187 – Whiz Comics No. 20

My Dad’s birthday is today, born on August 6, 1941, making him 70 years old. While my Dad and I share similar (negative) personality traits, we don’t have much in common, and our relationship isn’t the best. It’s not bad by any means, and I’m fairly certain that whatever is keeping us from being closer is pretty much all due to me and whatever keeps my brain from functioning correctly.

But he’s my Dad, and I love him. He’s never not been there for me when I’ve needed him, and he’s always done his best for me and my family. He may be a cranky, curmudgeonly stubborn, impatient nut for plans and detail, but so am I, and I hope that when I grow up, I have the ability to provide for a family the way he did.

I don’t know if he will appreciate this, I’m not sure if he will like it or get it, but today’s drawing is his birthday present. The original drawing is 10 x 15, framed, black and white art. I can’t remember the last time I bought a birthday present for him, or even my Mom, but 70 is a big milestone, and a gift seems appropriate. Sadly, I’m a broke bastard, but I can draw a picture when needed.

The drawing is a recreation/reinterpretation of Whiz Comics No. 20, the original seen below. I wanted to redraw a comic cover that was published in the month he was born. Golden Age covers are either incredibly simple or just plain bizarre and busy. Whiz # 20 was the best one I could find, even though I can’t understand a single thing happening in the background of the original. I’m also aware that Captain Marvel was not originally published by DC Comics, but I don’t care. I like adding modern trade dressing to old covers when I do recreations.

Anyway, even though he won’t ever read this (and he better not), Happy Birthday, Dad, and many more.