Comic Book Creator (2013) comic books 2016

Cover by Gil Kane and Klaus Janson. Comic Book Creator presents a long overdue celebration of the art and life of 'The Man Called Kane,' as we feature a retrospective on Gil Kane, one of the true comic book greats whose dynamic artistry had a huge impact on the super-hero genre. Co-creator of the modern-day Green Lantern and Atom, Kane was also an early progenitor of the graphic novel, a man dedicated to sharing the history of the form, and simply one of the finest artists and visionaries to ever work in comics. We gather remembrances and insight from friends and associates, assistants and aficionados, as well as collaborators and dedicated fans. Plus: Talking to those who loved and cherished the gentleman, we ask the family and friends of the late, lamented Herbert William Trimpe to share their memories of and affections for the legendary comic book creator. Also: Roy Thomas talks about faked alien invasions; Fred Hembeck talks about how the great comic book artist and celebrated raconteur Gilbert Eli Kane changed his life; a short interview with Paul Levitz, author of the new book Will Eisner: Champion of the Graphic Novel. Edited by Jon B. Cooke. 80 pages, full color. Cover price $8.95.

Cover by Howard Cruse. Comic Book Creator answers the question, 'What makes Jack Kirby 'the King of Comics'?' as we examine the mid-life work of the greatest super-hero creator of all time, from the explosively cosmic developments in Fantastic Four and The Mighty Thor at Marvel in the mid-60s to the artist/writer's magnum opus, the 'Fourth World' saga of New Genesis versus Apokolips! Plus we'll reveal the real-life background drama that unfolded during that tumultuous era, all behind an astonishing cover by Steve 'The Dude' Rude featuring the Gods of New Genesis! Our main co-feature is an exhaustive, career-spanning interview with underground comix pioneer Howard Cruse, the extraordinary cartoonist and graphic novelist of the award-winning Stuck Rubber Baby. 80 pages. Cover price $8.95.

The illustrative greatness of Michael W. Kaluta is captured in a comprehensive interview with the artist, covering his early fans days; mastery of his signature character, The Shadow; development of Kaluta and Elaine Lee's Starstruck, work with his fellow legends from the Studio; and Michael's work as the quintessential Vertigo cover artist! Plus we feature an in-depth (and remarkably personal) talk with the amazing Ramona Fradon about her 65+ years in the comic book business, whether as artist on Aquaman, Metamorpho, Super-Friends, or Spongebob Squarepants! Plus: The Wacky Pack Men - Underground comix legend Jay Lynch, creator of Nard 'n Pat and a founder of Bijou Funnies, discusses his "day job" at Topps Chewing Gum Company, where he helped produce the unforgettable, hilarious and subversive Wacky Packages, along with stalwarts Art Spiegelman, Bill Griffith, Len Brown, Norm Saunders, Bhob Stewart and the great Woody Gelman. Included in this pack o' parodiable pleasantness is an original illustration by Jay depicting the Topps Team. Also: Otto on the Outside - An excerpt from Bill Schelly's revised biography of Otto Binder detailing the most heartbreaking event in the renowned comics writer's life. And: Hembeck's Dateline - Our Man Fred accuses Michael W. Kaluta of deception! Plus: Comics in the Library - Rich Arndt proves good mythology comics are no myth. 80 pages, full color. Cover price $8.95.