Number 409
Murphy Anderson's Star Pirate
Murphy Anderson has long been one of my favorite DC artists. I loved his work in the '60s, from the Atomic Knights in Strange Adventures to Hawkman, to his many inking jobs done over the pencils of other artists. I always thought any artist looked better when inked by Murphy.
Star Pirate is a swashbuckling s-f series from Planet Comics. This particular episode is from Planet #41, March 1946. Since Anderson was born in 1926, he was 19 or 20 when he drew this, and it shows a lot of sophistication for such a young artist. His inspiration from Lou Fine is apparent, too.
In 1948 Anderson drew Buck Rogers.
In 1987 Dragon Lady Press reprinted an episode in Classic Adventure Strips #10. As good as this is for a youngster, with age he only got better.
I have also liked Murphy Anderson since the 60's; but I have also thought that his art is a bit stiff. It is nice to see some of his youthful, more rubbery, energy in this art.
ReplyDeleteA planet full of nothing but women and bendable plastic men? I am deeply ashamed of the thoughts passing through my mind right now. (God bless these pre-Code stories.)
ReplyDeleteAs far aas inking goes, I especially remember Anderson's inkings of Infantino and later of Swan. I liked Anderson's work on his own (eg John Carter), but I have to agree with Uncle Ernie that it was a bit stiff.
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