Comic Book Creator (2013) comic books 2016-2018

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.

Comprehensive Kelley Jones interview, from early years as Marvel inker to present-day greatness at DC depicting Batman, Deadman, and Swamp Thing (chockful of rarely-seen artwork)! Plus Will Murray examines the nefarious legacy of Batman co-creator Bob Kane in an investigation into tragic ghosts and rapacious greed. We also look at Raina Telgemeier and her magnificent army of devotees, and more! Plus: Comic Book Zeitgeist - Talking with Singapore's greatest cartoonist, Sonny Liew, about his life and recent magnum opus, The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye. Also: Incoming - Extra-long letters o' comment section on CBC's Gil Kane ish. And: Comics in the Library - Rich Arndt on Marc Tyler Nobleman's books about comics. Plus: Drew Friedman's Hero Worship - Rob Smentek talks to the amazing caricaturist and recent author of More Heroes of the Comics. Also: Hembeck's Dateline - Our Man Fred on forgotten Brit artist Leopold "Lee" Elias. 80 pages, full color. Cover price $8.95.

Cover by Marck Schultz. Celebrating 30 years of artist's artist Mark Schultz, creator of the Cadillacs and Dinosaurs franchise, with a feature-length, career-spanning interview conducted in Mark's Pennsylvanian home, examining the early years of struggle, success with Kitchen Sink Press, and hitting it big with a Saturday morning cartoon series. Includes rarely-seen art and fascinating photos from Mark's amazing and award-winning career. Plus: In Memoriam: The Bijou Boys - With the participation of family, friends, fans and peers, Comic Book Creator examines the life-long friendship and numerous collaborations of the late underground comix pioneers, Jay Lynch and Skip Williamson, best buddies who passed away within 11 days of one another this past March. Along with the recollections of Art Spiegelman, Denis Kitchen, Jay Kinney, Patrick Rosenkranz and others, CBC zeroes in on the era from the cartoonists' Kurtzman-inspired fanzine work as teenagers up until the final issue of their superb creation, Bijou Funnies, either the second or third underground comix title, one born of the tumult of the Chicago riots in 1968! Um Tut Sut! 80 pages. Cover price $8.95.

This issue visits Riverdale High, U.S.A., to celebrate America's Typical Teenager Archie and his pals 'n gals-as well as the mighty MLJ heroes of yesteryear and those of today's 'Dark Circle'-with a look at the 75-year-old comics line's wildest characters and titles. Plus we conduct career-spanning conversations with two of the imprint's hottest creators: Brooklyn's own Dean Haspiel (the Emmy-winning alternative-slash-mainstream artist who collaborated with Harvey Pekar) and Dan Parent (GLADD award-winning cartoonist and creator of the Archie universe's ground-breaking gay character, Kevin Keller), who both jam on our great exclusive cover depicting a face-off between humor and heroes. Plus: Part 1 of Michael Aushenker's career-spanning chat with the late Rich Buckler on his early years as fan artist and young pro; Incoming - discussing a so-called missing Blazing Combat story by Russ Heath; Spotlight on "Sev" - visiting the great and awesome "Mirthful One," Marie Severin, for a trip down memory lane; All About Bob and Jack - Paul Power shares memories of Jack Kirby's guest appearance on Bob Newhart's situation comedy back in the early 1990's; and Fred Hembeck on the meteoric rise and fall of MLJ's Comet. Full color. 80 pages. Cover price $8.95.

Comic Book Creator takes a look at the legacy and influence of Wallace Wood, one of the greatest comic book artists the world has even known, with a heartfelt tribute about Woody's career. Included is an extended interview with former "Woodworker" Ralph Reese, one of the finest artists to emerge out from under Woody's wing and into a superlative career in the 1970s, whether on Marvel's horror comics, upon the pages of National Lampoon, or in the underground realm. Plus we have a long chat with cover artist Hilary Barta, from his early years as Marvel inker, fondly-recalled Plastic Man, rise with "spitting" Image Comics and America's Best collaborations with Alan Moore, to his current work for Plankton Comics. And, of course, CBC includes its usual informative columns, fascinating features, and the humor of Hembeck! 96 pages. Cover price $9.95.

Cover by Steve Rude. Comic Book Creator features a career-spanning and downright philosophical discussion with Steve 'The Dude' Rude, the Eisner Award-winning artist who got his start back in 1981 as co-creator of intergalactic executioner Nexus. The 'eternal art student' (heavily influenced by Jack Kirby, Alex Toth, Russ Manning, and legendary art instructor Andrew Loomis) shares his real-life psychological struggles, the challenges of freelance subsistence, and his creative aspirations. Also: The jungle art of Neal Adams (whose artistry has graced many a Tarzan cover)! Cartoonist Mary Fleener talks about her forthcoming graphic novel Billie the Bee and her comix career! Part Three of Michael Aushenker's enormous Rich Buckler interview! 96 pages, full color. Mature Readers Cover price $9.95.