Ragman #4
Published and © by DC, February-March 1977
Title: “The Dream Killers”
Synopsis: An epidemic of young people OD’ing on drugs has Ragman on the hunt for the dealer.
Writer: Robert Kanigher
Artist (layouts): Joe Kubert
Penciler: Redondo Studio
Inker: Redondo Studio
Review: This is the first issue of Ragman with a backup story; that’s unfortunate, because this lead feature needed room to breathe. Writer Robert Kanigher’s tone fits this series well, but his pacing is often hurried. Still, this is a decent short tale, with solid finished art from the Redondo Studio.
•••
Title: Untitled
Synopsis: A gang of grave robbers runs into Ragman – and a little bad luck in the form of an angel.
Writer: Robert Kanigher
Penciler: Joe Kubert
Inker: Kubert
Review: Instead of Joe Kubert layouts, this backup story gets the full treatment. Kubert doesn’t disappoint; it’s a masterful, wordless tale.
Grade (for the entire issue): B+
Second opinion: Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: The Joe-Kubert-illustrated backup story was a nice surprise. His stamp has been all over this series and it’s nice to see him finally cut loose with full pencils and ink.
Not-so-cool factor: Teddy is blind and mute … Teddy is blind and mute … Teddy is blind and mute … . Why does Robert Kanigher keep telling us this?
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Their smiles are my reward!” – Mr. Seriph, amusement-park owner/creepy drug dealer
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Dec. 3, 2009.
