Jack Kirby created or co-created some of comic books' most popular characters including Captain America, The X-Men, The Hulk, The Fantastic Four, The Mighty Thor, Darkseid and The New Gods. More significantly, he created much of the visual language for fantasy and adventure comics. There were comics before Kirby, but for the most part their page layout, graphics and visual dynamic aped what was being done in syndicated newspaper strips. Almost everything that was different about comic books began in the forties on the drawing table of Jack Kirby. This is his story by one who knew him well - the authorized celebration of the one and only 'King of Comics' and his groundbreaking work.

The year 2002 marks the 50th anniversary of MAD Magazine, America's longest-running periodical of humor and satire. Throughout its long history, one of the most immediate, defining, and influential aspects of MAD has been its unique art; the magazine is a treasury of illustrated humor. MAD Art is a hilarious look at five decades of America's premiere showcase for parody, satire, and wit. All of MAD's "Usual Gang of Idiots" are represented, beginning with Harvey Kurtzman and Will Elder and continuing on through more recent Idiots like Richard Williams and Hermann Mejia. MAD fans will find fascinating one-on-one discussions with veteran MAD artists about their favorite pieces, stylistic influences, and the references they used in creating their art. Also included are quotes from artists about each other's work, like Sam Viviano's comments on Mort Drucker, Tom Bunk's conversation about Basil Wolverton, and many more. MAD's writers are essential to its success-and readers will discover captivating personal interviews with the writers who helped create the side-splitting text accompanying the illustrations. There is also a section on the talented writer/artists, such as Al Jaffee, John Caldwell, and Sergio AragonŽs, who write as well as illustrate their own material. Finally, this authorized guide through MAD history includes a treasury of MAD's infamous advertising parodies; samples of classic cover and interior art; and dozens of rare and never-before-seen preliminary sketches, photos, and much more. The quintessential reference for every devoted MAD fanatic!

Contains annotations, plots, interviews, and scripts by comics scribes Otto Binder, Peter David, Mark Evanier, Bill Mumy & Miguel Ferrer, Judd Winick, and others. Includes illustrated scripts by Mike Baron and Scott McCloud. Features commentary on how to illustrate from comics scripts by artists Steve Lieber and Pop Mhan.

Garfield's return to comics continues! Writer Mark Evanier (GARFIELD AND FRIENDS) and longtime GARFIELD strip artist Gary Barker introduce Garfield and the gang to many new friends, including a mouse that wants to be a cat (and sometimes a dog), a mummy, and Pet Force! Yes, we're going to Planet Dorkon to hang out with the galaxy's greatest superheroes. Get ready more a whole new round of fun for the entire family!