Ditkomania

Quarterly ZIne

Rob Imes

13510 Cambridge #307

Southgate, MI 48195

USA

Email: robimes@yahoo.com

Web: http://www.ditko-fever.com/dmreturns.html

Steve Ditko is an enigmatic comic artist who was the original co-creator of Spiderman. His is a very private man who is dedicated to his art and his unique vision of the world, informed by the Objectivism of Ayn Rand. In recent times there has been a renaissance of interest in his work and a realization of just how significant his art was in the context of the development of modern comics.

Recently, a comprehensive biography was published by Fantagraphics -Strange & Stranger: The World of Steve Ditko written by Blake Bell, a Ditko scholar. Ditkomania was one of the premier small press zines dedicated to the work of Steve Ditko and after “being away” for some years has recently re-appeared on the scene. It is a great publication with rare artwork, thoughtful articles and lots of content not found elsewhere. All the articles are comprehensive and well researched, giving coverage to the many superheroes and characters developed by Ditko as well as to major themes within his work. The authors are obviously dedicated fans and collectors with lots of knowledge that can only come from years of interest.

Issue #67 is planned for August and #68 in Mid September. It is very reasonably priced. Outside the US the subscription is $13.60 (US) for four issues and a sample for $3.40. To be honest I think this is a bargain for such an informative publication. Payment should be sent with international money orders.

For anyone with an interest in the work of Steve Ditko, or indeed, with an interest in the development of modern comics, this is a publication that is worth having. Rob Imes is putting a lot of work into every issue and Ditkomania deserves our support.