Wood's "Hindu", published in Panic 4 (August-September 1954), satirized the Western film Hondo (1953) with John Wayne and Geraldine Page. Hondo was based on the Louis L'Amour short story "The Gift of Cochise," published in Collier's (July 1952). On the right is a Wood sketch drawn years later. Based on the notes, Wood was evidently thinking of doing another one of his tales for an adult audience. Wayne's basic pose repeats in all four of these images. Note the subtle way in which Wood gave a slight torso tilt and lowered one shoulder. If you compare this with the poster and still, you can see the difference. Studying this, I realized that Wood had been attempting to illustrate the way Wayne walked. In addition to the simulation of 3D, Wood had challenged himself to draw single-frame animation!
© WMG
© Wood Estate
© WMG 
Real gone, daddio.
ReplyDeleteI think it's time for an Art of Wallace Wood book, with reproductions shot from the originals.
ReplyDeleteWhat ever happened to that file cabinet full of Wood art that survived a fire?
To Vince M.,
ReplyDeleteThe file of original art that survived my fire in 2004 still exists and is comprised mostly of Wood's childhood artwork. His genius was evident even before he entered his teens. Among thousands of pieces are many amazing drawings, some only a couple of inches square, very detailed, in full color!
The publishers TwoMorrows, Fantagraphics and Vanguard have passed on the idea. Can you recommend any other publishers who might be interested in such a book?