Dave Stevens — Inking A Legend

Tarzan Weekly (UK) #3, June 25, 1977

The late Dave Stevens was among the many talented artists to work on the short-lived Tarzan Weekly (UK) in 1977.

Editor Russ Manning employed friends and current and former assistants alike in the execution of the ERB-themed stories. 

Other talented hands included Bill Stout, Mike Royer, Danny Bulandi, an Mike Ploog to name a few.

Sometimes the credits are a little murky, as I confirmed a few months ago With Bill Stout at SDCC.  Often, an artist would pick up whatever page was closet to deadline, and pencil, ink, or both and then switch. All depending on schedule, and who was in the studio. But this page has been confirmed as Stevens — and even though its very early professional work, you can see it.

The young Stevens (about 20 at the time) was already working with Manning when Russ started editing the Tarzan series. He had assisted on the Tarzan comic strip and would ultimately pitch in on Star Wars strip as well.

Fun Fact:

2022 is the 40th anniversary of the Rocketeer, Stevens best known work, and (rightly) a legend among comic art enthusiasts.

But you already knew that part.