Art For Art’s Sake #65: The Not So Summer Special

As we get further into summer, things aren’t looking all that good. And that probably includes your haircut. But never mind, settle down… it’s time for another look at the joy of comic art – it’s Art For Art’s Sake…
I used to love summer specials – those comics were the perfect examples of summers gone past, the long, long summers to be enjoyed in that endless period between finishing one school year and starting another, where it was all bikes, mates, 1p/2p/5p mixes from the sweet shop (how much depends on your particular age), and sunshine.
AND COMICS…
Charlie Grigg – Dandy Summer Special 1969

Dudley Watkins – Beano Summer Special 1967

Reg Parlett – Buster Holiday Fun Special, 1969

Mike Western – Valiant and Smash Summer Special 1971

(Cheers to Lew Stringer and his excellent blog Blimey for the covers and the artists of the last 4)
Robert Nixon…

Warrior Summer Special 1982 (okay, it was really issue 4) – cover by Steve Dillon

Gumby’s Summer Fun Special – cover by Art Adams

Ian Kennedy – Victor Summer Special 1975

The Mighty World of Marvel – Summer Special 1983, cover by Gary Leach

1980 Lion Summer Special – cover by Garry Leach and Mike McMahon

Phil Gascoine – Jinty Holiday Special 1980

Captain Britain Summer Special 1981 – John Byrne cover…

John K Snyder – Fashion in Action Summer Special…

Amanda Connor…

The Spirit #7 – Summer 2007 – Darwyn Cooke art…

Tammy & Jinty Specials 2019 … Lisa Henke cover…

Mike Collins cover…

2000 AD Sci-Fi Special 1983 – Ron Smith

2000 AD Sci-Fi Special 2018 – Tula Lotay