Gil Kane Appeciation

Gil Kane (born Eli Katz) was an excellent comic book artist, whose work has most likely been seen by nearly every comic fan, who has read DC and Marvel comics in the 60's, 70's and beyond. He began drawing in the 40's, under different names, for various companies. (I remember seeing a reprint of an early "Wildcat" (DC) story that he did under the name of Gil Stack).

Kane's artistic fame really took off after he co-created the modern "Green Lantern" for Showcase #22 (DC) in 1959. He continued drawing "Green Lantern" in his own comic, for nearly 75 issues. Other notable DC characters that Gil Kane was associated with were---The Atom, The Teen Titans, Hawk and Dove, as well as a host of others.

He also did some freelance work on "The Hulk" (Marvel) in Tales To Astonish, under the name of Scott Edward, and drew T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents for Tower Comics.

Another great era for Gil Kane came when he took over artistic duties for John Romita, on "The Amazing Spider-Man" in the early 1970's. He was involved with many Spider-Man's landmark events such as--- a 3 issue anti-drug story; the creation of Morbius, the living vampire; and the death of Gwen Stacy (Spidey's girlfriend) and the Green Goblin (Spidey's chief nemesis). He also drew many issues of Marvel Team-up (also with Spider-Man and a vast array of other Marvel superheroes). Kane and writer Roy Thomas revised Marvel's version of "Captain Marvel", and created the kung fu superhero "Iron Fist".

Kane's art featured his heroes and heroines involved in muscular but graceful battles, with sweeping artistic flow and bombastic clashes.

Gil Kane was also involved in designs for TV animation, and he continued to draw till his death on Jan. 31, 2000. He left an artistic legacy that will go on and on.