Walt and Skeezix: Book Four: 1927-1928 (Walt & Skeezix)
After a delay of more than two years, the series collecting King’s long-running newspaper strip Gasoline Alley returns. The centerpiece is a suspenseful sequence in which a wealthy European aristocrat kidnaps Skeezix—the foundling left on Walt Wallet’s doorstep six years earlier—claiming to be the child’s natural father, culminating in a courtroom custody battle. But even more compelling is the homespun charm of the episodes that quietly portray the everyday domestic life of Walt; his new wife, Phyllis; and their endearing youngster. King’s drawing is simple but effective; it would fully blossom in the years to come, particularly in his elaborate Sunday pages. --Gordon Flagg