
Stalker was another fantasy book that DC released to great ballyhoo in mid '75, only to last a mere 4 issues. It was one of the first professional sales of fan turned pro Paul Levitz ( who, of course, later became top banana at DC ), and like Atlas' The Destructor, was yet another masterful collaboration between Steve Ditko & Wally Wood.
Unlike most of the other sword & sorcery strips released in the wake of Conan, Stalker wasn't just another hack n' slash epic, but something a little different, a little stranger.
As opposed to every other fantasy hero, Stalker isn't after revenge for the murder of his family or tribe, but is trying to make up for the One Big Mistake he made which ruined everything.
It's also a great costume, simultaneously suggesting Robin Hood and a demonic court jester.
In terms of the art, Steve & Wally are on top form on this lost classic. Woody was always more into the fairy tale kind of fantasy anyway, and though seeing a Ditko Conan would've been wild, I doubt it would've suited his style as much as this did.
If I tell you any more, it'll just spoil it, so here's the brilliant first issue.
















