, as it ain't a new cover) led to Russ providing, right there in his  comments, all of Squa Tront in all it's splendor to all of us (and that's not all-it's triple all!).  Now, I find out Squa Tront was originally mailed out to folks in illustrated envelopes!  Who knew? Not I, as I obtained #3 and #4 way after the fact.  This Kenneth Smith one is for issue #4 (I think), and if you seek Kenneth in the wayback, you know how much I dig him.  I'd be remiss to leave out the first time I knew of him, the cover of Phantasmagoria #1.  Fanzine on fanzine on and on, sooooo cool