Panel Discussion: Joe Kubert, Artistic Ace!

 

Redartz:  The subject of our tribute and discussion this week is a man perhaps less familiar to Marvel zuvembies,  but certainly revered by DC fans, and the comics world in general. Joe Kubert's career began back in the Golden Age of comics, and spanned every subsequent decade until his passing in 2012. His work was seen at practically every publisher you could name- MLJ/Archie, Quality, Atlas/Marvel, EC, and St. John (where Kubert and Norman Maurer introduced the world to 3-D comics).

But Kubert is probably best known for his brilliant work at DC, where he worked for many years . Here's an example of Joe's earlier work from Eerie #9, 1952 (Avon Publications).

Kubert created, or was involved in the creation of many characters,  including Viking Prince, Tor, Thorn, Enemy Ace; and was part of the team that started the Silver Age with the Flash in Showcase 4. He handled a huge share of DC's noted war comics, his years on Sgt. Rock positively iconic. On many of those war tales Kubert worked with Robert Kanigher, weaving the adventures of Rock, The Losers, Unknown Soldier, Haunted Tank and Enemy Ace. He also handled the art on DC's "Tarzan", and gave us the classic look for Hawkman. And although he was mostly associated with 'adventurous' titles,  Kubert also rendered most of DC's heroic stable: Batman, Superman,  Flash, and the Justice League.  Indeed, as often as Gil Kane's work could be seen on Marvel covers, Kubert's shined on DC covers.

On a personal note,  my first exposure to Joe's art was on the great covers for "Rima the Jungle Girl".
Those books were a visual treat both inside ( gorgeous work by Nestor Redondo) and outside, with Kubert's dramatic covers. Years later I further came to appreciate Kubert's skills when I became intrigued by his "Enemy Ace" strip. His magnificent,  gritty, powerful rendering is unmistakable. And those aerial dogfights and vintage planes- Kubert was a master. 

Speaking of mastery, his eye for drama was second to none. You'll see this on display below in another BitBA Gallery of Great Covers. But first we must mention another of Kubert's contributions to the industry: the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. Founded in 1976, the Kubert School has produced many new professional talents for the comics world.  Just another way in which Joe Kubert's influence continues to this day, and on into the future. 

And now, time to look over some covers (something I always enjoy, anyway). Hope you enjoy them too, and that they inspire you to share your thoughts on this giant of the comics industry...

 

                                  Love the three-part design of the cover on the left below...

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

This may be my favorite comic cover of all time...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

Saw this on the racks in 1974 and couldn't pass it up...

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Kubert really had a knack for rendering piercingly powerful expressions, as on the right below...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Some dramatic perspective, here...

 

 

 More recently, here's the cover from Joe's Graphic Novel treatment of Viet Nam...

 

 

 

And how better to conclude this tour of Kubert's work than with his take on the Bible?

In response to HB's request, here is the cover for Justice Inc. #4. Another impressive Kubert...

Merry Christmas from the BitBA Team! Red and Green All Around!



Martinex1: Redartz and I wish a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of the BitBA visitors, lurkers, commentators, and friends!  Happy Holidays to all!! Hope the New Year is a good one for everybody!  And as always, thank you for contributing and participating all year long. 



It seems the Hulks (Red and Green) are battling over the very thing we will be discussing today.  Who has the best Christmas-colored duds?   Whose costume with the not-so-common color scheme of red and green is your favorite?  We've got champions from both DC and Marvel, so let us know what you think about the seasonal fighting togs of these heroes?

First up is 3-D Man.  Not only does he have the look, but the colors are actually related to his powers.

Or how about Mr. Miracle?  His new series is getting high marks and is flying off the shelves.  And you have to admit that his name fits the season.

 For that matter, the original Starman should definitely have a shot at the prize as he is thematically appropriate as well.

Haven't decided yet, well how about the Vision?  He's a classic in red and green!

Or how about Hawkman and Hawkgirl?   Talk about a classic team, and they have the wings which makes them particularly appropriate.

 If these Golden Agers don't grab your fancy, what do you think about Dr. Mid-Nite? He wears a costume that is a favorite of mine, and it has changed so little over the many decades.

 How can we forget the Boy Wonder - Robin?  He was one of the first to embrace the red and green!

Still fighting it out?  Who has the best red and green costume?   What do you think about these?

Wonder Man and Vision share the same brainwaves, and obviously similar fashion sense!  And in case you think we are just spotlighting heroes, there is one villain we cannot ignore... the Crimson Centipede!

 So that is the selection for the day! What do you think?  What do you have to say?  Red and Green costumes are all in play! And did your comic-loving heart grow three sizes today?  

Cheers all!