Solson Publications


Solson Publications is a New York-based black-and-white comic book publisher active in the 1980s. The company was founded in 1985 by Gary Brodsky, the son of long-time Marvel Comics executive Sol Brodsky ; the name of the company was derived from Brodsky's name: "Sol's son" = Solson. Solson specialized in low-budget, derivative black-and-white comics designed to capitalize on trends in the direct market, including martial arts and ninja-themed stories. Industry veteran Rich Buckler served as editor, contributing artwork and overseeing production of many of the company’s titles.
The company's first published title was 1985's How to Draw Comics Comic, by Allan J. Fromberg, with art samples by John Byrne and John Romita Jr.. Many of Solson's titles were connected with, or spoofs of, Eastman and Laird's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. One of Solson's most notorious titles was Reagan's Raiders, which featured then-U.S. president Ronald Reagan and members of his cabinet as costumed adventurers in the mold of Nick Fury and his Howling Commandos. The company also published a number of how-to books on various aspects of the comics industry, many featuring art by Buckler. Solson was active in the years 1986–1987 and then went dormant. Some contributors later reported instances of non-payment for completed work. Solson’s output is often cited as representative of the speculative black-and-white comics boom of the mid-1980s.
In 1997, the company re-emerged with a series of how-to books by Gary Brodsky and Albert Occhino, many related to erotic art. The company went defunct again after 1999.

Titles published: 1980s

Comics series

Amazing WahzooBlackmoonThe Bushido Blade of Zatoichi Walrus Codename: Ninja Escape to the Stars vol. 2, #1 — by Philip Hwang and James E. Lyle; continuing series started in 1983 by Infinity Visual Productions and continued by Visionary GraphicsIron MaidensLeonardo, written by Peter Brody, with art by Jason Rodgers, Cathy Orlando, and Rich Buckler Ninjutsu: Art of the Ninja Reagan's Raiders, by Monroe Arnold and Rich Buckler Rock HeadsSamurai Funnies Santeria: The ReligionScreamSolson Christmas Special: Samurai Santa, written by Philip Clarke Jr., pencils by Don Secrease, and inks by Jim Lee Solson's Comic Talent Starsearch Sultry Teenage Super-Foxes Those Crazy PeckersThe Three StoogesT.H.U.N.D.E.R. by Michael Sawyer, James Lyle, and Ron Wilber — a futuristic version of the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents

Instructional titles

Titles published: 1990s

Comics series

  • ''The Best of Nightmare and Psycho''

''Gary and Al Present'' series

By Gary Brodsky and Albert Occhino unless otherwise noted.The Art of Drawing Animania The Fine Art of Drawing Pornography by How to Draw Adult Anime How to Draw Aliens How to Draw Erotic Art How to Draw Erotic Witches and Vampy VampiresHow to Draw Fantasy Art How to Draw Fetish Art: the Ultimate In Sensuality How to Draw Girls in Every Style How to Draw Halloween Girls, by Gary Brodsky and Albert Occhino, with art by Rich Buckler How to Draw Heads Every Which Way How to Draw Heavenly Bodies How to Draw Robots, Cyborgs & Androids by Albert Brodsky, Gary Brodsky, and Albert Occhino How to Draw Sexy Women, by Gary Brodsky, Naser Subashi, Susan Van Der Veer, Emiel Maas, Gus Vazquez, Steve Ellis, and Louis Small, Jr. How to Draw Sexy Women: The Comic
  • ''How to Draw Spaceships and Futuristic Stuff''