[Superman]

Who did the art? Al Willamson?

Link to the book: Cliff Merritt Sets the Record Straight

[jimmm kelly]

The GCD only provides the cover for this comic which they date at possibly 1969. But they have details for the 1965 edition of CLIFF MERRITT SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT, which would appear to be an earlier printing of the same story. They credit pencils by Al Williamson and Angelo Torres--likewise inks by Willamson and Torres (the cover--which is different from this one--is by Al McWilliams [an alias?]).

Cliff Merritt looks like my Dad, but my father would never wag his finger at people the way Cliff does repeatedly. Very bad manners, Cliff. Someone ought to tell you where to stick it--but this is a family comic.

[crashryan]

A. McWilliams was Alden McWilliams, incredibly prolific, incredibly talented comic artist who drew a scadillion comics pages and drew, ghosted, or assisted upon at least as many newspaper strips. Being a huge fan I could gush about him forever...suffice it to say he drew in the Raymond/magazine style used by Williamson and the two are often confused. McWilliams had done work for other Transportation Workers projects, so I'm guessing when the book was reprinted Williamson wasn't available and they asked McW to do a new cover.

[crashryan]

Jimmm's comment about Cliff Merritt wagging his finger points up an interesting challenge in drawing sponsored comics. Unlike regular comics the characters in sponsored comics spend a lot of time lecturing one another.  What do the people do while all the talking is going on? The two favorites seem to be wagging a finger to make a point and waving in the direction of some supporting evidence like a chart. For listeners the definite favorite is stroking the chin.The artist could add interest to a conversation by giving the speakers bits of business to do, like pouring coffee or making a sandwich. But I could see a client objecting  ("Why's this guy pouring coffee? This story isn't about coffee!"). I bet that's why pipe smoking used to be popular in comics--it gave a speaker something to do with his hands while talking.