Sequart Organization » Jack Kirby

Panther’s Range: The History of the Black Panther Prior to Christopher Priest

Michael Hoskin — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 15:24:27 +0000

The Black Panther was a ground-breaking character in his 1966 debut. From his first appearance onward, he was seldom absent for long from Marvel Comics publications, whether as a guest star or part of the… [more]

Free Sequart Book, Today Only, on Kickstarter

Julian Darius — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 13:03:01 +0000

To encourage pledges to the new Kickstarter for Lazarus, the Forever Man #1, we’re offering an incentive: a free PDF of our book analyzing Jack Kirby’s bizarre comics continuation of 2001: A Space Odyssey! The book is 90… [more]

The Fundamental Things Apply: A Brief Meditation on Reading Jack Kirby in 2017

Greg Carpenter — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 11:00:13 +0000

In times of stress, many of us look to the arts to help fill our emotional wells after they’ve gone dry. And right now, for me, Jack Kirby is like some kind of magical mountain spring. [more]

Design Sense: Steve Ditko’s “Jack” is an Ace Compared to Marvel’s

Stephen Sonneveld — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 16:30:02 +0000

Few images are as iconic in Western culture as the grinning gourds that populate our harvest festivals. Initially, such sturdy fruits made practical lanterns. The artistry of carving faces, and weaving religious and secular folklore… [more]

Julian Darius on The Weirdest Sci-Fi Comic Ever Made

Mike Phillips — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 18:00:19 +0000

The Weirdest Sci-Fi Comic Ever Made" title="Julian Darius on The Weirdest Sci-Fi Comic Ever Made" style="float:left;" />As part of its ongoing Patreon campaign, Sequart runs a Book/Movie of the Month Club. Patrons get a digital copy of a Sequart book or movie at the beginning of each month, and they’re invited… [more]

Independence: Now What?

Stuart Warren — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 11:00:21 +0000

It’s that time of year when all Americans contemplate the civil liberties they enjoy every day. That’s what Americans everywhere have to look forward to, right? But, for some reason, I can’t stop thinking about… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Sixteen

Ryan C. — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 11:00:08 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Sixteen" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Sixteen" style="float:left;" />So—what was that all about, then? I assure you, it’s hardly a rhetorical question—Jack Kirby’s eight-issue run on OMAC is stuffed to the gills (and well beyond) with concepts, themes, often-eerily-prescient prognostication, and deft societal… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed and Reconstructed, Part Fifteen

Ryan C. — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 12:00:47 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed and Reconstructed, Part Fifteen" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed and Reconstructed, Part Fifteen" style="float:left;" />Sometimes, friends, it seems like OMAC is a comic that can’t win no matter how hard it tries. Fans of Jack Kirby’s original eight-issue run didn’t like how it ended, while readers who weren’t fans… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Fourteen

Ryan C. — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 12:00:17 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Fourteen" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Fourteen" style="float:left;" />After the original OMAC series ended with a literal—if too-goddamn-tidy-for-its-own-good—bang in 1975, all was quiet in “The World That’s Coming!” for a couple of years, but one should never underestimate DC’s ability to milk a… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Thirteen

Ryan C. — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 12:00:03 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Thirteen" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Thirteen" style="float:left;" />It’s panic time! When last we left “The World That’s Coming!,” OMAC had reverted to the form of his human alter-ego, Buddy Blank, who had no knowledge of where he was or how he got… [more]

“…Of Past Times and Beginnings. Before The Before.”: The Multiversity Guidebook #1 Maps and Legends

Dave Whittaker — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 12:00:54 +0000

The Multiversity Guidebook #1 Maps and Legends" title="“…Of Past Times and Beginnings. Before The Before.”: The Multiversity Guidebook #1 Maps and Legends" style="float:left;" />One of the things that appeals to me most about comics is the breadth, depth and scope of their world building. Their longevity far outweighing that of say even the most consistently broadcast of television… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Twelve

Ryan C. — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 12:00:57 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Twelve" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Twelve" style="float:left;" />Before we get into the beginning of the end here, I suppose we’d better talk about that cover first. Yeah, it’s not by Kirby. In fact, I’m willing to bet that even if his distinctive… [more]

The Amazing Adventures of “Stan” and “Jack”: Michael Chabon’s “Citizen Conn”

Greg Carpenter — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 12:00:23 +0000

A couple of years ago, Michael Chabon gave a reading at our local library. He was promoting a new novel, Telegraph Avenue, and the auditorium was packed. Given my academic background, I’ve had to attend… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Eleven

Ryan C. — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 12:00:24 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Eleven" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Eleven" style="float:left;" />Jack Kirby created many – some would even argue most – of the iconic villains in comic book history. The list of Kirby rogues is a long and distinguished one, a veritable “Bad Guy Hall… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Ten

Ryan C. — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 12:00:17 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Ten" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Ten" style="float:left;" />I suppose if we were in the business of drawing parallels – which, I’m reliably informed, is something that comic book critics and scholars (whether or not I fit into either category, much less both… [more]

The Super-Heroics of Miller and Moore Part 7: Legacy

James Kelly — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 18:00:37 +0000

Alan Moore and Frank Miller’s Impact on Comics Commercially The legacy and influence an artist has on all who follow him/her is always surprising. Some artists take a great work as an inspiration to try… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Nine

Ryan C. — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 12:00:20 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Nine" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Nine" style="float:left;" />Immortality. It’s the big enchilada, isn’t it? The whole ball of wax. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The one thing that will probably be forever out of our grasp. And… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Eight

Ryan C. — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 12:00:00 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Eight" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Eight" style="float:left;" />What a difference an issue makes! If you’ll recall (and I promise it’s true even if you don’t recall), the super-satellite Brother Eye was noticeable only for “his” absence in issue three of Jack Kirby’s… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed and Reconstructed, Part Seven

Ryan C. — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 12:00:48 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed and Reconstructed, Part Seven" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed and Reconstructed, Part Seven" style="float:left;" />Wow, the cover text sure promises a lot this time around, doesn’t it? “Movies In Which We Live!,” ”Parents Picked By Computer!,” and finally—“A Task Force Of–A Hundred-Thousand Foes!” How, exactly, are you supposed to… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Six

Ryan C. — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 11:00:22 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Six" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Six" style="float:left;" />The cover for OMAC #2 lays things bare – “In The Era Of The ‘Super Rich’ – Mister Big Can ‘Rent A City’ For Assassination!” And while, admittedly, this may have sounded a bit far-fetched… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium! : Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Five

Ryan C. — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 11:00:55 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Five" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium! : Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Five" style="float:left;" />Hey, look! It’s our “girl” from the cover—and apparently she’s got a name and everything! Dear readers, allow me—by way of Jack Kirby, of course—to introduce you to Lila, a manufactured “Build-A-Friend” that comes our… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Four

Ryan C. — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 20:00:20 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Four" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Four" style="float:left;" />“Man, that cover scared the shit out of me when I was a kid!” You have no idea how many times I’ve heard or read various iterations of that same statement made in regards to… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Three

Ryan C. — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 17:00:05 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Three" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed And Reconstructed, Part Three" style="float:left;" />It occurs to me that, before we dive too deeply into the contents of the first issue of OMAC, a brief overview of our title character’s “civilian” identity of Buddy Blank might be in order,… [more]

On Jack Kirby’s Bizarre 2001: A Space Odyssey Adaptation and Continuation

Mike Phillips — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 11:00:55 +0000

2001: A Space Odyssey Adaptation and Continuation" title="On Jack Kirby’s Bizarre 2001: A Space Odyssey Adaptation and Continuation" style="float:left;" />In May 2013, Sequart began its second themed week with Sci-Fi Week. For it, Sequart’s founder, Julian Darius, planned something fairly ambitious: a 12,000-word analysis of Jack Kirby’s wonderfully bizarre adaptation and continuation of 2001:… [more]

Re-Entering the Garden: Late Mythic Work in Jack Kirby’s Devil Dinosaur

Tom Miller — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 11:00:52 +0000

Devil Dinosaur" title="Re-Entering the Garden: Late Mythic Work in Jack Kirby’s Devil Dinosaur" style="float:left;" />To understand the reverence in which Jack Kirby is held by (much of) the comics culture, one need only look to the title of Mark Evanier’s biography of the artist, Kirby: King of Comics. Or… [more]

New Gods and Old Soldiers: Kirby in the ’70s

Rocko Jerome — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 11:00:59 +0000

To put it simply, it’s impossible to imagine comic books existing in their modern form without Jack Kirby. It’s hard to fathom what Marvel Comics at their inception and heyday might’ve been like without Jack… [more]

“The Wholeness That’s Way Too Big”: Imagining the Sublime With Kant, Derrida, and Jack Kirby

Paul Jaissle — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 11:00:47 +0000

Since I earned my master’s degree in art and philosophy, it may be unsurprising that two of the most dog-eared books on my shelf are Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Judgment and The Truth in Painting… [more]

Jack Kirby and His Pal Darkseid

Stuart Warren — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 11:00:49 +0000

Jack Kirby is among the greats in comic book culture, not for his creations really, but for his signature tone that set the stage for what would become modern comicbooking. His antiquated writing style, outlandish… [more]

No Country for Old Men: Jack Kirby, The Hunger Dogs, and the Modern Age of Comics

Greg Carpenter — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 11:00:09 +0000

The Hunger Dogs, and the Modern Age of Comics" title="No Country for Old Men: Jack Kirby, The Hunger Dogs, and the Modern Age of Comics" style="float:left;" />Jack Kirby’s a great artist. He just can’t draw very well. –Anonymous comics fan Okay, so it was me. I’m not proud of it, but that “anonymous” quote was something I actually said a few… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed and Reconstructed, Part Two

Ryan C. — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 17:00:18 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed and Reconstructed, Part Two" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium!: Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed and Reconstructed, Part Two" style="float:left;" />15 pages a week — written, penciled, and edited. Think about that for a minute. That’s the number that Jack Kirby’s fairly-lucrative-for-its-time DC contract called for when he created the concept of the One-Man Army… [more]

It’s Jack Kirby Week at Sequart!

Julian Darius — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 11:00:32 +0000

In celebration of what would have been Jack Kirby’s 97th birthday on 28 August, Sequart will be publishing content related to Kirby all this week. Sequart uses themed weeks as a way of celebrating popular… [more]

A Sandman Miscellany: Sandman Overture #3 Review

Stuart Warren — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 19:00:02 +0000

Sandman Miscellany: Sandman Overture #3 Review" title="A Sandman Miscellany: Sandman Overture #3 Review" style="float:left;" />Written by: Neil Gaiman Art by: J.H. Williams, III Cover by: J.H. Williams, III Dave McKean Variant Cover by: J.H. Williams, III Dave McKean Since its genesis in the long distant past of December 2013,… [more]

Oh, My Aching Cranium! Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed and Reconstructed, Part One

Ryan C. — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 19:00:34 +0000

OMAC Deconstructed and Reconstructed, Part One" title="Oh, My Aching Cranium! Jack Kirby’s OMAC Deconstructed and Reconstructed, Part One" style="float:left;" />If there’s one work by the King of Comics that polarizes his legion of fans, it’s his short-lived 1974 DC series OMAC. Appearing to take place in a future universe all its own (as was… [more]

I Read an Old and Valuable Comic… And Liked It

Ian Dawe — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 11:00:08 +0000

I was recently reading my tattered paperback copy of Bester’s The Stars My Destination for a future article and happened to check on when this very beat-up book was released. It turns out that I… [more]

2010: The Year We Make Contact: An Adaptation of an Adaptation

Ian Dawe — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 17:00:35 +0000

2010: The Year We Make Contact: An Adaptation of an Adaptation" title="2010: The Year We Make Contact: An Adaptation of an Adaptation" style="float:left;" />For those who, like me, are longtime readers of Science Fiction, we’re very familiar that classic literature in this genre falls into a few recognizable categories. In general, either it’s concerned with plausible technology and… [more]

In Praise of Bad Batman

Greg Carpenter — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 12:00:26 +0000

“Bless me Father Jack, for I have sinned. It’s been . . . well, this is my first confession. Actually, I’m not even Catholic.” Father Jack puffed on a cigar and squinted. “Well, this ain’t… [more]

On Canons, Critics, Consensus, and Comics, Part 3

Greg Carpenter — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 18:00:57 +0000

This week marks the final installment of our search for a comics canon. As I mentioned in the first column, I recently conducted a survey of the people who contribute to Sequart. A total of 25… [more]

On Canons, Critics, Consensus, and Comics, Part 2

Greg Carpenter — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:00:35 +0000

As I explained in last week’s column, I recently asked my fellow Sequart contributors to answer the following question: “What are the 10 greatest works in the history of the comics medium, and who are the… [more]

Who is Don Blake?

Paul O'Connor — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 12:00:41 +0000

Thor returns to cinemas this week, in the second installment of an improbably successful film franchise that has made Chris Hemsworth into a worldwide movie star and familiarized millions with the titular norse thunder god.… [more]

How “Tales of Asgard” Changed Everything

Julian Darius — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:00:17 +0000

In Journey into Mystery #83 (Aug 1962), Donald Blake finds a magical walking stick that transforms him into Thor. It’s a rather inauspicious beginning. In that first story, Thor fights stone-skinned aliens, who simply land… [more]

Where Are All the Jack Kirby-Inspired Films or Television Shows?

Robert McLaughlin — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 11:00:51 +0000

Jack Kirby is seen by comic readers as one of the most creative, recognizable and iconic creators of our time, influencing not only the medium of comics but also work that has inspired music, art… [more]

Imperialistic Themes in the Galactus Triology

Mark Ginocchio — Thu, 30 May 2013 11:00:13 +0000

The first appearance of the cosmic entity Galactus in Fantastic Four #48 in 1966 is marked by a simple, yet ominous declaration: “This planet [Earth] shall sustain me until it has been drained of all… [more]

On The Weirdest Sci-Fi Comic Ever Made, the Book on Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey

Julian Darius — Sun, 26 May 2013 22:00:46 +0000

The Weirdest Sci-Fi Comic Ever Made, the Book on Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey" title="On The Weirdest Sci-Fi Comic Ever Made, the Book on Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey" style="float:left;" />It’s been a pleasure to write about Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey here at Sequart, especially as part of its Sci-Fi Week event. It’s also my pleasure to announce that all of this material is… [more]

Jack Kirby Vs. Arthur C. Clarke: A Tale of Two 2001 Continuations

Julian Darius — Sat, 25 May 2013 23:00:48 +0000

2001 Continuations" title="Jack Kirby Vs. Arthur C. Clarke: A Tale of Two 2001 Continuations" style="float:left;" />Having introduced Jack Kirby’s 2001, looked at his adaptation of the film, and looked at the first few issues of his continuation, let’s look at his continuation of that film — and how it contrasts… [more]

On Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey Continuation, Part 2

Julian Darius — Fri, 24 May 2013 23:00:35 +0000

2001: A Space Odyssey Continuation, Part 2" title="On Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey Continuation, Part 2" style="float:left;" />Having introduced Jack Kirby’s 2001, and looked at his adaptation of the film and the first issue of his bizarre continuation, let’s continue examining one of the oddest sci-fi comics in history. Issue #2: Vira… [more]

On Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey Continuation

Julian Darius — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:00:14 +0000

2001: A Space Odyssey Continuation" title="On Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey Continuation" style="float:left;" />Having introduced Jack Kirby’s 2001, and looked at his adaptation of the film, let’s look at his continuation of that film. Kirby’s continuation of 2001 is nothing short of flabbergasting. It shouldn’t exist. It’s so… [more]

On Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey Adaptation (Part 2)

Julian Darius — Wed, 22 May 2013 23:00:30 +0000

2001: A Space Odyssey Adaptation (Part 2)" title="On Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey Adaptation (Part 2)" style="float:left;" />Continuing an examination of Jack Kirby’s adaptation of 2001: A Space Odyssey begun here. Kirby’s more successful at other points in this chapter, and he seems to thrive on the conflict in this section of… [more]

On Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey Adaptation

Julian Darius — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:00:08 +0000

2001: A Space Odyssey Adaptation" title="On Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey Adaptation" style="float:left;" />Introduced yesterday. Before Jack Kirby continued the story of 2001, he adapted the film into a 70-page comic. Although the comic adapts the film — it uses Jupiter, for example, whereas the novel used Saturn… [more]

On Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey

Julian Darius — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:00:03 +0000

2001: A Space Odyssey" title="On Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey" style="float:left;" />Jack Kirby’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is surely one of the strangest sci-fi franchise comics ever published. For one thing, the comic appeared in 1976, eight years after the 1968 film debuted. Most other sci-fi… [more]

The Older Generation’s Farewell: The Hunger Dogs (Part 4)

Peter Sanderson — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:00:40 +0000

The Hunger Dogs (Part 4)" title="The Older Generation’s Farewell: The Hunger Dogs (Part 4)" style="float:left;" />As Jack Kirby’s The Hunger Dogs draws to its close, the arcs of two of its major characters, Orion and Esak, are resolved, as shown in the previous installment. Then, Kirby moves the action of… [more]

The Lighter Seid of the Dark: Q&A with the Sovereign of Apokolips

Stuart Warren — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 12:00:15 +0000

Darkseid turned 42 years old this month but his unique Omega brand still gains attention to comic book aficionados and critics alike. The nature of the New God’s mythology was and still remains a novel… [more]

The Older Generation’s Farewell: The Hunger Dogs (Part 3)

Peter Sanderson — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 12:00:39 +0000

The Hunger Dogs (Part 3)" title="The Older Generation’s Farewell: The Hunger Dogs (Part 3)" style="float:left;" />As we have seen, in The Hunger Dogs, the graphic novel in which Jack Kirby resolved his “Fourth World” saga, Kirby’s optimistic vision of the early 1970s turned dark and ominous. The young, as represented… [more]

The Older Generation’s Farewell: The Hunger Dogs (Part 2)

Peter Sanderson — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:00:48 +0000

The Hunger Dogs (Part 2)" title="The Older Generation’s Farewell: The Hunger Dogs (Part 2)" style="float:left;" />From the start of Jack Kirby’s The Hunger Dogs, a new age had arrived. When Kirby’s original Fourth World series debuted, the Forever People were the primary representatives of the new, young generation. They were… [more]

The Older Generation’s Farewell: The Hunger Dogs (Part 1)

Peter Sanderson — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:00:58 +0000

The Hunger Dogs (Part 1)" title="The Older Generation’s Farewell: The Hunger Dogs (Part 1)" style="float:left;" />To examine how comics changed in 1986, we should begin by looking at what comics were like in 1985. From that year, I have chosen one particular significant work to explore: Jack Kirby’s The Hunger… [more]

On the Ethics of How and Why Hank Pym Created a Wasp (Part 2)

Colin Smith — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:00:11 +0000

By design and chance, Tales to Astonish #44 had presented a fledgling romance between Pym and Van Dyne which had the potential to constantly and plausibly generate both conflict and reconciliation over and over again.… [more]

On Stan Lee and H.E. Huntley’s the Wasp and Ant-Man (1963 to 1966)

Colin Smith — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:00:30 +0000

Suddenly, Ant-Man’s wife was dead. Killed by the Reds some years before, no less, and apparently with at the very least the connivance of the Hungarian branch of that fiendish Marxist-Leninist-Stalinist-Maoist ungodly, transnational conspiracy. There’d… [more]

Sharpening the Image: Rob Liefield’s Youngblood, the Man and the Comic that Started it All

Forrest Helvie — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:00:17 +0000

Youngblood, the Man and the Comic that Started it All" title="Sharpening the Image: Rob Liefield’s Youngblood, the Man and the Comic that Started it All" style="float:left;" />By many accounts, it was Rob Liefield who initiated talks about forming Image Comics and encouraged other rock star artists of the late 1980s and early 1990s into breaking away from the mainstream to form… [more]

“The Sleep of Reason”: Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing, Issue #25

Andrew Edwards — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:00:18 +0000

Swamp Thing, Issue #25" title="“The Sleep of Reason”: Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing, Issue #25" style="float:left;" />Saga of the Swamp Thing #25: “The Sleep of Reason” Cover date: June 1984 Writer: Alan Moore. Penciller: Steve Bissette. Inker: John Totleben. Letterer: John Costanza. Colorist: Tatjana Wood. Cover: Steve Bissette and John Totleben.… [more]

X-Men #1-19 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, et al (1963-66), Part 2

Colin Smith — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:00:19 +0000

X-Men #1-19 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, et al (1963-66), Part 2" title="X-Men #1-19 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, et al (1963-66), Part 2" style="float:left;" />In the wake of their first public appearance, the X-Men appear to have been briefly embraced by the American people. Having defeated Magneto’s attempt to seize the U.S. military base of “Cape Citadel”, Cyclops and… [more]

On Super Powers (second series), by Paul Kupperberg and Jack Kirby

Julian Darius — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 14:20:09 +0000

Super Powers (second series), by Paul Kupperberg and Jack Kirby" title="On Super Powers (second series), by Paul Kupperberg and Jack Kirby" style="float:left;" />The six-issue, second Super Powers mini-series from 1985, written by Paul Kupperberg, penciled by Jack Kirby, and inked by Greg Theakston, has been almost completely ignored by critics. All three Super Powers mini-series were produced… [more]

X-Men #1-19 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, et al (1963-66), Part 1

Colin Smith — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:00:18 +0000

X-Men #1-19 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, et al (1963-66), Part 1" title="X-Men #1-19 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, et al (1963-66), Part 1" style="float:left;" />In a profoundly reactionary society, even a gentle and sincere challenge to the status quo can be read as a significant marker of dissent. When that dissent is expressed in a medium and a form… [more]

On Iron Man in 1963, by Stan Lee, Don Heck, and Jack Kirby

Colin Smith — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:00:16 +0000

Why should we care about Tony Stark? More importantly, why should we pity him? The Reds have done for his heart, it’s true, and he can never remove the super-scientific chest plate that ensures that it keeps… [more]

On Joe Simon and Jack Kirby’s Captain America (1941)

Colin Smith — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:00:24 +0000

Captain America (1941)" title="On Joe Simon and Jack Kirby’s Captain America (1941)" style="float:left;" />1-2-3-4! Joe Simon and Jack Kirby’s “The Case of the Hollow Men” is punk super-heroics. Exuberant, gleeful, transgressive, rough-edged, snag-toothed, life-affirming, street, political, violent, fun. To read it again is to wonder what the super-hero… [more]

The Avengers Versus the Space Lizard Conspiracy

Mike Greear — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:00:09 +0000

May 4th was Avengers day here in the states, and I actually managed to see the film three times in the first 24 hours of its release. My entire day had nothing to do with… [more]

On Boys’ Ranch #1-3, by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon (1950)

Colin Smith — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:09 +0000

Boys’ Ranch #1-3, by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon (1950)" title="On Boys’ Ranch #1-3, by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon (1950)" style="float:left;" />In his Art of the Comic Book, R. C. Harvey offers Boys’ Ranch as an example of Jack Kirby having elevated comics into an “art form.” It’s a contention that it’d be entirely foolish to… [more]

Stan Lee, Presented (Part 3)

Gene Phillips — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:00:57 +0000

In Part 2 of this discussion of editor / writer Stan Lee’s contribution to the creative process in the era of Silver-Age Marvel Comics, I argued that Lee had done far more than just dialogue… [more]

Stan Lee, Presented

Gene Phillips — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:00:40 +0000

“A creative producer is very involved with the writing, even though he does not do the screenplay and is not the author of the original material. You work with the writer, you guide the writer,… [more]

Siri Ushers in the Era of the Digital Sidekick

Mike Greear — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:00:36 +0000

In a recent article for The Huffington Post’s tech section, author Steve Rosenbaum equated the new Siri software found in the latest iteration of Apple’s iPhone with robot sidekicks found in works of science fiction.… [more]

Countdown to Final Crisis #1

Sam Gafford — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:22:53 +0000

So, here it is then. After a year of issues (52 weeklies!), we’ve finally reached the end only to find out that it’s time to get on an entirely new train next week. But maybe… [more]

Comics Addictionado (or, The Comic Reader’s Manifesto)

Brian Graiser — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 01:45:05 +0000

Enter, mortals, and despair! This is Tact is for the Weak, the article that’s been eating Mexican food all day and can’t wait to spend the night at your place! Admittedly, comics fans are a… [more]

On GØDLAND

Scott King — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 18:10:43 +0000

GØDLAND" title="On GØDLAND" style="float:left;" />Welcome to “Trade Waiting,” a series where we wait ’till comic book arcs are collected in trade format so that we can study and analyze the story on a whole. We will focus on character… [more]

The Use of Genre: Visions of The Incredible Hulk

Shathley Q — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 15:56:39 +0000

The Incredible Hulk" title="The Use of Genre: Visions of The Incredible Hulk" style="float:left;" />Within the oeuvre of Jack Kirby, the Incredible Hulk arrives as one among many generic engagements with the monster archetype. The Hulk, a military-funded scientific experiment run amok, casts up specters of other works by… [more]

Comics News from Yesteryear

Bryan Miller — Mon, 03 Nov 2003 15:53:31 +0000

Salutations, all, and welcome to a special edition of New Comics Day. Rather than slaving away drunkenly at a computer trying to come up with new material, I spent several hours drunkenly culling through the… [more]

The Cult of the Writer

Julian Darius — Sun, 25 Aug 2002 11:00:33 +0000

One of the major phenomena occurring in American comic books in the last two decades has been the cult of the writer, often in competition with the cult of the artist or illustrator. Various years… [more]

Against Silver Age Marvel, the Cult of Stan Lee, and Fantastic Four (Annual) #1 / For Comic Books as Literary Art

Julian Darius — Mon, 13 May 2002 11:00:04 +0000

Fantastic Four (Annual) #1 / For Comic Books as Literary Art" title="Against Silver Age Marvel, the Cult of Stan Lee, and Fantastic Four (Annual) #1 / For Comic Books as Literary Art" style="float:left;" />To this day, one hears otherwise intelligent comic book creators saying that they want to recapture the joy of reading Fantastic Four #1, of its fun and its newness. This always shocks me, especially when it… [more]