Ron S :: EC - Covers

Weird Science #18, Cover

Artist: Wally Wood (All)

50 Comments - 8,218 Views - 1 Like

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Artwork Details

Title:	Weird Science #18, Cover
Artist:	Wally Wood (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Cover
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	8,218
Likes on CAF:	1 2
Favorited on CAF:	2
Comments:	50
Added to Site:	3/26/2014
Comic Art Archive:	Weird Science Issue: 18 Page: cover View

Description

So, the story goes like this. It was 1951. Bill Gaines and Al Feldstein, looking for ideas for their EC comic, “The Haunt of Fear” decide to adapt a Ray Bradbury story. But, true adaptations can cost the publisher money, so they don’t bother to mention it to the original author. The story is published, and no one raises any issue. A year later, anxious to jump start their fledgling new comic, “Weird Science”, they merge two Ray Bradbury stories into one comic story, “Home to Stay”. But this time, the truth makes it way to the author, and Bradbury finds out that his story has been used - without his permission. What does he do? First, stop for a second and think about what would happen today. My guess is that his first call is to his lawyers and then perhaps to vilify the publisher on his Twitter, blog, or perhaps to TMZ.com.

What did Ray Bradbury do in 1952? Well, he sends a short letter to Bill Gaines, which reads in part;

“Just a note to remind you of an oversight. You have not as yet sent on the check for $50.00 to cover the use of secondary rights on my two stories THE ROCKET MAN and KALEIDOSCOPE…I feel this was probably overlooked in the general confusion of office work, and look forward to your payment in the near future.”

That’s it. He thanks EC for adapting his story, and gives them the out that his check must be in the mail. And, then, in the same letter, he offers to work with the publisher to produce more of his stories. EC, of course, jumps at the opportunity. At that time, science fiction was in a bit of a growth period. The atom had been split and atomic energy was associated with fallout, fear, horrible mutations, and massive explosions. Now, that’s fodder for some great stories! EC wanted to leverage off of its popular horror comics and capitalize on the potential Sci-Fi story lines. An agreement was eventually reached with Bradbury and about a dozen more adaptations soon followed. “Weird Science”, ran for 22 issues, and was joined by a similar comic, “Weird Fantasy”, published during the same general time frame.

The Weird Science covers were initially drawn by Al Feldstein. Wally Wood, who eventually became the primary interiors artist, took over as the regular cover illustrator in 1952, eventually drawing 13 of the 22 covers, with the balance by Feldstein, who also drew virtually all of the Weird Fantasy covers.

So, if you were looking for a Wally Wood Sci-Fi cover – and I was – it’s going to come from Weird Science. I also wanted something that referred to Ray Bradbury (because I think that story is just so great), and if possible, a nice robust atomic explosion would be handy. As luck would have it, a Wood Weird Science cover dropped into my lap. I like this cover because it’s classic Wood at the height of his powers; it’s got a really detailed bug eyed alien that just dropped an - wait for it – atom bomb, and, oh yeah, the cover spotlights a Ray Bradbury story!

Yep, hits for the cycle! Please take a look at the cover to Weird Science #18 by Wally Wood.

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	Ron S Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	June 2007
Last Login:	September 2025
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Country:	UNITED STATES
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Comments on this Artwork

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Felix Lu
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/26/2014

Love this one, Ron!

Chris K.
Member Since 2008

Posted on 3/26/2014

Ron Sonenthal - original comic art semi-deity...the hits just keep on coming. Damn impressive!

LB Jefferies
Member Since 2003

Posted on 3/26/2014

What a beauty

Dan F
Member Since 2004

Posted on 3/26/2014

A Beaut!

Michael Haack
Member Since 2008

Posted on 3/26/2014

Wow, I'm a huge Wally Wood fan and I love his EC work. It does not get much better than this (in my book). Congrats!!!

John Bailey
Member Since 2010

Posted on 3/26/2014

Great cover... Fantastic addition.

Dean Abraham
Member Since 2008

Posted on 3/26/2014

wow

Scott Williams
Member Since 2004

Posted on 3/26/2014

What a great cover. I had a chance to grab this about 10 years ago and blew the opportunity. You are smarter than I was Ron. Congrats!

Dino Mauricio
Member Since 2009

Posted on 3/26/2014

Gorgeous, one of the best EC sci-fi covers! Congrats Ron!

Jean Andre Macchini
Member Since 2006

Posted on 3/26/2014

Wonderful cover ! Congrats Ron !

J. Sid
Member Since 2004

Posted on 3/26/2014

Nice one!

Michael One Minute Later
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/26/2014

Stunning!

Gene Park
Member Since 2004

Posted on 3/26/2014

"Paul Bunyan" strikes again! This lumberjack wants to take down all the "Wood" - congrats!

John Livesay
Member Since 2009

Posted on 3/26/2014

wow!!

David K
Member Since 2008

Posted on 3/26/2014

Oh man I loved reading your description on this one! Thanks for the insight and sharing this wonderful cover.

Marvel Two-in-One Guy
Member Since 2003

Posted on 3/26/2014

Magnificent.

Sean Clarke
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/26/2014

An EC atomic bomb explosion by Woody... Good Lord! *choke*

John B
Member Since 2004

Posted on 3/26/2014

Wood. Bradbury. No brainer. Great, great cover.

frank x townsondecker
Member Since 2006

Posted on 3/26/2014

Classic greatness!!!!!!!

Eric Seffinga
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/26/2014

Totally badass!

Sam 06
Member Since 2011

Posted on 3/26/2014

A great cover! Thanks for sharing your amazing collection!

Rob Pistella
Member Since 2005
Forum Moderator

Posted on 3/26/2014

Wood/EC/Bradbury/Sonenthal greatness!

Mike W
Member Since 2007

Posted on 3/26/2014

Love the cover AND the history lesson!!!!! Just goes to show you... behind every great piece of art is a great story!!!!! Thank you for sharing both, my friend!!!!!!

Xavier .
Member Since 2010

Posted on 3/26/2014

This is an incredible piece Ron, Congrats!!!

M,B The collector
Member Since 2008

Posted on 3/26/2014

Wooooooooow Wooow fantastic page ♥

Will Tervay
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/26/2014

I hope to someday have your kind of luck, where things like this just fall into my lap. :) A marvelous example, and thank you for sharing!

Joe Shaffer
Member Since 2010

Posted on 3/27/2014

Very nice, congrats

Michael Kenyon
Member Since 2008

Posted on 3/27/2014

Every time I read a Ron S description I grow infinitely more enlightened in the OA field. Seeing a classic Wally Wood cover like this just blows my mind. Well played Ron! Well played...

E DLS
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/27/2014

Ron, you may be the only person whose updates I look forward to as much for the description as the actual artwork. Thanks for another very educational, informative, and entertaining write up. And of course congratulations on this masterful Wood example!

artless artmore
Member Since 2013

Posted on 3/27/2014

Such an absolutely outstanding Wood cover! Congratulations!

Chris C
Member Since 2004

Posted on 3/27/2014

TOIGHT LIKE A TIGER!!!!! TOIGHT LIKE A TYGAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! (All the other good comments were taken)

Aaron N.
Member Since 2009

Posted on 3/27/2014

What, no babe?

Daren Domina
Member Since 2006

Posted on 3/27/2014

Wally Wood! Weird Science!! [Insert Further Superlatives Here!!!] And another interesting, informative description. Congrats!

J L
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/27/2014

Ron-- another super addition to your fabulous collection. Love the write up and the art. Congratulations!!!!

Tom Coker
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/27/2014

Congrats, Ron!

Fabio C.
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/28/2014

WHOA!

Sean Rutan
Member Since 2012

Posted on 3/28/2014

Wow.....spectacular!

Jeff Singh
Member Since 2004

Posted on 3/28/2014

Ker-POW. Wood blew this one away. Nice addition.

Johan Tudts
Member Since 2008

Posted on 3/29/2014

Awesome piece, congrats !

steve staszower
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/29/2014

Classic Wood EC goodness!! Or should I say "greatness"?!

Phill R
Member Since 2010

Posted on 4/1/2014

A wonderful Wood cover. Doesn't get much better than this! Congrats!

Alex B
Member Since 2008

Posted on 4/5/2014

Breathtaking piece of comic art history ! Another incredible addition to your museum !

Steven biali001
Member Since 2005

Posted on 4/6/2014

Fantastic Wally Wood cover!!

J M
Member Since 2010

Posted on 4/7/2014

That's gorgeous ,congrats

Timothy Finney
Member Since 2006

Posted on 4/7/2014

GOOD LORD! CHOKE!

Jason Versaggi
Member Since 2005

Posted on 4/7/2014

What a gem. Well done and big time congrats on an outstanding piece of comic book history.

. BRAUNY
Member Since 2007

Posted on 4/19/2014

Uber cool!

comicinkking. com
Member Since 2004

Posted on 12/20/2018

Great write up to an amazing cover!! Why isn't this in a museum?!?! Congrats Ron!

Bill J
Member Since 2009

Posted on 12/21/2018

Fabulous! Massive EC goodness!

Keith Becker
Member Since 2018

Posted on 2/13/2019

I think this might be my favorite piece in your gallery Ron. I mean you have a lot of great art, but damn this is Special.

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