Don Heck's Pre-Superhero Art 1952-1962

Don Heck is recognized in fan circles for his contributions to Marvel's early superhero line, in particular "Iron-Man" (in Tales of Suspense) and The Avengers, but his style, greatly influenced by the craftsmanship of master cartoonist Milton Caniff (of Terry and the Pirates fame) was often at odds with the overwhelming, massive figures and fantastic stylizations of Jack Kirby, whose shadow loomed large.

A rare example of Heck drawing a superhero cover in the early Marvel era, which was usually Jack Kirby's domain. Nevertheless, when needed he came up to bat and hit it out of the park. This image is one of my earliest memories of Don's art. As a child I recall seeing the cover on my Grandmother's porch. It was probably my older brother (and fellow comics afficiando) John's copy. 

Heck held his own at Marvel in their early days, "batting" third in the lineup after Kirby and Ditko. Dick Ayers, the fourth player in that era, while corralled to draw superheros on occasion ("Giant-Man"; "Human Torch") became identified with the long running war title Sgt. Fury. By 1966 fellow Timely-Atlas veterans John Romita, Gene Colan and John Buscema returned to the fold, followed by newcomers Jim Steranko, Barry Smith and Neal Adams. These artists had a stronger feel for the dynamics of superhero fare, leaving Heck in the role of utility player, filling in wherever he was needed. This led to frustration for the talented artist, and his better efforts appeared (often unnoticed) in genres unrelated to superhero fare. Heck's virtues blossomed in more character driven situations, romance and mystery being two such examples. Heck's fluid line (particularly when he inked his own pencils), lush brushwork and superior pacing, coupled with a flair for drawing ordinary people served him well over the course of four decades.This post will focus on his seminal, pre-superhero work, circa 1952-1962. 

War Fury # 1, September 1952. Image from Comicbookplus, where you can view the entire story (and many other Don Heck covers and stories)  http://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=23814

Heck started out working in production for Harvey comics in 1949. It wasn't until 1952 that he had the opportunity to draw his first comic book story, working for editor Alan Hardy at Comic Media. "The Unconquered" is Heck's first published story, although he recalled "Harrigan's Hat", which appeared in the following issue, as the first story he drew. Due to scheduling issues it's possible the earlier story saw publication after this one. The art in Harrigan's Hat looks less assured than "The Unconquered". The splash page indicates real talent, and it's evident that Jack Davis (who was then drawing for the popular EC comics line) was an influence on Heck's faces and figures. 

                                         

"Hot Steel!", Danger # 4, July 1953. Image from comicbookplus  http://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=22860

While some of Heck's early art for Comic Media are journeymen efforts, he rapidly picked up the language of a comic book page, in particularly page composition, pacing, camera angles and characterization. The splash panel of "Hot Steel" is an example of Heck's powerful use of blacks; the two bottom panels focus on setting and people. One can also notice a very strong Caniff influence on his characters and brushwork. 

                            

                            "Witch Girl!" Weird Terrors # 10, March 1954.

Heck drew primarily for Comic Media from 1952-54, focusing on genre stories in their crime, western, romance and horror titles. The splash to "Witch Girl" combines a mood drenched opening scene with four panels showcasing a bevy of beautiful women. 

"Crash in the Alps", Ken Fitch script; Danger # 8, March 1954. Image from comicbookplus. http://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=13826

Heck shows an affinity for presenting the elements as an integral part of the story, a talent that cartoonists as diverse as Chester Gould and Gene Colan mastered. The splash panel depicts blinding snow and places the antagonist (and in effect the reader) directly into the story. 

                                       Danger # 11, August 1954.

Heck's covers for Comic Media in the early 1950s were poster-like compositions, drawing the reader in and telling a story with startling simplicity. This is one of my personal early favorites.

 
       "Intrigue", Danger # 9, May 1954. Image from           comicbookplus: http://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=22852

An interesting group of characters, use of montage and a pretty woman to boot! While some of Heck's earliest attempts at drawing woman were unexceptional he soon became one of the best in the field at rendering attractive females, which was often noted by his fellow artists. It was a talent that served him well throughout his career.

After Comic Media closed its doors in 1954 Heck found work at other companies, including Toby, Charlton and - notably - for Martin Goodman's Atlas line. Under editor Stan Lee, Heck's illustrations and storytelling became more confident. His range and versatility was a boon to Lee; who put his talents to use across the line in war, western, crime, mystery, jungle and romance stories. Below are just a few examples of his unique artistry.

           "Rookie Cop" Police Badge # 479, issue # 5, September 1955. 

Despite the numbering (which was likely continued from a cancelled comic) Police Badge # 479 was a one-shot title that followed the exploits of rookie cop Jim Hudson. Heck illustrated two of the three stories featuring the policeman (the third story - and the cover - was drawn by artistic powerhouse Joe Maneely). Heck's ability to compose a page, particularly the middle tier sequence, is one of his great strengths. It would have been interesting to see Heck continue on this strip, but the exploits of patrolman Jim Hudson came to an abrupt end after this issue, never to be seen again (unless he HAS been revived and I'm unaware of it. If so, I'm sure someone more knowledgeable than I about post 80's Marvel will clue me in).

          
            "The Defeat of Colonel Yeng", Battle # 44, January 1956 

Heck drew a slew of war stories, lending his talents to the genre over the decades, from War Combat in the 50's, Captain Savage in the 60's and Weird War Tales in the 70's. Heck's portrayal of men in combat was peppered with personality. 

Page 3 of the untitled opening "Torpedo Taylor" story from Navy Combat # 7, June 1956. 

 

  "Get That Sub!", the second "Torpedo Taylor" story in Navy Combat # 7, June 1956.  

"Torpedo Taylor" headlined Navy Combat from 1953-57, a character Heck was assigned to and drew every story of. Almost. Heck completed the splash page of a Torpedo Taylor story he was working on but was informed to go no further - publisher Martin Goodman was not buying any new work for the foreseeable future. The story was later completed by Joe Maneely and appeared in Navy Combat #18 (August 1958). Heck, along with most creators, were laid off for a period of time, but was called back by Lee in July 1958 and became a Lee regular. Heck did exceptional work on Torpedo Taylor, adding detail and craft to the depiction of submarines and underwater adventures.   

   
          "Is There No Man for Me?", My Own Romance # 73, January 1960

The above panel depicting a couple walking down a quiet street is indicative of Heck's impeccable artist's "eye". Much like a set designer, his use of scenery such as the expansive tree and the picket fence creates a warm, romantic mood.

  
             "If Love Be Blind!", Love Romances # 85, January 1960

The little touches in Heck's romance stories are delightful. The woman walking the dog in panel two and the cheerful police officer add an impeccable sense of charm to the tale and highlight his outstanding feel for the ordinary.   

                             
             "Incident in the Rain!", Love Romances # 102, November 1962. 

Heck's use of silhouette in panel one perfectly compliments the woman's dialogue, emphasizing her loneliness. With sparse background details, Heck's emphasis is placed on the protagonist. Heck's romance art was always exceptional and he would return to the genre in the late 60s and early 70s for both Marvel and DC. 

    
"The Fastest Gun Alive!", Stan Lee script, Gunsmoke Western # 63, March 1961. 

                     
 "To The Last Man!", Stan Lee script, Gunsmoke Western # 68, January 1962.

Heck was very much attuned to the trappings of the western genre,blending all the elements with unerring ease: scenery, clothing, setting, "casting" - all add immensly to the tale. Although Heck was rarely given lead features to draw (Kid Colt, Outlaw; Rawhide Kid; Two-Gun Kid) his five page fillers were almost always worthwhile additions to the total package. 

"The Deep Freeze", Carl Wessler script, Journey into Mystery # 37, August 1956. 

                   "Rocket Ship X-200", Strange Tales # 69, June 1959.

                    "Nightmare!" Tales of Suspense # 16, April 1961.

Heck's pre-hero fantasy stories are often overshadowed by the towering monsters Jack Kirby created month after month, or the evocative, detailed renderings of Steve Ditko, but many of his mini-thrillers are imaginative efforts that deserve attention. Heck had the ability to use the tools of his trade - particularly black ink - to drench a tale in darkness and create a feeling of menace. Like many of the better artists of his era, Heck could effortlessly transition from the lighter tales of romance to the darker shadows of fantasy fare. 

              "I Can See Tomorrow!", Tales to Astonish # 5, September 1959. 

It was often the smaller moments in Heck's stories that pointed out how observant an artist he could be. The above panel is a perfect example. The protagonist is a small figure in a long shot that encompasses a city street. In the foreground are two women chatting on a stoop. Heck's superb composition enhanced what could have been an average close-up. While the two women are superfluous to the story (they have no dialogue balloons and were probably not even in the script directions) their presence adds a cadence of reality, evoking an urban setting where neighbor's would chat on their stoops.. 

While Heck's art in later years became looser, and was often weakened or mangled by unsympathetic or incompatible inkers, when given the chance Heck continued to do what he did best: bring everyday people - and a part of himself - to his cartooning.  

              "..I always liked regular stories. I like people." Don Heck