BRONZE AGE MINUTE: A Selection of Fictional Narratives by Dennis Fujitake

Fantagraphics © by Gary Groth and Dennis Fujitake; 1971
Cover by Dennis Fujitake

Title: “The Pearl”
Synopsis: A barbarian type named Skut fights some mutants, hooks up with a woman and seeks the Pearl Without Price.

Writer: Dennis Fujitake
Artist: Fujitake

Review: One of the earliest releases from future alternative-comics powerhouse Fantagraphics, this magazine-sized one-shot showcases two tales by popular fan artist Dennis Fujitake. His stylish black and white art is clearly inspired by Frank Frazetta and reminiscent of early Jeff Jones. The simple story is fun but indebted to popular fantasy tropes.

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Title: “A Better Choice”
Synopsis: In a post-apocalyptic future, two men and one woman remain. The tension is obvious, but things take an unexpected turn.

Writer: Dennis Fujitake
Artist: Fujitake

Review: The art is a little rougher on this second story, but its narrative twists make this the stronger piece.

Grade (for the entire issue): A-

Cool factor: Two fun stories with above-average art in a very early Fantagraphics comic. Yeah. That’s pretty cool!

Notable: Also includes a frontispiece and inside back cover cartoon by Fujitake.

Character quotable: “I know neither of you want to share me, but we can settle it in a more civilized manner.” – The last woman on Earth

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