MARVELMATION JACK KIRBYS FINAL ACT IN COMICS AND ANIMATION 1976-1994

In the tradition of his past books Kirby & Lee: Stuf’ Said and Old Gods & New, Jack Kirby Collector #98 explores the King’s final act in comics and animation, in this first-ever overview of that largely undocumented era by editor John Morrow. Marvelmation examines the climax of Kirby’s storied life and career, from his return to Marvel Comics in 1976, through his lengthy stint in 1980s animation, up to his passing in 1994. This double-size book examines the the highs and lows of his 1970s Marvel output (Captain America, Black Panther, Machine Man, Eternals, 2001, and Devil Dinosaur), digging deep into the whys and wherefores of those creations. Jon B. Cooke delves into the Marvel inter-office politics that threatened to squelch Kirby’s creativity, and led him to abandon mainstream comics to produce Captain Victory and Silver Star for Pacific Comics, thumb his nose at Marvel with Destroyer Duck, and make a triumphant return to DC Comics in 1984 with SUPER POWERS and THE HUNGER DOGS. Jim Shooter gives his take on Marvel’s side of the Kirby original art battle in a never-published interview, while unseen correspondence sheds new light on that painful episode in Jack’s life. Plus there’s extensive coverage of Jack’s animation career, from the 1978 Depatie-Freleng New Fantastic Four cartoon, to Thundarr the Barbarian and other Ruby-Spears projects, including a host of shows you never knew Kirby was involved with. Finally, it focuses on his years of retirement, sharing memories from fans, family, and friends who give us a better understanding of how he viewed his legacy, and the resolution of numerous unused concepts he left behind at Topps Comics and elsewhere. It includes extensive art galleries of both comics pencil art and animation concepts, and heartwarming photos that provide a proper farewell to the King of Comics!

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs