Zeck or Layton?

[Ziggy Stardust]

Who's artwork was better in Secret Wars v1?

[Your Imaginary Pal]

I don't even remember layton touching it really. But it's been a long while.

Zeck fanboy here so there is a bias. Though I did enjoy BL's Iron Man run.

[Ziggy Stardust]

IIRC, at the very least, the issue where Thor fought a slew of villains was done by Layton.

[Shellhead]

At the time, I liked Layton's artwork, but found Zeck's artwork not so good. Today, I would say that both artists were just okay. They both have a clean and direct style, but the anatomy is a little bit off. Layton has a tendency towards Kirby-style blockiness in his figures, while Zeck is from more of a Ditko-skinny style. I thought that Zeck drew ankles that were too skinny. It was less of a problem on Master of Kung Fu, but looked strange on some of the heroes in Secret Wars. Overall, I think that Layton was better at drawing facial expressions, so I still give him the edge.

[Paiute 1]

Beatty's Inks kept the art consistant but this one time I would take Zeck.

This and Captain America were the best work of his career.

[JKCarrier]

I don't think Secret Wars was either man's best work. Or Shooter's, for that matter. Apparently, deadlines were a problem throughout -- the last issue looks like everyone and his brother were chipping in to get the thing done. I wouldn't look to it as a benchmark for anything, except maybe mediocrity.

[spoon_jenkins]

I prefer Zeck's work. I first read Secret Wars in TPB format, and I was disappointed when I reach the non-Zeck stuff because it didn't have the same gusto.

[Roquefort Raider]

I don't think Secret Wars was either man's best work. Or Shooter's, for that matter. Apparently, deadlines were a problem throughout -- the last issue looks like everyone and his brother were chipping in to get the thing done. I wouldn't look to it as a benchmark for anything, except maybe mediocrity.

I agree, except for one little plot point: Doom stealing the Beyonder's power was a formidable example of chutzpah.

As for the art, yeah... the deadline pressure really showed.

[JKCarrier]

I agree, except for one little plot point: Doom stealing the Beyonder's power was a formidable example of chutzpah.

Admittedly, that was a nice bit. Shooter writes a really good DOOM (see also the 2nd Superman/Spider-Man book).

[icctrombone]

I think I read somewhere that Zeck was instructed to make the pencils standard without any special flair. Maybe some pressure from the toy company ?