Skywald Publications emerges as a prominent American publisher of black-and-white comic magazines, operating from 1970 to 1975. Stepping into the past, one witnesses their notable contributions to the world of comics, particularly through their horror anthologies Nightmare, Psycho, and Scream. Alongside these chilling collections, Skywald also releases a small line of comic books and genre magazines, captivating readers of diverse interests.
During this era, Skywald's original comics bear a striking resemblance in appearance and quality to their rival black-and-white publisher, Warren Publishing. In fact, they even share a pool of talented creators, fostering an overlap between the two entities. Many renowned writers contribute to the gripping narratives found within Skywald's magazines, including T. Casey Brennan, Gerry Conway, Steve Englehart, Gardner Fox, Gary Friedrich, Doug Moench, Dave Sim, Len Wein, and Marv Wolfman. Their names become synonymous with captivating storytelling. Accompanying these gripping tales are the artistic works of notable illustrators like Rich Buckler, Gene Day, Vince Colletta, Bill Everett, Bruce Jones, Pablo Marcos, Syd Shores, Chic Stone, and Tom Sutton. It is worth mentioning that some of these artists, in addition to their contributions to Skywald, employ pseudonyms when working with rival Warren Publishing, further adding an air of intrigue to their creations.
A significant moment in Skywald's history arrives with the introduction of future industry star, John Byrne. In August 1974, the talented artist showcases his first professional story in the pages of Skywald's Nightmare #20. The two-pager, written by editor Al Hewetson, serves as a promising debut for the budding talent.
As time passes, Skywald Publications leaves a lasting impact on the realm of black-and-white comics. From their enthralling horror anthologies to their collaboration with esteemed creators, they solidify their place in comic history. Looking back, Skywald remains a captivating window into the past, offering unforgettable tales of horror, suspense, and imagination to those who seek them.
