 |
| Images copyright MARVEL COMICS & DC COMICS |
Hard to believe this mag came out 16 years ago, in 1999 - it seems as if it were only 4 or 5 years ago at most. Regardless of that, however, it's an absolute cracker of a tale, which, nowadays would probably require a 12 issue maxi-series, have far more talking head panels, and be lucky to contain only half the action and excitement. But why witter on about it when I can show you some of the interior pages? They capture the MARVEL feel of the '60s down to a 'tee', while still managing to do full justice to DC's main hero as well. A brilliant tale, well-told - and drawn, with STEVE RUDE emulating JACK KIRBY most effectively!
The INCREDIBLE HULK Versus SUPERMAN - if you don't already have this in your collection, you're missing out. Straight on to eBay with you before it's too late.
Steve Rude is a talented guy. But I find his male superheroes too Kirby like which is odd since his Nexus work isn't that strongly Kirby. His female figures are excellent. I would buy a comic he draws just because he draws it.
ReplyDeleteI like the Kirby influence, Phil. It's nice to see 'Kirby', but without the 'eccentricities' in regard to musculature. Rude's art is always worth looking at.
ReplyDeleteI've never liked these Marvel/DC crossovers - the characters obviously live in separate universes otherwise how could both Namor and Aquaman be rulers of Atlantis. Are there two Atlantises ? And why aren't Superman and Batman in the Avengers, bah !
ReplyDeleteWhat if?, CJ, what if? It's called the suspension of disbelief, which should be something a comics reader has no difficulty with. However, I'd prefer them to be consistent. Some inter-company crossovers (between Marvel & DC) present the heroes as existing in the same universe, while others present them as living in alternate dimensions. Pick one and stick with it, I say.
ReplyDeleteI have a Steve Rude commission and his female figures are just fantastic. http://imageshack.com/i/13marymarveljudy0001j
ReplyDeleteJust to point out the rather odd juxtaposition of highly stylized male superheroes he draws with his very realistic female figures.
It's very nice, Phil, but there's something about the legs that isn't quite right - especially the thigh on the right one. However, a Steve Rude is a Steve Rude, so well done on having that in your collection.
ReplyDeleteI have seen the cover for this one reproduced many times but never gotten around to tracking down the actual mag - thanks for the reminder, I 'll have to remedy that now.
ReplyDeleteI have always preferred the more brutish look for the Hulk (the face of rage) and felt that he became too much of a big green pretty boy under the pencil of some other artists. And few could touch Kirby for all out b**ls to the wall action. Nice try by Steve Rude though. He's even thrown in some of Jack's amazing over the top machines & gadgets.
Being a fan of both Jack and Steve I don't know how this one has escaped my clutches for so long. (I re-read Steve's Space Ghost regularly, having a soft spot for the Hanna-Barbera action shows of the mid to late 60s.) Great Post.
It's based on this photo since Mary Marvel was based on Judy Garland. I think it's interesting to see how closely Steve Rude uses his models as templates for his work. http://www.jgdb.com/mars4.htm
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of Rude's work, I think he really captures the fun of a bygone era in comics.
Wow! Two Phils for the price of one - ain't that a bargain! I prefer the early Kirby Hulk look, too, Phil. He looked particularly good in #2 & 5 (Toad Men, and Tyrannus), and that's how I think he should look. I've got that Space Ghost Special as well, but I can't remember if I've ever read it.
ReplyDelete******
I took a look at that link, Phil. I think the problem is that, in the photo, the legs are covered by a dress and he's reversed which leg was crossed over the other, drawing them without actual reference. Rude is the only artist I can think of who does 'Kirby' without it looking like a collection of mere swipes, so I'm a fan of his, too. Did you ever see his Mister Miracle Special from around the mid-'80s?
Steve Rude is arguably the greatest talent of his generation. This book is a stunner all the way through. Sixteen years! Ouch!
ReplyDeleteRip Off
I'd love to see him as the regular artist on the FF, Rip. The Lee/Kirby FF, that is - not any other versions. Wonder how long it'll take before the comic is revived?
ReplyDeleteDo you go to conventions Kid? Rude was a guest at one in England last year.
ReplyDeleteI don't go to any outside of Glasgow - can't be bothered travelling. There are very few comic creators I'd actually want to meet - only the ones I read as a kid or teenager.
ReplyDeleteOne in Glasgow coming up!
ReplyDeletehttps://gccon.wordpress.com/guests/
Yup, knew about it, thanks.
ReplyDelete