Startling Comics

Startling Comics #48

Startling Comics #48, published in November 1947, features more than just “Lance Lewis, Space Detective.”  This issue is part of a series of seven covers, including issues #47-#53, all featuring the amazing and fantastically cool art of “Xela” (Alex in reverse) Alex Schomburg. These covers are some of my all-time favorites.

Startling Comics #50

Schomburg made an interesting transition into science-fiction, as well as jungle-themed illustrations, around the same time that four Better/Nedor publications shifted away from traditional WWII era super heroes. These publications were Thrilling Comics, Exciting Comics, Wonder Comics, and Startling Comics. The science fiction “good girls” on each of these covers are depicted wearing red dresses, which delighted readers of the era and continue to captivate comic collectors to this day.

In addition to the above, it’s worth noting that Schomburg was a prolific artist who worked on numerous comic book titles throughout his career, including Captain America, Sub-Mariner, and Human Torch, to name a few. His distinctive style, which often featured dynamic action scenes and detailed backgrounds, helped to define the look and feel of comics during the Golden Age of comics.