When I was a kid, I bought a lot of comic books published by Dell. Where I lived, they seemed to have the best distribution of all the comics publishers, because they were all over the place. Disney stuff, movie and TV tie-ins (two I remember distinctly are THE COMANCHEROS and 77 SUNSET STRIP), Tarzan, the Lone Ranger . . . Dell had great stuff for an eight- or nine-year-old.What I didn't know then -- and probably wouldn't have been interested in if I had -- was that Dell also published three issues of a comic book based on the exploits of redheaded Miami shamus Mike Shayne. I found out about these years later but have never tried to get my hands on them. But the other day, my buddy Jim Doherty from the Rara-Avis list posted a link to the covers of the three issues, so I had to take a look. They're pretty good. This is the cover from the second issue, and you can see the other two here. I'm tempted to start searching the Internet for these. Maybe one of these days.
5 comments:
I've actually never read any of the Mike Shayne stories, which is a big gap that should definitely be filled soon. I can't think of a better person than you, James, to ask for recommendations. Where to begin!
I'm right there with you. Thanks for the link.
I have enjoyed reading the following Mike Shayne novels: Call For Michael Shayne, A Redhead For Mike Shayne and Million Dollar Handle. I have even heard a few of the radio episodes (some can be found online) and greatly enjoyed them. I have not seen any of the movies or the television series. I would love to read the comic books.
Dell also used painted covers long after every one else switched to colored black and white sketches - ie, comic book art on the cover. When I first asaw this cover, for example I assumed it was a 50s paperback, because of the painted cover.
Todays's catcha word is "outre" a good choice for this thread.
Ken Fitch wrote and Ed Ashe illustrated the main story of MIKE SHAYNE, PRIVATE EYE #2. I believe at least one issue was an adaptation of a Halliday story.
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