Neither rain, nor sleet nor snow shall stop Friday Night Fights. Unfortunately, the Fortress is currently sweating out a 100-degree heatwave!

So, it looks like no post …

Huh? Bahlactus, the urban god who eats suns for breakfast, has commanded we stop whining and get into the ring like a #$#%#$@ man?

Sigh … ok.

This week, we call upon Basil Wolverton’s Powerhouse Pepper - a rather dim-witted good-guy who has a knack for rhyme and a killer uppercut to boot.

It seems the friendly neighborhood atomic power plant has been sabotaged, and there’s only one man who can save the day …

Powerhouse … aww, you know who we’re talking about.

And just in case you feel our hero is devoid of compassion …

So bet on Powerhouse in a fight, because things will always turn out right!

…

OK, so we really can’t bust a rhyme, as all the hepcats say these days.

From now on The Keeper will leave the sweet science of hip-hop lyricism - as well as everything else that is cool - to the all-powerful Bahlactus!

We heard an interesting conversation between two high school students today at Borders. Here’s how it went, more or less …

• Teen 1: Glances through latest volume of Fruits Basket
• Teen 2 : “It takes me a lot longer to read manga than American comics.”
• Teen 1: “Why?”
• Teen 2: “I think it’s because the words are so much more meaningful. I even read all those little notes they put in the stories.”
• Teen 1: “Yeah. I do that too.”

Well … whaddya think of that Messrs. Bendis & Morrison?

As the above portrait of Supergirl demonstrates, Gene Colan has the unique ability to capture the heroic essence of brightly colored gods and goddesses along with the down-to-earth reality of everyday life.

The Maid of Might has seldom looked more beautiful or regal, yet the awed bystanders look no different than the average person found walking down any city street.

Paired with his knack for creating slightly Gothic moods in the most common of settings, it’s no wonder Colan has captured the imagination of so many fans.

Yet even though many (rightly) point to his stellar work on super-hero and horror titles in the ’60s and ’70s as among the very best the genres ever offered, Colan’s way with a pencil and pen actually extends all the way back to the Golden Age.

Colan worked for several publishers in the pre-Code era, including St. John, Fiction House and Atlas (the fly-by-night successor to Timely). He illustrated stories covering numerous genres, but as fans of Dr. Strange, Night Force and Tomb of Dracula can verify, Colan’s skills are especially suited to horror.

The following story, entitled “The Dark Tunnel,” is taken from Atlas Comics’ Mystery Tales #1. Although Colan’s work on the tale does betray a Milton Caniff influence, the use of shadows and close-ups to evoke a dark, sinister aura shows the artist had already found his own style.

But a picture is truly worth a thousand words, so why not see for yourself?

Good creepy fun, but the art definitely makes the story more effective in this instance.

Now that Mr. Colan is ill, it’s more important than ever for fans to let the artist and his family know how much his work has been appreciated over the years. The Colans are having a difficult time meeting medical expenses, and Journalista offers ways readers can help.

Marvel has also reportedly been contacted, and we truly hope the company does the right thing in this matter. This is an opportunity for comics fans and corporations to demonstrate they do care for the medium’s founding fathers.

EDIT: We’re very happy to learn that Marvel has committed to aiding Gene Colan and his family meet their overwhelming medical expenses. Creators and fans alike have also rushed in to provide whatever help possible.

The latest details, and ways you can help, are available at http://www.thecliffordmethod.blogspot.com .

In a society where people think often think solely of their own needs, it’s wonderful to see the comics community unite to help one of its own.

We are very sad to hear the great Gene Colan is seriously ill.

The Keeper has long admired the artist’s work and is thankful for many, many great moments Mr. Colan has provided this reader in such comics as Daredevil, Howard The Duck, Tomb of Dracula, Batman and countless others.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Colan’s family during this difficult time.

Johnny Boo by James Kochalka

Based upon what the Fortress Family saw on Free Comic-Book Day, Johnny Boo just may be the most fun book we’ll read this year.

Take that, Final Crisis and Secret Invasion!