GASPAR SALADINO in FROM BEYOND THE UNKNOWN

All images © DC Comics. FROM BEYOND THE UNKNOWN #1, Oct-Nov 1969

This title was created to reprint stories from the DC science fiction titles MYSTERY IN SPACE and STRANGE ADVENTURES, each of which had run for over ten years as anthologies from the early 1950s to the early 1960s under editor Julius Schwartz. The covers were the only new thing, and many were lettered by Gaspar Saladino. I think the top line, which was also on later issues, is headline type. The caption is by Gaspar. The caption layout has too much extra white space, something Saladino was still working to perfect.

FROM BEYOND THE UNKNOWN #4, April-May 1970

The caption on this cover has a much better layout, and the large word balloon is effective too.

FROM BEYOND THE UNKNOWN #5, June-July 1970

There’s lots of fine Saladino lettering on this cover, including a top line specific to the issue, and effective sign lettering.

FROM BEYOND THE UNKNOWN #8, Dec 1970-Jan 1971

This cover suggests a science fiction anthology rather than a comic. Much of the text is typeset, with only the large words in the side banner and the balloons by Saladino.

FROM BEYOND THE UNKNOWN #10, April-May 1971

This cover is much the same, but the large words at the left have been redone to make them bolder. Gaspar’s rough balloon edges add interest and energy.

FROM BEYOND THE UNKNOWN #16, April-May 1972

Here the typeset in the side banner is gone and it’s all Saladino lettering, which I find more interesting. Look at the variety of styles he used!

FROM BEYOND THE UNKNOWN #19, Oct-Nov 1972

As the page count decreased, the stories did too, leaving more room for Gaspar’s creative lettering in the side banner.

FROM BEYOND THE UNKNOWN #21, Feb-March 1973

More creative style choices by Saladino on this cover, and icy letters in the word balloon.

To sum up, these covers have lettering by Gaspar: 1-12, 14, 16-21, 23-25, a total of 22. More articles in this series and others you might like are on the COMICS CREATION page of my blog.

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