Kirby : King of Comics (Anniversary Edition).

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Filled with stunning artwork, this biography of comics pioneer Jack Kirby by an artist who worked closely with him is "a treasure" ( The Cleveland Plain Dealer ). "As a teenager, future television and comics writer [Mark] Evanier became an assistant to Jack Kirby, one of the foremost artists in the history of American comics. Kirby played a major role in shaping the superhero genre, not only through his innovative, dynamic artwork but through collaborating with Stan Lee to create classic Marvel characters like the Fantastic Four, the Hulk and the X-Men. Evanier has now written this magnificently illustrated biography of his mentor. Rather than employing the academic prose that one might expect from an art book, Evanier, a talented raconteur, tells Kirby's life story in an informal, entertaining manner . . . he brings Kirby's personality vividly alive: a child of the Great Depression, a creative visionary who struggled most of his life to support his family. The book recounts how Kirby was insufficiently appreciated by clueless corporate executives and close-minded comics professionals. But the stunning artwork in this book, taken from private collections, makes the case for Kirby's genius. A landmark work, this is essential reading for comics fans and those who want to better understand the history of the comics medium--or those who just want to enjoy Kirby's incredible artwork." -- Publishers Weekly Includes an introduction by Neil Gaiman

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

As a teenager, future television and comics writer Evanier became an assistant to Jack Kirby, one of the foremost artists in the history of American comics. Kirby played a major role in shaping the superhero genre, not only through his innovative, dynamic artwork but through collaborating with Stan Lee to create classic Marvel characters like the Fantastic Four, the Hulk and the X-Men. Evanier has now written this magnificently illustrated biography of his mentor. Rather than employing the academic prose that one might expect from an art book, Evanier, a talented raconteur, tells Kirby's life story in an informal, entertaining manner. Although Evanier does not delve into psychological analysis, he brings Kirby's personality vividly alive: a child of the Great Depression, a creative visionary who struggled most of his life to support his family. The book recounts how Kirby was insufficiently appreciated by clueless corporate executives and close-minded comics professionals. But the stunning artwork in this book, taken from private collections, makes the case for Kirby's genius. A landmark work, this is essential reading for comics fans and those who want to better understand the history of the comics medium-or those who just want to enjoy Kirby's incredible artwork. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Booklist Review

While there are many contenders for the title of greatest comics artist, the undisputed champion superhero artist is Kirby, who set the template for superheroes. He cocreated the wartime hero Captain America in 1940, and two decades later teamed with writer Stan Lee to launch such hit Marvel characters as the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, and the X-Men. Evanier, who was Kirby's assistant in the 1970s and remained a close friend until the artist's death in 1994, skillfully weaves together biographical details and comics-industry background. Present at the industry's birth, Kirby played no small part in its ascendance. But throughout his long career, he was underappreciated and underrewarded by the corporate bosses who made millions off his talent and imagination. Such circumstances help Evanier create a sympathetic account of Kirby. Since the lavish volume contains more art than text, much of it shot directly from black-and-white originals, it's plenty attractive, too. Even nonfans should be convinced by Evanier's heartfelt tribute that Kirby is indeed the medium's monarch.--Flagg, Gordon Copyright 2008 Booklist