Jack Kirby vs Alex Toth: Who's the Real King of Comic Books?

[Bionicfanboy66]

Kirby was to comic art what Johnny Carson was to the art of delivering a monologue. If Ralph McQuarrie had gone into the comics field, he would've given Jack a run for his money. Kirby all the way. The only one who comes close to Jack is maybe Alex Ross.

[Mego Superboy Prime]

Shows you how much I know about comics and animation. I'd never really known about Toth before this thread. I may have read something he did but never realized it. For me, Kirby is an enigma. While he broke most of the ground for all of today's artists, he never appealed to me growing up. As an adult I can see his layouts are pure genius. He was also a master designer for characters. I never realized how much of an influence his design style had on my own artwork and the original characters I created through my book or custom figures. I can see a lot of him coming out in my own work and from my own hands. That in of itself speaks volumes to his talent and influence. Even if I don't totally dig his stuff, I recognize the undisputed master of the craft.

Very well said...

[B-Lister]

All from the toughest kid in Brooklyn.

[Random Axe]

Shows you how much I know about comics and animation. I'd never really known about Toth before this thread. I may have read something he did but never realized it. For me, Kirby is an enigma. While he broke most of the ground for all of today's artists, he never appealed to me growing up. As an adult I can see his layouts are pure genius. He was also a master designer for characters. I never realized how much of an influence his design style had on my own artwork and the original characters I created through my book or custom figures. I can see a lot of him coming out in my own work and from my own hands. That in of itself speaks volumes to his talent and influence. Even if I don't totally dig his stuff, I recognize the undisputed master of the craft.

[B-Lister]

Wish I had had the time to really chat with him, and really wish he had been able to do a quick sketch. Bit here he is signing my Deadman trade:

[Mego Superboy Prime]

Yup, he is always a lot of fun!!

[B-Lister]

I met Adams once. Super nice guy.

[kingdom warrior]

Just had a fun time with him myself!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPgro-CQ-DM

That's an awesome interview, He's pretty funny and a good person to talk to.

[Mego Superboy Prime]

Neal is also one of the comic Gods, absolutely awesome man. Met him a few times over the years. He sat me down and showed me how to ink.

Just had a fun time with him myself!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPgro-CQ-DM

[kingdom warrior]

I'm a Neal Adams guy myself

Neal is also one of the comic Gods, absolutely awesome man. Met him a few times over the years. He sat me down and showed me how to ink.

[kingdom warrior]

Toth isn't even in the same league as Kirby as far as comic book output. It's an unfair comparison. It's apples and oranges.

What he said...........

[megowgsh]

I'm a Neal Adams guy myself

[MIB41]

We are not discussing style.

We're discussing their brilliance. And In that discussion, even though Toth is a giant in the field we aren't discussing apples and oranges, we're discussing apples and the very fabric of the universe.

Toth created characters. Kirby created a universe.


Nobody was in the same league as Kirby. Nobody was even in the same sport. That's not an opinion. That is verifiable fact. Kirby is, and was the best. And judging the current crop of talent, that doesn't appear to be under any threat of changing any time soon.

Say what you will about the style, but the output, and body of work speaks for itself.

That pretty much sums up my opinion. Well said!

[B-Lister]

I have a great deal of Admiration for Toth, and would NEVER try to take anything away from his immense talent. He, too was a workhorse. Right up until the end. (He died at his desk on a Saturday morning. I can think of no more a poetic way for the man to go.)

[PNGwynne]

Kirby, no question.

Toth is great, but still a rung below.

I'd have to agree, aven though I personally prefer Toth's style and sense of design.