Meet “The Woman Without Fear”

by John | Jul 12, 2016 | Uncategorized

This is an updated version of a comic I did for the late, lamented Comics Buyer’s Guide back at the dawn of time when print publications weren’t just a fond memory. Eventually, I plan to put out a book collecting the best of my CBG comics. In the meantime, I’ll be running more of my CBG comics here from time to time.

Original Art:

The panels I used for today’s comic are both from the same 1959 story, but they weren’t adjacent in the original story. They were from different scenes. Here are are the originals with an extra panel of art to give context.

Art by Art Cappello & Vince Alascia from the story “A Kiss in the Dark” in FIRST KISS #11, 1959.

But does she get involved? Real involved? Heartbreakingly involved? You bet!

Art by Art Cappello & Vince Alascia from the story “A Kiss in the Dark” in FIRST KISS #11, 1959.

Transcript:

CAPTION: Most of the time, I’m The Woman Without Fear! Terrorists? Plagues? Running out of toilet paper during a prune festival? Nothing scares me! Nothing…except the scum of the universe: telemarketers!

PANEL 1, Scene: Distraught woman with her head hidden in one hand listens as the phone rings.

WOMAN: OMG! These phone fiends won’t leave me alone! I-I’ve got to fight back!

SOUND EFFECT: Ring! Ring!

PANEL 2, SCENE: The woman is now talking on the phone.

WOMAN: Hi! You’re raising money for a good cause? Great! Me too! I need millions for Millionless Millionaires! How much would you like to give?

SOUND EFFECT: Click!

CAPTION: Hello?…Hello?

1959 Art: Art Cappello & Vince Alascia

FK11.3.4.3.4

In Memory of Noel Neill

by John | Jul 5, 2016 | Uncategorized

Noel Neill’s 2015 Christmas card. Pictured with her friend Jack (Jimmy Olsen) Larson.

Noel Neill died last Sunday (July 3, 2016) at the age of 95. Although she made a film star long before she ever played Lois Lane, it was as Superman’s girlfriend that she became best known. Indeed, no actress—and some of them were quite good—was ever as closely associated with the Lois Lane character—or played her in as many different screen versions—as Noel.

Rerunning this comic might seem like a strange way to honor her. But I know Noel enjoyed the comic when it first appeared and it ended up being the reason I first met her. And later had a wonderful dinner with her in 2009.

My deepest thanks to Noel’s friend and biographer Larry Ward for taking care of her for some many years and making Noel—and countless fans—happy with her many convention appearances over the years. 

Transcript:

PANEL #1, CAPTION: The Adventures
of Snooperman
(The Lost Episode):

Snooperman’s pals Jimminy Oldson and Lois Loon are investigating a story! But…

PANEL #2 (Lois Lane/Lois Loon and Jimmy Olsen/Jimminy Oldson are in a car talking.)

JIM: Gosh, Miss Loon, FOLLOWING A KILLER INTO A HAUNTED HOUSE IS ALWAYS FUN! BUT WHAT IF
it’s a trap?

LOIS: it better be! Nobody’s tied me up in days!

PANEL #3:
LOIS: Now Let’s go, Jimminy! And don’t forget…when Snooperman rescues us…

PANEL #4:
LOIS: I’m the only one who gets to thank him with a kiss!

JIM (thinking): ???

I’m re-running this 2009 comic in memory of the
wonderful Noel Neill who passed away on July 3, 2016
at the age of 95. Many actresses have played Lois Lane. But none will ever claim and personify the role as
thoroughly as Noel. –John Lustig

ART CODES: LoisLanePanel1 LoisLanePanel2 LoisLanePanel3