This is one of the most attractive Jack Kirby-Chic Stone covers which Marvel never published. It's an early version of the X-Men issue which debuted the awesome Ka-Zar, Lord of the Jungle and his toothsome side-kitty Zabu.
Here it is in its raw form before fanboys finished giving it a colorful gloss. Apparently Stan Lee thought this first effort lacked the necessary drama though the characters are all clearly seen.
Given the drama evident on the published replacement, I might have to say that Stan was right.
This cover was colored and published at long last many years ago on an issue of the Jack Kirby Quarterly. I've got this one around here somewhere, it's a beauty.
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Wow. This is great – with Zabu going after the Beast and Ka-Zar making dismissively short work of the Angel. I’ve never seen this. Thanks Rip!
ReplyDeleteThe revised version is more dynamic for Ka-Zar but alas old Zabu becomes a postage stamp insert. Too bad that.
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I definitely like both versions.
ReplyDeleteEach has its strengths. These days we get both as incentives.
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When I think of important Kirby inkers, it is hard not to mention Joe Sinnott and Mike Royer (for different reasons). More and more, I'm appreciating Chic Stone over Kirby, really admiring the brush work, which is bold and clean but also fluid.
ReplyDeleteI cut my teeth looking Chic Stone's inks and they for a short time were literally enlightening.
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