The latest version of the story of "Moses" (the 6th time the BOYS' LIFE series had covered the material) continued all the way through 1979. The first 2 installments are entirely graphic, no illustrations at all, something the series had not done for some years.
I've read at Frank Bolle's website that he did work for BOYS' LIFE from 1978-1996 on various features, including the BIBLE. Although I've usually taken note of changes in artists by differences in styles, in this case, the April 1979 installment was the FIRST time I've seen an artist's SIGNATURE on one of these-- albeit done rather sneakily-- since January 1964!!! The April 1979 installment also happens to be the first one since May 1971-- and then September 1967 before that-- with an individual title listed (even if the new ones tend to feel more like a "description" than an actual "title").
I've had a growing suspicion that Al Stenzel was the one who decided to eliminate artists' names or signatures, from the time he took over the BL comics section account from Johnstone & Cushing. As it happens, Stenzel passed away sometime in 1979 (BOYS' LIFE printed a memorial page in the September 1979 issue). I suppose change was once more in the air.
As mentioned before, I've discovered while putting this series together at my blog that the versions of the stories written in the late 70's continued to be reused VERBATIM for the next 20 years! (Somebody in editorial had clearly gotten lazy.)
By the way, from April-December I've been able to spot Frank Bolle's signature (FWB)... except in the July & August installments. Can anyone spot his signature, or was it left out (or whited out) on those?
Story by (??) / Art by (??)
BOYS' LIFE / January 1979
BOYS' LIFE / April 1979
Copyright (C) BOY'S LIFE Magazine
Restorations by Henry Kujawa
Read the Bob LeRose page at Wikipedia
Read about the history of Johnstone & Cushing at the Hogan's Alley site
Visit Frank Bolle's website!
See a collection of Frank Bolle's TIM HOLT covers at this very blog!
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