The Fantastic World of Jack Kirby

When you enter the amazing world of Jack Kirby, you enter a fantastic place, filled with muscular, powerful heroes; beautiful, buxom women; and flame-filled, explosive action. Jack was the co-creator of many of the superheroes and super-heroines that we know and love.

Jack co-created (with Joe Simon,his co-collaborator for many years) his first major hero, Captain America in 1940, for Timely (later to be Marvel), which he was able to revive in the 1960's in "The Avengers"#4.

In the early 60's, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby co-created a vast array of superheroes that turned Marvel Comics into a very profitable company. To name just a few of their creations: Fantastic Four;The Avengers; Thor; The Hulk; Iron Man; X-Men; and so many more.

Who could forget The Fantastic Four's battles with Doctor Doom, The Silver Surfer and Galactus, or The Avengers with Loki and The Sub-Mariner.

In the 70's, Kirby moved to DC Comics and created another era of exciting heroes such as: The New Gods; The Forever People; Mister Miracle; The Demon; Kamandi, The Last Boy On Earth; just to name a few.     He also brought out an enduring villain in Darkseid, who appeared in several of the titles.

Kirby did many projects after that for DC and Marvel, as well as animation work; also art for other companies up to his death in 1994.

Jack Kirby left one of the most fantastic comic book legacies.

SWAMP THING / MAN-THING, A Comparison

Swamp Thing and Man-Thing were both heroic creatures, created in the 70's (DC & Marvel respectively), who shared somewhat similar origins.Both were scientists on the threshold of great discoveries, who had evil  people after their research.

Swamp Thing (Alec Holland) was created when evil men killed his wife and blew up his laboratory, causing him to be covered with his formula as he ran flaming into the swamp. He retained his human intellect and his body could regenerate new limbs if he lost them.

Man-Thing (Ted Sallis) also created a formula that evil men were after, prompting him to take off. He then injected himself with his formula,so no one could get it, and crashed his car in the swamp. He did not retain his human intellect, but went on instinct. His body would basically re-form if destroyed. Whoever or whatever knew fear, burned at his touch.

Swamp Thing was in 2 movies,a TV series and a cartoon series. Man-Thing was in 1 movie and in an episode of "Super Hero Squad Show" (This Man-Thing,This Monster.).

Swamp Thing 1st Appearances-"The House of Secrets" #92 Jun./Jul. 1971, Swamp Thing #1 Oct./Nov. 1972

Man-Thing 1st Appearances-Savage Tales#1 May 1971, Astonishing Tales #12 Jun. 1972, Adventure Into Fear #10 Oct. 1972.

Favorite Swamp Thing Artist-Bernie Wrightson       Favorite Man-Thing Artist-Mike Ploog

Patchwork Man was introduced in Swamp Thing#2    Howard the Duck was introduced in Adventure Into Fear #19.

Neal Adams Appreciation

I discovered my all time favorite comic book artist in the late 60's. As the 70's began, that appreciation grew.  That artist is NEAL ADAMS! It began when I noticed BATMAN (my favorite superhero by the way) covers that seemed even better drawn than usual (cooler in my eyes). I poured through many classic BATMAN and DETECTIVE COMICS issues (including the Ra's Al Ghul series and Man-Bat series.).I also loved his award-winning GREEN LANTERN / GREEN ARROW as well as DEADMAN and his many BRAVE AND THE BOLD issues. Neal's Marvel comics work was also impressive; from the X-MEN to his MONSTERS artwork in Marvel's black and white magazines.                                                                  

At some time or another, Neal has probably drawn nearly every DC and MARVEL superhero; has drawn for WARREN PUBLICATIONS (Creepy, Eerie & Vampirella) as a host of other independent works (WARP,PHASE,etc....).

From what I gather, Neal is still going strong.      If you are a comic book fan who hasn't discovered NEAL ADAMS yet, you're in for a treat!    In my opinion, you can't do better. His artwork is timeless!