I’ve written about two of the impressive books that Fantagraphics Books published recently: Al Williamson “The City That Time Forgot” And Other Stories and The Atlas Comics Library No. 4: War Comics Vol. 1, both edited by Dr. Michael J. Vassallo. I was enthusiastic about each one, and if you missed ‘em they are in the WFA Gift Guide columns here.
There’s one more Fantagraphics book with vintage Atlas Comics that I really liked. Our youngest daughter, Lacy Rae, gifted me with the second Venus volume, officially entitled The Atlas Comics Library No. 2: Venus Vol. 2 (The Fantagraphics Atlas Comics Library). Believe it or not, she likes old comics and even has a “thing” for Golden Age/Silver Age artist Ogden Whitney. This gift she gave me is a lovely book, collecting the adventures of a lovely protagonist.
And I’ve been waiting a while for it.
You see, Marvel published Venus Vol 1 as part of their Atlas Masterworks series in 2011. It collected the first nine issues of this quirky Atomic Age series (and included a few extra stories too).
The short-lived Venus comic series was indeed wonky. (It was one of the few published by both Timely and Atlas.) And it started out as a lighthearted woman-in-the-workplace romance comic. But things got weird midway through the run, and the Venus series was rebooted three or four times, with science fiction and horror themes.
When Marvel put the brakes on their Atlas Masterworks series, it seemed like the really interesting Venus stories wouldn’t ever be reprinted. Fans have been patiently waiting (ok, really we have been impatiently waiting) for the second half of this series.
Finally… the collected Venus series—part 2— is available.
And it’s brilliant. This oversized book includes stories illustrated by favorites like Russ Heath, Gene Colan, and Dave Berg (from “The Lighter Side of…” in MAD Magazine). But mostly this new volume showcases the work of Bill Everett, who had his hands on the wheel for Venus’ last few adventures. He was both writing and drawing the strip. To continue the analogy, Everett sent Venus down a treacherous road full of big ideas and ominous dread at a breakneck speed.
One of the amazing things about these stories is how much New York City gets trashed. Giant “statue creatures” from the sea topple skyscrapers! A mad scientist sends the Earth on a blazing path to the Sun! A protoplasmic blob engulfs the suburbs! You thought that Namor, The Sub-Mariner did some damage to the Big Apple in those early FF issues…that ain’t nuthin compared to what happens here.
I should mention Dr. Michael J. Vassallo’s forward too. So full of perspective and background. It’s like an article in a TwoMorrows’ Alter Ego magazine: smart and insightful.
There’s an alluringly odd charm to these stories. But the tone is constantly changing. Just when you think you can put your finger on it everything shifts the next issue. But the lead characters don’t seem to notice. This is a guilty pleasure that you can’t stop thinking about. Just like if you actually met Venus, I imagine.
Thanks to Lacy for a wonderful Christmas Gift!
The Atlas Comics Library No. 2: Venus Vol. 2
The Fantagraphics Atlas Comics Library
• Publisher : Fantagraphics; 1st edition (April 16, 2024)
• Hardcover : 310 pages
• ISBN-13 : 978-1683969198
• Dimensions : 8.8 x 1.2 x 11.7 inches
