WEIRD ADVENTURE COMICS #434 TITLE SPLASH by FRANK THRONE and JIM APARO!

"In the World of Mortal Men he is Jim Corrigan, hard-boiled police detective -- but in the Twilight World where villains dwell he is THE SPECTRE, AWESOME AVENGER OF EVIL. An earthbound Ghost who Punishes evil with a Fearsome Vengeance from beyond the grave. Tremble now as you peruse this Fright-Filled tale of...THE NIGHTMARE DUMMIES AND...THE SPECTRE!"

Original artwork for the spooky and intense opening title splash page for "Weird" Adventure Comics Vol. 1 #434 (DC, 1974) by Frank Thorne (pencils) and Jim Aparo (inks). Has the Astral Avenger ever been more dreadful and impressive than in this brilliant series written by Michael Fleisher? Here, the Spectre executes his divine retribution upon Jim Corrigan's beloved, Gwendolyn Sterling. But why would the Ghostly Guardian attack the woman who loves him? Read the terror filled tale and discover for yourself...if you dare.

Aparo is at the apex in his prime period here and these issues are considered to represent the Spectre stories par excellence, bar none. Original artwork from this brief, yet remarkable run in Adventure Comics #431-440 is very rare and highly prized after among seasoned collectors. This unforgettable series firmly established the Astral Avenger as the TOP BAD-ASS in the entire DC Universe, a supernatural superhero totally unrivaled in power and Divine authority, granted unto him by the Almighty Himself, as he acted as Judge, Jury and Executioner upon evildoers. Writer Michael Fleisher's storylines were darkly grim, gritty and gruesome, while artist Jim Aparo's illustrations were simply breathtaking and considered by many to be the very best effort and execution of his entire legendary career.

The Spectre was created by legendary writer, Jerry Siegel (who also co-created Superman with Joe Shuster) and artist Bernard Baily as the lead-off star feature in More Fun Comics, beginning with issue #52 (DC/ February, 1940). He is a founding member of the famed Justice Society of America (see All-Star Comics #3). The Spectre is the first, foremost and greatest of all supernatural superheroes.