Ditkoverse; crowdfunded

While he’s certainly more widely known for co-creating Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, or even for his work on other Marvel, DC, and even Charlton titles, Steve Ditko’s creator-owned Mr. A earned him an additional special place in the hearts of his fellow artists. The visually striking character first appeared Wally Wood’s witzend #3 (1967) and then sporadically over the years, but you’ll find sketches, pin-up or commissions of Mr. A in the portfolios of many other creators.

Clad only in white with a matching fedora, and offering half black, half white calling cards, Mr. A is the crimefighting persona of reporter Rex Graine. The character is a visual representation of the dividing line between good and evil, one that leaves no morally ambiguous gray area.

Under the Ditkoverse umbrella, Ditko’s nephew, Mark, has unleashed new printings – and at least one first printing – of some wonderful material. Steve Ditko’s Mr. A: The Lost Adventures #1 has to be considered chief among the initial offerings.

Beautifully colored by Ditko collaborator Mort Todd, this issue contains the first Mr. A stories ever intended from the outset to be produced in color. The colors flow beautifully on the crisp white paper, and Todd’s lettering makes this issue the perfect one with which to introduce new readers to the character. Bold, clear, and accessible, it’s almost stunning how well it fits into the discussion of contemporary popular culture and society.

Which isn’t to say there’s no action. In fact, there’s plenty (It wouldn’t be Mr. A without it). Congratulations to Mark Ditko and Mort Todd for getting this to the public. Personally, I can’t wait for the next two issues!

– J.C. Vaughn