M.10rda

Ditko on Kirby here = FIRE

I'll tell you, though, my historically limited exposure to pre-FF Kirby monster stories (as well as Ditko sci-fi & monster stories) - mostly covers and a few excerpts of stories here and there - led me to believe that almost all of these things were interchangeable, cookie cutter jobs, right from jump... much as the western comics and many of the romance comics of the era seem interchangeable (perhaps due to Stan's profligate repurposing of plots). Quite the opposite, however - your staggering account of each story of this issue actually demonstrates how much thought Kirby and Ditko (and/or Ditko's often-uncredited writer(s)) were investing in these. Tons of variety, both in creature designs and in plots. They weren't just leaning back and cashing their checks, that's for sure...

Just thought I'd mention... this is the Marvel character "The Gargoyle", who debuted (ostensibly) in the 80s as a member of the Defenders and is usually credited as a creation of J.M. DeMatteis and Don Perlin... same design... right down to the color scheme... and the dude on the right even refers to him as a "gargoyle": https://comicvine.gamespot.com/gargoyle/4005-7114/ In service of nothing much except to underline in one more small way how Marvel Comics are - in a myriad of manners, conscious & unconscious, attributed & unattributed - the House That Jack Built.

Oh heck, I forgot to mention OMAC! Ah well, there's no one right answer. Kirby was the King by any lights.

Yep, it's me - I'm the guy. My favorite Kirby comic (indeed, perhaps my favorite comic series of all time) is KAMANDI. Close behind would be THE DEMON, followed again closely by NEW GODS, Kirby's 70s run on CAP and 2001, and... SILVER STAR! I'm not ashamed and maybe I'll substantiate that claim at length someday. In short, I tend to subscribe to the idea that Kirby loosened up when he left Marvel the first time, found his voice, and delivered the strongest and wildest work of his career in the 70s. FTR I do rank his 60s work on THOR and TALES TO ASTONISH quite highly as well, not to mention later FFs... I'd say Kirby hit his stride on FF by #57 and delivered the best issues of that series until around #83, then maybe started to lose steam a bit. That 2+ year run completely smokes the first 50 issues imho. However, I admit that I've (historically) been familiar w/ Kirby's 40s work and his Silver Age Marvel work through 'til the end of his life. The 50s have been a major void in my knowledge until recently. Prince Namor, I thank you for posting some truly magnificent pages from the 50s (and beyond) on this thread and others. Moreover, I credit you extensively for investing a herculean amount of effort, time, and care in this endeavor... and for providing rigorous citations! You could probably turn around and transform these threads into something publishable (and invaluable to scholarship). What you've already accomplished has been priceless. I realize this is a dead thread and will likely repost many of these sentiments on one of your newer Kirby threads. In any case, from one history buff to another, thanks for your hard work and diligence.

Ah! Okay, I like that answer! Thanks very much!

Hello! Brand new to posting and your service (though have been enjoying reading the boards for a couple of years). I am trying to understand the Submission Fee system... Am I correct that I submit the books and CGC decides if each book qualifies as Modern, Vintage, High Value, or Unlimited Value, then bills me accordingly? Thanks for your consideration of this probably entirely dumb question! - Jon