The Complete EC Library: Two Fisted Tales (4 Volume Boxed Set)

4 Volume Slipcased set.

FROM THE LIBRARY OF COMIC LEGEND DAVE GIBBONS!

Published originally by William M. Gaines. The first edition of Two Fisted Tales (#18) was assembled by William M. Gaines & Al Feldstein. The advent of the Korean War, witnessed a transformation from adventure, with the second issue & the installation of Harvey Kurtzman as editor & writer.

In an attempt to unify the look of the title, Kurtzman drew the cover & a story for all the early issues.

In an unprecedented move, he also outlined the other stories onto a thumbnail chart, indicating the precise layouts to be observed by the other artists, Wally Wood, Jack Davis, John Severin, et al. He also researched these stories meticulously & obsessively. Two Fisted Tales #31 & 35 (with Frontline Combat #9) were intended as a multi part portrayal of the American Civil War.

Kurtzman's stories play out as personal tragedies within the larger, violent & anonymous conflict. The terrible events that unfold, are witnessed only by the players & the reader.

These stories are powerful & haunting. The Kurtzman Two Fisted Tales (with companion title Frontline Combat) are claimed by many to be among the finest Comic published in 1950s America.

With the stalemating of the war & Kurtzman's involvement with MAD, the title was inherited by John Severin & writer Colin Dawkins, reverting to adventure once more (issues #36-40). This duo was the un-credited editorial team, too. The 24th and final issue (#41) featured Berni Krigstein's only story for the title, Mau Mau. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading.

This comes from the personal collection of legendary comic artist Dave Gibbons and features a certificate of authenticity!

Authors: Edited, written & illustrated by Harvey Kurtzman
Artists: Various
Publisher: Russ Cochran, 1980 (Out of Print)
Number of pages: 768
Format: Hard Cover in Slipcase; Black & White illustrations
Size: 9" x 13" (235mm x 330mm)
Code: DG23901