THE TICK 2024 SKETCHBOOK COVER OF PLANET COMICS NO. 3 by vsndesigns
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Planet Comics has a storied history, one that stretches back to the golden age of pulp publishing, when Fiction House was a dominant force in the magazine industry. Founded in the late 1920s by John B. Kelly and John Glenister, Fiction House became known for its wildly popular Western and Sports stories. However, like many publishers of the era, Fiction House was initially slow to embrace the comic book revolution that took the world by storm in the late 1930s. It wasn’t until Thurman Scott, Glenister’s son-in-law, took the reins of the company that Fiction House finally made its foray into the world of comics. This shift in focus was spurred by a timely solicitation from Will Eisner and Jerry Iger, who had just launched their Eisner/Iger Studio. Their cooperative studio boasted an incredible roster of writers and artists, offering their creative output to publishers who, like Fiction House, were just beginning to explore the comic book market. It was this collaboration that laid the foundation for Planet Comics, a title that would go on to define the science fiction comic genre. Fiction House’s Planet Comics became a pioneer in sequential storytelling, exposing readers to futuristic visions and interstellar adventures. Unlike contemporaries such as Flash Gordon or Buck Rogers, whose fame was achieved through serialized comic strips, Planet Comics offered these imaginative worlds in a single, digestible format. The creative genius of Eisner and Iger's studio—featuring names like Lou Fine, George Tuska, and Joe Kubert—brought the pages of Planet Comics to life. This work set the stage for the sci-fi explosion that would inspire future generations of creators, including legends like Roy Thomas and Jules Feiffer. Fast forward to today, and the torch has been passed to Jeff McClelland, who has lovingly revived Planet Comics as a fundraiser project. McClelland has preserved the legacy of the series by maintaining its iconic oversized format, giving artists like Ian Chase Nichols ample space to showcase their creative genius. As one of the original New England Comics artists responsible for bringing *The Tick* to life, Nichols has taken full advantage of this larger canvas for Planet Comics Issue No. 3’s Sketchbook cover. The cover masterfully blends the absurdity and humor of The Tick with the grandeur of the classic science fiction themes that *Planet Comics* pioneered. In a scene that pays homage to the great cosmic giants of the genre, Nichols has envisioned The Tick as a Galactus-sized figure, throwing a planet while being attacked by an armada of spaceships. Meanwhile, Arthur—our reluctant hero—flies in to stop him, breathing from a canister of "bad air" as The Tick takes in a comically labeled canister of "good air." It’s a hilarious and perfectly absurd homage to both the bombastic nature of classic science fiction and the enduring charm of The Tick. This new cover not only highlights Nichols' incredible talent but also honors the rich tradition of Planet Comics. Just as the Eisner/Iger Shop helped Fiction House define an era of comic book history, Nichols' cover for Issue No. 3 continues that legacy, reminding us that science fiction—whether serious or comedic—has always been a space for imaginative exploration and creativity. With McClelland at the helm, Planet Comics by Wagon Wheel Comics is more than just a nostalgic nod to the past; it’s a celebration of what’s possible when artists are given the freedom to push boundaries. And in keeping with the spirit of the original series, this latest issue will no doubt inspire future generations of comic book creators.
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