Atom – Greg Goldstein's Comic Art Gallery

Gil Kane — Not Shrinking Away

August 26, 2021 Greg Goldstein Original Art and The Artists

Legends of the DC Universe #29, June 2000

Gil Kane’s final completed work (published posthumously) is this fun two-parter featuring his two classic silver age characters, The Atom and Green Lantern officially teamed together for the first time.

Written with affection by Steven Grant, and inked by Klaus Janson, this story confirms that Gil was able to deliver quality storytelling right until he headed to the big studio in the sky.

Gil was one of a kind as a creator (and a person) and as I’ve mentioned in a previous post, I was happy to know him professionally — albeit very, very briefly.

Dick Dillin — Come Together

August 24, 2021 Greg Goldstein Original Art and The Artists

The Atom and Hawkman #45, November 1969

As discussed earlier this year, 1961 is an anniversary for both the Sliver Age versions of Hawkman and The Atom.

Neither character was ultimately commercially viable for his own comic book, so DC tried combining two titles into one.

Unfortunately that didn’t work long either, but as they say, it was fun while it lasted.

Dick Dillin was one of DC”s “B-team” artists who deserves more respect than he typically receives.

Although his draftsmanship may not have been up to the higher levels of some of his peers, his ability to draw with imagination and solid storytelling was pretty on point in my book.

He pretty much drew every issue of Justice League of America for 12 years starting with issue #64 (1968) and ending with his untimely death at #183(1980). Considering all the various JLA crossovers (JSA, Freedom Fighters, etc.), Dillin likely drew hundreds of different heroes and villains during that time.

Just Atom and Hawkman? Piece of cake.