Today in Comics History, July 1: Happy birthday, Jack Adler!

Born on this day in 1917: longtime innovative DC Comics cover artist, colorist, and production manager Jack Adler! You'll see his work in Action Comics, House of Mystery, Sea Devils, Sensation Comics, Green Lantern, G.I. Combat, and many, many more! He did the color separation for Action Comics #1, and eventually becaome DC's Vice President of Production.


from DC Comics cover-dated June 1977



His revolutionary experimental techniques in coloring and washtones — a method where pencils were photostatted with halftone screens, providing a steel engraving look — led to DC's rich, gothic-look covers in the 1970s. Man, in my book they couldn’t give him enough rewards!




(bottom) from DC Comics cover-dated November 1971
As Mike Sterling (the ecosystem's only naturally-occuring Swamp Thingologist) would tell you, Jack was the visual model for the villain Ferrett in the very first issue of Swamp Thing!



from Swamp Thing (1972 series) #1 (DC, October 1972); script by Len Wein; pencils, inks, and colors by Bernie Wrightson, letters by Gaspar Saladino
Jack was an avid photographer and produced several DC covers that used his photographs for backgrounds.


He even appeared as himself when he schooled Cain of the House of Secrets in shutterbugging!



from "Photo Finish" in House of Mystery #253 (DC, July 1977), script by Jack C. Harris, pencils by John Calnan, inks by Jack Abel
(As usual, I'll spare you the unflattering and insulting portrayal of Jack Adler within the pages of INferior Five #6, but as extra usual, you can find the facts over at the blog of Tom Brevoort.)

But now that you know what he looks like, I betcha you CAN find him among (amongst?) the cheering crowd at the Superman/Muhammad Ali prize fight!

cover of All-New Collectors' Edition #C-56 (DC, March 1978), layout by Joe Kubert, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Neal Adams (?) and/or Cory Adams (?), logo design by John Workman
(Click top picture to GOAT-size)
Here's an easier one: spot him in this crowd of DC staffers!




back cover of The Best of DC Blue Ribbon Digest #5 (DC, May 1980), pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Dick Giordano
A very happy birthday to you today, Jack Adler!


from Amazing World of Superman (DC, 1973)