Comics Legend Joe Kubert

(A Suspended Animation "classic" from 1998.)

Joe Kubert is a Renaissance Man of comics, having worked as a penciller, inker, editor, writer and publisher in a career than spans more than sixty years.

His career began in the Chesler Shop in 1939, churning out assembly-line work with other young artists and writers for new publishers often out to make a quick buck in a new industry. But Kubert would be among the serious artists and writers who would turn a publishing fad into an artform.

Almost from the beginning, Kubert left the predominantly cartoonish, "big foot" art of early titles for a near realistic portrayal of the world. Heavily influenced by other realistic comic strip artists including Hal Foster, Alex Raymond and Mort Meskin, he became one of the most critically acclaimed artists in comic books. In particular, Kubert brought a high level of drama, realistic human anatomy, and an epic visual sweep to his work whether he was drawing a superhero with gigantic wings or a German World War I pilot.

His greatest influence may have come from creating a school for comic book and strip artists and writers that he still heads today.

Kubert's comic book work includes: Black Witch (MLJ, 1942-'43), Phantom Lady (Quality, '42-'43), Volton (Holyoke, 1942- '43), Johnny Quick, Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Rip Hunter, Sgt. Rock, Cave Carson, Tarzan, Enemy Ace and many more (DC, 1943-'?). Also, Black Cat (Harvey, 1943-'48), Tor, Mighty Mouse 3-D [the first 3-D comic book], 3 Stooges and Son of Sinbad (St. John, 1950-'55), Fax From Sarajevo (Dark Horse) and many other titles and characters for publishers like Interfaith, Fiction House, Avon, DC, Marvel and Gleason.

Kubert also inked The Spirit comic strip in 1943 and 1944, and drew the Green Berets strip (1966- '67).

The work of Joe Kubert is very highly recommended.

Published over many years, some titles may be difficult to locate. A price guide or comics dealer will help. Comic book shops, mail order companies, trade journals and comics conventions are best sources.

Prices vary widely; shop around.

-- Michael Vance

Tulsa Comic Con is Coming!

Contact: John Harper/918-369-0650

News Release

Have you ever wondered why the Silver Surfer is silver, or The Hulk green? Is it true that Superman once jumped like a super kangaroo instead of flying? Do we have some answers for you!

The first Tulsa Comic Con featuring many of the artists and writers behind your favorite comics characters will he held on Saturday and Sunday, March 15 and 16 at the Tulsa Econo Lodge, located at 11620 E. Skelly Drive in Tulsa. Doors open at 10:00 am and close at 6:00 pm.

You may ask writer Gary Friedrich, co-creator of Ghost Rider, if Tums can settle that popular hero’s tummy. Or you might ask artist Rich Buckler if The Thing and The Hulk were fraternal twins separated at birth.

Not only can you ask these and other questions of the celebrity guests, you may also enjoy discussion panels and special programming, thousands of items for sale, the Tulsa premier of the movie “Back Issues” and much, much more.

Guests include: Gary Friedrich (writer: X-Men, Hulk), Rich Buckler (artist: Wonder Woman, Justice League), Steve Erwin (Batman Returns, Superboy), R. A. Jones (writer: Captain America, Wolverine), Michael Vance (writer: Nemo, Lights End), Jeremy Haun (artist: Iron Man, Captain America), John Wooley (writer: Plan Nine from Outer Space, Twilight Avenger), Terry Tidwell (artist: The Miracle Squad, Man-Frog), Rob Davis (artist: Star Trek: TNG, Quantum Leap), Selina Rosen (author). R. A. Jones and Steve Erwin are members of the Oklahoma Cartoonists Hall of Fame.

As part of the festivities, a charity auction will be held benefiting St. Peter and Paul School in Tulsa in memory of D.L. “Dink” Jones.

Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 for the weekend at the door. Tulsa Comic Con is produced by Starbase 21, 8222 E. 103rd St. in Tulsa. For more information, go to www.starbase21OK.com or call 918-369-0650.