Bishop2Knight wrote:
So prior to EC, artists could get away with...what, sloppy, inconsistent art?

How did EC tighten up the styles? Are you suggesting that the artists and editors at EC made sure that the art was more consistent across panels, so that a character looked like the same person across panels? Or are you suggesting something more than that?

In what years did the transition from the story-driven, dialog heavy, "illustrated children's book" mentality make way for the artists actually start telling the story in tandem with the words? How did the styles themselves mature during this time?

[Wow, that's a lot of questions. Sorry. I'm just trying to learn for what to look for as I read these old comic to help educate myself. So believe me, I appreciate the comments.
So many misunderstandings here, I don't know where to start, but I'm sure others can help.