Dave Stevens – Greg Goldstein's Comic Art Gallery

Russ Manning — Star Wars, Sunday Best

May 1, 2024 Greg Goldstein Original Art and The Artists

Star Wars Sunday Strip, #39, December 12, 1979

Russ Manning Star Wars Original Comic Strip Art From The Collection of Greg Goldstein

I finally checked off a piece of art from my OA “bucket list” with the acquisition of this terrific Russ Manning Star Wars Sunday strip late last year.

I own some great Star Wars original art, but not much focusing on Leia, so I’m especially pleased I won this strip at auction. Coincidentally, I was the underbidder the previous time it had appeared at auction — second time is the charm, apparently.

When we had the opportunity to collect the complete Star Wars strip collection at IDW Publishing, it was yet another box checked off from the publishing bucket list. Dean Mullaney and the Library of American Comics (LOAC) crew produced (as always) an amazing three-volume set.

Welcome to Star Wars “month.” May the force be with you throughout.

*Did your newspaper make room for the full strip, or the “abridged” version, featuring Sundays without the top tier?*

Dave Stevens — Inking A Legend

January 29, 2022 Greg Goldstein Original Art and The Artists

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.