What Is You're Favorite Gil Kane Cover?

[Red Oak Kid]

Gil Kane did a tremendous number of comic book covers over his career. He did a ton for Marvel in the 70s. But he also did lots for DC in the 50s, 60s and 80s.

What, in your opinion, is the best he did? Or is your favorite? Or which one came to mind first, when you read the above question?

I kinda got the idea for this thread when Lone Ranger made the rather bold assertion:D that Kane himself said the cover of Mighty Marvel Western #44 was his(kane's) favorite.

Kane must have had a soft spot for Western themed covers, since he did so many for Marvel in the 70s. And he also did quite a few for DC's All-Star Western in the 50s. Or maybe he just liked the freedom they afforded, since covers for Western reprint books(Marvel) probably were not as heavily art directed as Superhero books(Can you say John Romita?)

BTW, I just got my free Twomorrows mag, Alter Ego 56 with the Jack Adler interview in which he mentions that Kane had plastic surgery on his nose in the 50s/60s. Could this explain the up-the-nostril shots he was so fond of?;)

[benday-dot]

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/51638819424.3.GIF

I don't know if this is my favourite, but I do find it one of the most striking Gil Kane covers in my own collection. I love Kanes eyes (um, to be clear, not his own peeps, but those he draws), and all their intense expression. Such anger. The white furry Xemnu holding down the green and pretty pissed looking Hulk, combined with the unusual perspective of Doctor Strange and Sub-Mariner in the foreground work to tremendous effect for me.

http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/1991/400/1991_4_03.jpg

[joe bloke]

Oh, so very many favourite Gil Kane covers. Captain Marvel # 17. Now, that's what a superhero should look like! And the cover to Man-Thing # 10 ( " nobody dies forever! " ). I'm hard-pressed to find a favourite Kane moment. They were all just so amazing.

And, then, of course, there's the Living Mummy. . .

[Lone Ranger]

I kinda got the idea for this thread when Lone Ranger made the rather bold assertion:D that Kane himself said the cover of Mighty Marvel Western #44 was his(kane's) favorite.

BTW, I just got my free Twomorrows mag, Alter Ego 56 with the Jack Adler interview in which he mentions that Kane had plastic surgery on his nose in the 50s/60s. Could this explain the up-the-nostril shots he was so fond of?;)

I just read that tidbit the other day. I found it to be surprising - I am not sure it came up in the Gil Kane biography book I have (where I first read about the MMW #44 being his favourite).

As for me, I'm a bit of a sucker for his Atom covers. I love so many of his covers, but Atom #17 always comes to mind first:

http://www.amazingco.com/amazingco.com/comics/dc/items/atom17.jpg

I recently purchased an original Kane cover. It was very exciting for me, and I was able to get it for a fraction of the price I've I've seen for other Kane covers. Unlike many other Marvel 70s covers - I bevlieve this one is inked by Kane and not just with a marker.

[Mike Kuypers]

This issue of Green Lantern (http://www.comics.org/coverview.lasso?id=20314&zoom=4") was my first exposure to Gil Kane. This issue of The Atom (http://www.comics.org/coverview.lasso?id=21174&zoom=4) has to be one of my all-time favorite GK covers.

My favorite GK-illustrated story has to be the all-out battle between Spider-Man and Doc Ock on the rooftops of NYC, resulting in the death of Capt. Stacy.

[Cei-U!]

The Kane quote is from an early issue of Comic Book Artist, possibly #2.

My favorite Kane cover is close kin to one of Mike K's. I knew GL from the JLA but I had only read one or two issues of his solo series, neither of which mentioned the Corps. When I saw this on the stands, I *had* to know what was going on. I badgered my mother mercilessly for it. This was a ploy I used sparingly so it was important!

The best part? The story lived up to the promise of the cover.

Cei-U!
I summon the impulse buy!

[scratchie]

I don't know about "favorite" -- Kane did a LOT of covers -- but here's a great one I stumbled across recently:

http://www.agitators.com/foto/qomix/cm37.jpg

[Kan-Man]

Gil Kane was always one of my all-time favorites, so picking just one is difficult (I actuallly got to meet him many years ago at a Creation Convention in NYC. He was very nice and very tall.)

When I first started reading comics, the cover was what sold me, so I'm going to choose the first Gil Kane cover I ever purchased.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c118/Kan-Man/1861_4_24.jpg

[Sir Tim Drake]

Gil Kane was always one of my all-time favorites, so picking just one is difficult (I actuallly got to meet him many years ago at a Creation Convention in NYC. He was very nice and very tall.)

Did he call you "my boy"?

[Kan-Man]

Did he call you "my boy"?

That, I don't recall. But the weird thing was I spotted him as I was walking in and for some reason I knew it was him even though I had never seen him before. I remember thinking he looked like one of his drawings.

[Kan-Man]

Whoops, my computer was going haywire and I got the dreaded double post

[joe bloke]

Hey. How do you get the images to stand out front of a post, like the Lone Ranger's, or Scratchie's, or Kan-man's?

[Kan-Man]

Hey. How do you get the images to stand out front of a post, like the Lone Ranger's, or Scratchie's, or Kan-man's?

I set up a free account at photobucket.com. You can save any image you want there and then use the link to copy and paste into the insert image window here.

Did that make any sense?

[joe bloke]

Absolutely none what-so-ever, matey. Is there any way I can insert an image from the stuff I already got saved on my own computer? You'll have to excuse my ignorance here, but, hey, computers are a bit of a new developement in my life. Shit, but I only sussed out how to turn the bugger on a few weeks ago.

And, while I'm here, here's another GREAT Gil Kane cover. I love this cover.

[Sir Tim Drake]

Hey. How do you get the images to stand out front of a post, like the Lone Ranger's, or Scratchie's, or Kan-man's?

Right-click on the image and select "Copy image location" to copy the URL of the image to your clipboard. Then, when you're writing the post, click on the "Insert Image" icon (the little picture of mountains) and paste the URL into the window that appears.

[icctrombone]

Love his Warlock work.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/icctrombone/2064_4_04.jpg

[Rob Allen]

The second comic book I ever bought was Green Lantern #25, with a Kane/Anderson cover. I had good taste when I was six.

[Red Oak Kid]

Who could forget Jungle Action 14

http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/2053/400/2053_4_14.jpg

In the 70s Kane developed a real flair for drawing dinosaurs and giant reptiles. Something about his style of rendering looked good on things with scales.

While his western covers had great layouts, I thought they were hurt by his single lineweight inking.

[benday-dot]

Absolutely none what-so-ever, matey. Is there any way I can insert an image from the stuff I already got saved on my own computer? You'll have to excuse my ignorance here, but, hey, computers are a bit of a new developement in my life. Shit, but I only sussed out how to turn the bugger on a few weeks ago.

And, while I'm here, here's another GREAT Gil Kane cover. I love this cover.

Hello there Joe... lovely question. Those images on your own personal hard drive will probably need to be posted on the web first so that they have a url or internet address of their own (you know www.whatever.jpg or the like) otherwise the "insert image" button on CBR's board will not know where to find them. This is why others suggested first uploading your pics onto a third party image filer site. If it is mostly just covers you are looking to post then what I do is 1) find the desired picture on the Internet 2) right click on the picture and either do what Sir Tim says click "copy image location" (but I think this is only on the Firefox browser) or click on "properties" on either Firefox or Intenet Explorer and copy and paste or otherwise write down the full address or url for that picture and 3) post that address into the field that comes up, as Sir Tim said, with insert "image button" button on this board (yes, the mountain icon). Damn computers, hope this helps/adds to what others say.

[joe bloke]

My brain hurts.

[MichikoS]

Gil Kane drew a spectacular cover for Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #96 that was inked by John Severin. http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/elbert_coalwell/sgtfury96k_s.jpg
This cover was also inked by Ralph Reese. I'm so glad somebody felt really guilty about not using it, so that it was reprinted as a bonus pin-up page in the back of the next issue, #97. I like it even more than the Severin! I wonder what happened to the original art? Anyone ever seen it for sale? --Michi
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/elbert_coalwell/sgtfury96k_r.jpg

[Red Oak Kid]

I had that one!

I remember buying it off the stands. I had totally forgotten about that Ralph Reese version. Thanks for showing it.

This reminded me of the great Kane cover to Fury 94. I also bought this one off the stands. This should be considered as one of his very best IMO.

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/73297920300.94.SIGNED.GIF

[joe bloke]

Wow, that Kane-Reese thing! I've never seen that before. Fantastic! was that a one-off? did Kane ever work with Reese again, or before? and, if not, what a loss to the fans!

And, hey, benday-dot! thanks for the assistance there, but, you know what? I think I'm just gonna have to accept that I'm a bit pants with a computer. Cheers, mate.

[Cei-U!]

Wow, that Kane-Reese thing! I've never seen that before. Fantastic! was that a one-off? did Kane ever work with Reese again, or before? and, if not, what a loss to the fans!

The covers of Marvel Feature #3 and Iron Man #46 are also by the Kane/Reese team.

Cei-U!
I like it too!

[InfoBroker]

Wow, that Kane-Reese thing! I've never seen that before. Fantastic! was that a one-off? did Kane ever work with Reese again, or before? and, if not, what a loss to the fans!

One that immediately pops into mind is from that same frame in fact. The cover and entire issue of Conan #17. One of Gil's best comical book IMNSHO.

There were some Supernatural Tales, and Journey Into Mystery tales and covers that are also dancing around in my memory banks. Also from 1972 timeframe.

Gil Kane had a comment about how inkers can overpower pencillers, John Severin and Wally Wood are two that immediately came into my mind when I first read this comment way back in 1970 (Alter Ego #1 volume #2). This Ralph Reese job is another excellent example. I like both ink jobs, but it is easy to see why Marvel wanted it redone for a color comic. Ralph's would have been great for a black and white.

Logic question: If something is natural, and you decide to intensify it by making it super, doesn't that just make it more natural? Considering how the word is used, shouldn't it really be super-un-natural?

-jb the (strange how that word usage also popped into my brain) ib-

[InfoBroker]

Hey Cei-U!

That Iron man cover looks like other hands got into the mix The Guardian especially looks like Marie Severin was asked to do some post production rework for who knows what reason.

jb the (it's 1972 all over again) ib -

[Cei-U!]

Hey Cei-U!

That Iron man cover looks like other hands got into the mix The Guardian especially looks like Marie Severin was asked to do some post production rework for who knows what reason.

I agree that the Guardian figure isn't Kane but the rendering of the musculature--especially his left arm and leg--suggests Starlin rather than Marie as the ghost, at least to my eyes. But quien sabe?

Cei-U!
Wiling to be wrong!

[theflyingfrogunderdog]

My sentimental favorite Kane cover:
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/19509414834.29.GIF

[MDG]

I'll tell ya, I really don't share the love of Bronze Age Marvel Covers. They still have some of the storytelling that's lacking in modern covers, but most feel like they were put together by committee and it really doesn't matter who actually drew them. I get the same feeling from a lot of DC covers--at least their superhero titles--of the time.

I think the silver age let more of the artist's individuality come through. Like this:

http://www.comics.org/coverview.lasso?id=22759&zoom=4

[Cei-U!]

I'll tell ya, I really don't share the love of Bronze Age Marvel Covers.

I've been biting my tongue about this so I'm glad you've broken the ice, M.

If they had depended on their cover art to lure me in back in the mid-'70s, both Marvel and DC would've been SOL. When *every* cover on the stands is either Gil Kane or Rich Buckler regardless of the interior art credits, nothing stands out. Plus how much time can you put into a cover when you have fifteen of them due on Friday and it's already Wednesday evening?

And that's not even factoring in my general hatred for word balloons on covers.

Cei-U!
I summon the monotony!

[MDG]

And that's not even factoring in my general hatred for word balloons on covers.

I have no problem with word balloons--they can really add to the suspense of the situation. But the "sameness" of a lot of bronze age covers gets to me. It prevented me from really appreciating Nick Cardy untill I looked back at his SA Aquaman covers (and insides).

Here's another great Kane cover--with word balloons.

http://www.comics.org/coverview.lasso?id=22373&zoom=4

[Lone Ranger]

I'll tell ya, I really don't share the love of Bronze Age Marvel Covers. They still have some of the storytelling that's lacking in modern covers, but most feel like they were put together by committee and it really doesn't matter who actually drew them. I get the same feeling from a lot of DC covers--at least their superhero titles--of the time.

I think the silver age let more of the artist's individuality come through. Like this:

http://www.comics.org/coverview.lasso?id=22759&zoom=4

I agree that Kane probably produced too may covers during that time period, but for my money, his western covers are much, much better than the super-hero during that era. The were all reprint titles that need a kick in the pants in order to make them look fresh - and Kane's cover had a ton of drama and intensity.

For the most part, the pictures told the story and word balloons and captions were kep to a minimum (at least by 70s Marvel standards).

Here are some samples:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/scottandkat/CBR/Kane/KC.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/scottandkat/CBR/Kane/MMW.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/scottandkat/CBR/Kane/RK.jpg

[MichikoS]

I've been biting my tongue about this so I'm glad you've broken the ice, M.

If they had depended on their cover art to lure me in back in the mid-'70s, both Marvel and DC would've been SOL. When *every* cover on the stands is either Gil Kane or Rich Buckler regardless of the interior art credits, nothing stands out. Plus how much time can you put into a cover when you have fifteen of them due on Friday and it's already Wednesday evening?

And that's not even factoring in my general hatred for word balloons on covers.

Cei-U!
I summon the monotony!Wah. I can't disagree with you or MDG about the sameness factor. I think that the seventies was a time of consolidation and corporatization in many areas, and the "formula cover" was one solution to the "problem" of having to produce an attention-getting winner each and every month for each and every title to maximize sales. Experimentation and individuality run the risk of failure -- and corporatization is about minimizing risk. Hence, we get zillions of Gil Kane formula covers that really do look eerily identical if viewed en masse.

However, with the gift of hindsight, I maintain that we can still find some absolute gems. Kane may have been churnin' em out according to formula, but he was still a helluva draftsman, and the best covers are as inspired as those from the Silver Age.

Still, I know just what you and MDG are saying about the vitality and freshness of SA covers. It did seem there was ALWAYS something new and unexpected tried, every month. The "formula" hadn't taken root yet.

Michi

[theflyingfrogunderdog]

Great Kane covers:
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/77906321824.137.GIFhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/52426844496.19.GIF

[Reptisaurus!]

Always liked Kane's DC stuff MUCH more than his work for Marvel:
http://www.comics.org/coverview.lasso?id=21174&zoom=4

[Mike Kuypers]

Always liked Kane's DC stuff MUCH more than his work for Marvel:
http://www.comics.org/coverview.lasso?id=21174&zoom=4

You have great taste, Reptisaurus! :)

http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=3199453&postcount=5

[theflyingfrogunderdog]

I edited post #34 and changed the pics. ;)

[Mike Kuypers]

This (http://www.comics.org/coverview.lasso?id=28578&zoom=4) was the cover that made me think Gil Kane was overworked at Marvel. Check out the right foot on the bad guy.

[Cei-U!]

Check out the right foot on the bad guy.

That's what happens when you use your head maces to trim your toenails.

Cei-U!
I summon the pedicure from hell!

[Lone Ranger]

Here is one of my favourite Gil Kane covers of all-time.

It's probably the best Kane cover traditionally credited to Alex Toth that I've ever seen.


What do you guys think?

Kane, not Toth - right?


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/scottandkat/CBR/Kane/AAW112.jpg

[MDG]

That's what happens when you use your head maces to trim your toenails.
There was a time that answer would've gotten you a no-prize.

MDG

[Roquefort Raider]

This (http://www.comics.org/coverview.lasso?id=28578&zoom=4) was the cover that made me think Gil Kane was overworked at Marvel. Check out the right foot on the bad guy.

Yakuza foot!

[Red Oak Kid]

This (http://www.comics.org/coverview.lasso?id=28578&zoom=4) was the cover that made me think Gil Kane was overworked at Marvel. Check out the right foot on the bad guy.

I think this was inked by Colletta and he was just trying to save time.

[benday-dot]

I remember getting the biggest kick out of this one as kid when I saw the ads for it in 1974, probably in Marvel Team Up, Fantastic Four or Incredible Hulk or some such title I was very into back in the 70's. Never picked up World's Unknown 6, but sure wish I had today...

that Bulldozer saying "You dared defy me... now you must die!" is worth it alone... sweet stuff.

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97245770466.6.GIF

[icctrombone]

This is from the first series. Beautiful Interior Kane art as well.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/icctrombone/2410_4_3.jpg

[theflyingfrogunderdog]

I remember getting the biggest kick out of this one as kid when I saw the ads for it in 1974, probably in Marvel Team Up, Fantastic Four or Incredible Hulk or some such title I was very into back in the 70's. Never picked up World's Unknown 6, but sure wish I had today...

I had #8 back in the groovy day: :)
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/97245770466.8.GIF

[Rob Allen]

My sentimental favorite Kane cover:
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/19509414834.29.GIF
If you own a copy of that comic, check out the 12th page of the Thongor story. About 2/3 of the way down the page, on the right hand side, at the bottom of what looks like a stained-glass window, there's a message in Spanish written backwards (i.e. right-to-left) in mirror-image letters. It's a message from the artist, Vicente Alcazar. Can you read it?

I showed that message to Roy Thomas last year; he edited the comic but he had never noticed the message.

[jam]

This stuff just makes me go all nostalgic for Mr. Kane's work.

I think Marvel should bring out a collection of Roy Thomas & Gil Kane's work on Captain Marvel and Warlock.

I guess copyright would stop them, but similarly a DC collection of Mr. Kane and Mr. Wood's work on Captain Action (which I have very very fond memories of as a child) would be most welcome.

I bought the collection of "Star Hawks" that came out a while ago; bitterly disappointed in the format they chose to reprint the strips. I found it just so annoying I haven't managed to read the book yet. A crying shame and a missed opportunity.