MARVELMATION JACK KIRBYS FINAL ACT IN COMICS AND ANIMATION 1976-1994 TP (11 Nov Release)

In the tradition of his past books Kirby & Lee: Stuf’ Said and Old Gods & New¸ Jack Kirby Collector #98 explores the King’s final act in comics and animation¸ in this first-ever overview of that largely undocumented era by editor John Morrow. Marvelmation examines the climax of Kirby’s storied life and career¸ from his return to Marvel Comics in 1976¸ through his lengthy stint in 1980s animation¸ up to his passing in 1994. This double-size book examines the the highs and lows of his 1970s Marvel output (Captain America¸ Black Panther¸ Machine Man¸ Eternals¸ 2001¸ and Devil Dinosaur)¸ digging deep into the whys and wherefores of those creations. Jon B. Cooke delves into the Marvel inter-office politics that threatened to squelch Kirby’s creativity¸ and led him to abandon mainstream comics to produce Captain Victory and Silver Star for Pacific Comics¸ thumb his nose at Marvel with Destroyer Duck¸ and make a triumphant return to DC Comics in 1984 with SUPER POWERS and THE HUNGER DOGS. Jim Shooter gives his take on Marvel’s side of the Kirby original art battle in a never-published interview¸ while unseen correspondence sheds new light on that painful episode in Jack’s life. Plus there’s extensive coverage of Jack’s animation career¸ from the 1978 Depatie-Freleng New Fantastic Four cartoon¸ to Thundarr the Barbarian and other Ruby-Spears projects¸ including a host of shows you never knew Kirby was involved with. Finally¸ it focuses on his years of retirement¸ sharing memories from fans¸ family¸ and friends who give us a better understanding of how he viewed his legacy¸ and the resolution of numerous unused concepts he left behind at Topps Comics and elsewhere. It includes extensive art galleries of both comics pencil art and animation concepts¸ and heartwarming photos that provide a proper farewell to the King of Comics!