Judy of the Jungle in "The Fatal Film" (Standard;1949)

The great Ralph Mayo is credited with providing full art duties on “The Fatal Film” starring Judy of the Jungle. Judy first appeared in Exciting Comics #55 (May 1947) and her published golden age adventures continued until #69 (Sept.1949). She had displaced Miss Masque as the regular backup strip and ultimately even knocked off the Black Terror as lead cover feature. This story is taken from Exciting Comics #65 (Jan.1949); originally published by Better/Standard/Nedor. The Catacombs is grateful to Don "Zu-Gogo" Falkos for providing the scans for this story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belong to the original publisher and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

"Gal" Friday! Amanda Cerny

This week I'm continuing with my opening "salvo" of luscious brunettes for 2012 in the form of Playboy's Miss October of 2011, Amanda Cerny. A few factoids: she earned her first-degree black belt in karate at the age of 11, earned straight A's in high school while running Varsity track and for her 18th birthday she celebrated by free-falling at 120 mph AND she's twenty!


Amanda is currently a student at Florida State University. This lovely girl needs little additional embellishment, so feast your eyes on the photos and hustle on back next week for another sultry brunette. Adios!

Zago, Jungle Prince in "The Maiden and the Drifting Danger" (Fox;1948)

As promised here is another Jack Kamen illustrated tale called "The Maiden and the Drifting Danger" which like the other Zago adventure presented on Tuesday was published in Zago, Jungle Prince #2 (Nov.1948) by Fox. Interestingly, both of these golden age Zago stories by Kamen are built around an aquatic theme, however instead of mermaids you get a big-ass whale today. The Catacombs is grateful to Don "Zu-Gogo" Falkos for providing the scans for this story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belong to the original publisher and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

Kevin Eastman Studios ... Auction Ending!!

Fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator have less than twelve hours to place a bid for the contents of his studio. The proceeds (currently going for $8300) will partially benefit the Hero Initiative. Here's a sampling of the contents awaiting today's lucky winner: Kevin Eastman's Drawing Table and Chair (table is as it was when Kevin decided to do this auction). Includes Pens, Shot-Glasses, Empty Red-Bull Cans, etc. Full Original Illustrated Storyboards and Scripts for the HEAVY METAL 2000 animated film. 2 Pages of Original Art from the TMNT Movie Adaptation. Over 600 DVDs - all of them watched while working on art in the studio over the last ten years (includes DVD deck and flat-screen monitor, etc.). Double-Sized Production Prototype of OZZY OSBOURNE "Bark At The Moon" Action Figure sculpted by Digger T. Mesch. Richard Corben Original Art - at least two pieces - there may be more! Signed Elizabeth Hurly Photo from Austin Powers, signed animation cells, prints and movie posters. Kevin Eastman's personal San Diego Comic Con Badges, rare t-shirts and like personal effects going back about 10 years. Toy Guns, Swords, Knives, Props and even a Hand-Grenade (all non-functional) and tons of magazines and reference books used for projects. A Fish tank (formerly held Kevin's gecko) filled with various odds and ends tossed in over a six year period - even Kevin's not sure what's in there??? Box of Original Photos of Playmates & Models (mostly nude) - Photography by Julie Strain. TONS of random Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles goodies . . . prototypes . . . and oddities . . . including things we're sure you *didn't* know existed. Statues & Action Figures - - Pin-Up, Fantasy, Superhero, Horror, Turtles (natch) and more! Various Billiken Models From Japan (Frankenstein, Dracula, Creature, Mummy and MORE) - all MINT in their original boxes! Some of the boxes have not even been opened (Kevin liked the idea that there would be surprises), who knows what lurks inside?!

Zago, Jungle Prince in "The Murderous Mermaids" (Fox;1948)

This Jack Kamen illustrated tale called "The Murderous Mermaids" was originally published in Zago, Jungle Prince #2 (Nov.1948) by Fox. It’s been a while since I posted a Zago adventure and since these golden age Zago stories by Kamen are quite lovely to look at, you’re gonna get another golden age classic starring the erstwhile “Jungle Prince” on Thursday of this very week. Don’t worry though, even with the lead male character, there are still some pretty jungle girls in the mix. The Catacombs is grateful to Don "Zu-Gogo" Falkos for providing the scans for this story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belong to the original publisher and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

Skyman in "Correspondence Course Detective" (Columbia;1949)

All right! First post of the new year, so let's get this party started. Skyman was Allen Turner, who was raised by his uncle to become "outstanding in mind and body." A brilliant scientist, he had no superpowers but did have a flying wing-shaped airplane, dubbed "The Wing", that flew by the power of Earth's magnetic poles. With this and money inherited from his late uncle's will, he fought crime. The character was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Ogden Whitney, who also draws today's excellent story titled "Correspondence Course Detective" from Big Shot #99 (Mar.1949); originally published by Columbia. Happy New Year and Enjoy!

"Gal" Friday! Devon

I think that I'm in love!

I wanted to end this year with an anonymous "gal" Friday selection to represent the many luscious ladies (of all ages) that every horn-dog on the planet sees on television, in the movies, in print, or just strolling by on any given day somewhere in the world.  I recently spotted this awesome photo over at Model Mayhem and, well, at this moment if I had a lucky wish to make, it would be to vanish to some deserted (but tropical) island with this sultry, young brunette lady. Yeah, that's just what she needs, right? A slobbering old codger, and all the time in the world to get used to his sad cravings; just not gonna happen.

Alas, I can't actually make that fantasy a reality, and she's damned lucky that's the case. Anyway take a gander at "Devon" and with much respect to the original photographer, the Model Mayhem website, and the exquisite model herself; I hope that all of you have a very happy new years celebration this weekend. Aloha!

The Catacombs 2011 Year End Recap!!

Before 2011 ends with a whimper, I would like to take a moment to thank some of the fine folks who've helped make this year quite memorable for the Comic Book Catacombs. Several publishers/manufacturers allowed me to present early previews or glimpses at some of their upcoming books, toys and other properties so here's to Tommy Hancock/Moonstone; Gerald Cooper/InVision; Stefan Blitz/NBM; Ed Catto/CA Enterprises; Chris Irving/Hermes Press, and Mark Ross/Curse of the Phantom Shadow. Guys, I really appreciated having an opportunity to show off your goods.

This year among all the bevvy of Hollywood beauties that appeared in my regular “Gal” Friday featurette, a single lass allowed me to "officially" introduce all of you to her. Thanks, Riddle! You're one of the best cos-players on the convention circuit, and it's always great seeing you at the regional shows that I attend. Artist Bridgit Scheide was the only actual creator interview that I ran this year, something that I regret, but I was being a tad lazy (so that's on me). Thanks, Bridgit! And thanks also to artist Juan Pedro Quilón for special contributions. You "guys" were terrific!

The world of entertainment lost a number of faces that were familiar to genre geeks. 2011 saw the passing of Anne Francis, Susannah York, Michael Gough, Elisabeth Sladen, William Campbell, Jackie Cooper, Yvette Vickers, Jeff Conaway, James Arness, Cliff Robertson, and recently Cheeta the Chimpanzee. Sadly for us comic book fans, many of the old guard and several talented younger creators (see above) were lost this year. Let's never forget the timeless contributions of legendary artists such as Dwayne McDuffie, Jeffrey Catherine Jones, Gene Colan, Lew Sayre Schwartz, Dave Hoover, Jerry Robinson, Joe Simon, and Eduardo Barreto.

Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to all of the folks over in my links section for posting so many classic comic book stories and related items. It's become a daily pleasure to stop by your blogs and see what's going on there; plus to everyone who frequents my own little blog - thank you so much. I'm glad that you find something of worth here to bring you back time and again. Here are a few interesting factoids about the Comic Book Catacombs: The Comic Book Catacombs has roughly 7,062 monthly visitors, viewing on average 1.30 page views per session. That equates to between 235-257 daily visitors. United States visitors account for approximately 41% of my readership and almost 68% of my page views. Visitors from other countries account for approximately 58.50% of my readership and another 31.40% of my page views. Apparently my websites estimated value is $17,581.44. I can live with that!

Here's to us all, as we slide forward into the Mayan "year of doom", 2012. Don't forget to celebrate Christmas a few days early next year, or you may miss out. Just kidding! Maybe. 

Wambi the Jungle Boy in "The White Elephant" (Fiction House;1941)

Wambi the Jungle Boy had an innate ability to communicate with the lower order, even when the animals made no sound at all. In fact, Wambi's best friends were an Indian-variety elephant named Tawn, and Ogg the Gorilla. All three appear in an untitled tale written by Roy S. Smith that I’ve dubbed "The White Elephant" from Jungle Comics #16 (Apr.1941); originally published by Fiction House, alongside Shikkar the Tiger, Reynar the Wolf and the Rajah of Kaahki. The elephant cub in this story is supposed to be white, but the poor thing is colored gray throughout. The artwork is by Henry Kiefer. The Catacombs is grateful to Don "Zu-Gogo" Falkos for providing the scans for this story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belong to the original publisher and/or creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

In Memorium: Cheeta the Chimp

A Florida animal sanctuary says Cheeta the chimpanzee sidekick in the Tarzan movies of the early 1930s has died at age 80. The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary in Palm Harbor announced that Cheeta died Dec. 24 of kidney failure. Sanctuary outreach director Debbie Cobb told The Tampa Tribune on Wednesday that Cheeta was outgoing, loved finger painting and liked to see people laugh. She says he seemed to be tuned into human feelings.

Based on the works of author Edgar Rice Burroughs, the Tarzan stories, which have spawned scores of books and films over the years, chronicle the adventures of a man who was raised by apes in Africa. Cheeta was the comic relief in the Tarzan film series that starred American Olympic gold-medal swimmer Johnny Weissmuller. Cobb says Cheeta came to the sanctuary from Weissmuller's own estate sometime around 1960. Cobb says Cheeta wasn't a troublemaker. Still, sanctuary volunteer Ron Priest says that when the chimp didn't like what was going on, he would throw feces. That is hilarious (and so in character from his famous films). I'm glad that Cheeta lived to a ripe old age, and like many of you saddened to hear of his passing.

The Face in "General Lee-Ahng" (Columbia;1945)

Here is an interesting golden age adventure with a twist from Big Shot #61 (Nov.1945);originally published by Columbia. The Face (sort of) stars in "General Lee-Ahng", written and illustrated by Mart Bailey and Ogden Whitney. Following up from a previous issue where journalist Tony Trent (in a rare cameo role) had decided to rid himself of the fright mask that he had worn in his heroic role as "The Face", just tosses the thing out the window during a flyover of occupied China, and another person decides to make use of the item. Great artwork on this one (and there's still a nice Skyman tale from this publisher coming up this weekend). Enjoy!

From the Dust Bin: 1963 (Image Comics)

1963 was a six-issue comic book limited series written by Alan Moore in 1993, with art provided by his frequent collaborators Steve Bissette, John Totleben, and Rick Veitch; plus other contributors including Dave Gibbons, Don Simpson, and Jim Valentino. The six issues hearkened back to the Silver Age of comics (particularly, early Marvel Comics), and featured spoof advertisements on the rear covers.

Moore's homage to Marvel cliches included fictionalizing himself and the artists as the "Sixty-Three Sweatshop", describing his collaborators in the same hyperbolic and alliterative mode Stan Lee used for his "Marvel Bullpen"; each was given a Lee-style nickname ("Affable Al," "Sturdy Steve," "Jaunty John," etc.—Veitch has since continued to refer to himself as "Roarin' Rick"). The parody was not entirely affectionate, as the text pieces and fictional letter columns contained pointed inside jokes about the business practices of 1960s comic book publishers, with "Affable Al" portrayed as a tyrant who claimed credit for his employees' creations. Moore also made reference to Lee's book Origins of Marvel Comics (and its sequels) when Affable Al recommended that readers hurry out and buy his new book “How I Created Everything All By Myself” and “Why I Am Great”. Funny stuff!

Issue one introduced Mystery Incorporated, a Fantastic Four surrogate featuring Crystal Man, Neon Queen, Kid Dynamo and The Planet. Issue two featured The Fury; based on Spider-Man, as well as Sky Solo, Lady of L.A.S.E.R., a female version of Nick Fury. Issue three, an anthology comic called Tales of the Uncanny, featured USA, Ultimate Special Agent based on Captain America, and Hypernaut, who was based on Iron Man. Issue four, another anthology comic called Tales From Beyond, introduced readers to the Unbelievable N-Man, based on The Incredible Hulk, and Johnny Beyond, a beatnik version of Doctor Strange. Issue five was devoted to Horus, Lord of Light, based on The Mighty Thor. Issue six told the story of the Tomorrow Syndicate, based on the Avengers. This comic brought together Horus, Lord of Light, Hypernaut, N-Man, and USA, and also introduced Infra-Man and Infra-Girl, based on Ant-Man & the Wasp.