The Unknown-Bernard Klein-1942

We ran a later adventure of this guy last year but at the time he had a shirt on. Here he is, out in the snow but shirtless! And they say BATMAN is crazy!

The Voice of Doom-Gray Morrow-1957

Gray was drafted in late 1956 so this early '57 piece was probably one of the last ones he did for Atlas. After he got out, he spread his wings and entered the advertising field as well as continuing in comics but avoiding the renewed trend toward superheroes for as long as he could. 

The Rosebud Sisters-Jack Keller-1947

Jack Keller is remembered today for his niche work on years of Marvel's KID COLT, OUTLAW and race car comics from Charlton. What a surprise, then, to find this delightful early cartooning style he was hiding all those years! I love everyone's facial expressions throughout.

The Greatest Experiment-Steve Ditko-1956

Wonderfully drawn as usual from the elusive Mr. D. but this early Post-Code story has very much an EC feel to it and, in fact, the art style seems at times to be influenced by Joe orlando and Wally Wood's WEIRD SCIENCE work.

Judy Garland's Ordeal-Famous Stars-1950

Here's a treat for all of you friends of Dorothy or straight allies thereof or hey, just plain Judy Garland fans! Apparently Judy's private troubles were big news even then but it wasn't just the gossip rags and tabloids she had to worry about but the comics books, too! Note the cameo by young Liza Minnelli. Wonder if she even knows about this comic book appearance?

Trapped In Tomorrow-John Buscema-1959

Here's a fairly typical twist ending/moral lesson story but, with the added benefit of featuring the early--but already polished--art of Big John Buscema.

The Last Word-Larry Woromay-1952

Larry Woromay was already a pulp artist when the horror craze hot but he took to it well and became, as one can see, influenced by EC's Jack Davis. He actually did at least one story for EC. He continued drawing horror stories for Atlas, Charlton and later, Warren. 

O'Malley's Friend-Gene Colan-1952

A striking splash from "Gene the Dean" Colan, with this whole story ably showing just how far ahead of the curve the future DAREDEVIL, DR. STRANGE and TOMB OF DRACULA artist was, even at this early, Pre-Code stage!

Windy-Martin Filchock-1937

Another black and white bit of silliness from the pre-Superman days, this one by the seemingly indestructible Martin Filchock--he of the great, stylized signature here--who finally passed just a couple of years back at the age of 100. 

Ziggy Pig-Al Jaffee-1942

For Mr D., here's Ziggy Pig in his first appearance. The character was surprisingly long-lived and created by MAD Fold-In artist Al Jaffee, who is quoted on Wikipedia as giving Stan Lee some credit as well--"While I created Ziggy Pig, it was Stan who named him," says Al!