Books by Mark Evanier

Kirby: King of Comics

by Mark Evanier

Jack Kirby created or co-created some of comic books’ most popular characters including Captain America, The X-Men, The Hulk, The Fantastic Four, The Mighty Thor, Darkseid, and The New Gods. More significantly, he created much of the visual language for fantasy and adventure comics. There were comics before Kirby, but for the most part their page layout, graphics, and visual dynamic aped what was being done in syndicated newspaper strips. Almost everything that was different about comic books began in the forties on the drawing table of Jack Kirby. This is his story by one who knew him well―the authorized celebration of the one and only “King of Comics” and his groundbreaking work.

“I don’t think it’s any accident that . . . the entire Marvel universe and the entire DC universe are all pinned or rooted on Kirby’s concepts.” ―Michael Chabon

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Kirby: King of Comics (Anniversary Edition)

by Mark Evanier

Filled with stunning artwork, this gloriously illustrated biography of comics pioneer Jack Kirby by an artist who worked closely with him is “a treasure."* Includes an introduction by Neil Gaiman

“A landmark work, this is essential reading for comics fans and those who want to better understand the history of the comics medium—or those who just want to enjoy Kirby’s incredible artwork.” —Publishers Weekly

Jack Kirby played a major role in shaping the superhero genre, not only through his innovative, dynamic artwork but through collaborating with Stan Lee to create classic Marvel characters like the Fantastic Four, the Hulk and the X-Men.
As a teenager, future television and comics writer Mark Evanier became an assistant to Kirby. Evanier has now written this magnificently illustrated biography of his mentor. Evanier tells Kirby’s life story in an informal, entertaining manner and brings Kirby’s personality vividly alive: a child of the Great Depression, a creative visionary who struggled most of his life to support his family.
Kirby: King of Comics recounts how Kirby was insufficiently appreciated by clueless corporate executives and close-minded comics professionals. But the stunning artwork in this book, taken from private collections, makes the case for Kirby’s genius.

*The Cleveland Plain Dealer

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The Essential Peanuts: The Greatest Comic Strip of All Time

by Mark Evanier

This spectacular deluxe edition celebrates the 75th anniversary of Peanuts and the life, art, and legacy of Charles M. Schulz and features unique bonus materials.

Extras in this gift-ready slipcase package include: 8 ready-to-frame prints, 5 vinyl stickers, 8 postcards, an iron-on patch, a full-color comic book, and more!

A beautiful 336-page full-color hardcover collects more than 700 of Schulz’s most iconic comic strips. Award-winning author Mark Evanier provides entertaining Peanuts cultural and history context. An introduction from Patrick McDonnell, a foreword by Jean Schulz, and appreciations and insights from key figures in the world of Peanuts make the book a milestone.

Seventy-five years after the first Peanuts strip made its debut on October 2, 1950, the beloved comic strip and its iconic characters remain a touchstone for generations around the world.

From cultural milestones such as NASA’s Apollo 10 lunar and command modules being named after Charlie Brown and Snoopy to the classic holiday specials that continue to draw millions of viewers, Peanuts has a lasting influence that few works of art or literature can claim. The power of these iconic characters is also evident from the popularity of modern-day animated movies and iPhone shorts, and even the Gen Z phenomenon of so-called Snoopy Girls.

This is the official book celebration of the 75th anniversary of Peanuts, produced in close collaboration with Peanuts Worldwide and the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California.

“Not many cartoons live into the next generation, and that probably is the best definition of art, isn’t it? Does it speak to succeeding generations? Real art, real music, real literature, speaks to succeeding generations.” –Charles M. Schulz

The book includes original contributions by Robb Armstrong (Franklin), Derrick Bang (Vince Guaraldi and A Charlie Brown Christmas), Rob Boutilier (The Snoopy Show), Paige Braddock (Schulz’s pen line), Alberto Brambilla (Peanuts in Italy), Benjamin L. Clark (Peanuts paperbacks), Alexis E. Fajardo (selecting the essential Peanuts), Ben Folds (the sound of Peanuts), Sarah Gillespie (editing Schulz), Chip Kidd (design of Peanuts), Amy Lago (editing Schulz), Mike Massimino (Snoopy and Apollo 10), Akio Matsunaga (Peanuts in Japan), Jeff Morrow (scoring Peanuts), Hilary B. Price (Peppermint Patty and Marcie), and Shuntarō Tanikawa (Poet laureate and translator of Peanuts in Japan).

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Garfield & Co. #4: Caroling Capers (Garfield Graphic Novels, 4)

by Jim Davis, Mark Evanier

Just in time for the Holidays, Garfield's winter shenanigans! 'Tis the season to be jolly and Garfield, always looking for an opportunity to stuff his face, goes caroling in the hopes that his neighbors will reward him with tasty holiday treats. There's only one problem: Garfield can't sing and therefore no one will give him a crumb! But Nermal and Odie are also out caroling, with greater success, and Garfield knows he has to find a way to get in on their goodies! Also featuring "King Nermal" and "The Amazing Flying Dog."

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Garfield & Co. #3: Catzilla (Garfield Graphic Novels, 3)

by Jim Davis, Mark Evanier

It's Halloween, and Garfield dresses up as "Catzilla," a fierce wild cat that lives at the zoo, to go out Trick or Treating. What Garfield doesn't know is that the real Catzilla has escaped from the zoo and the police are searching for it, leading to a wild case of mistaken identity! Will Garfield end up in a zoo? And what will Jon and Odie do if they run into Catzilla? Also featuring the stories "Underwater World" and "Perfect Pizza."

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Garfield Original Graphic Novel: A Big Fat Hairy Adventure: A Big Fat Hairy Adventure (1)

by Mark Evanier, Scott Nickel

Garfield stars in his first ever, all-new original graphic novel!

The Fat Cat returns to comics in this original graphic novel featuring all-new stories, including work by legendary Garfield & Friends screenwriter Mark Evanier (Groo the Wanderer), with contributions from Scott Nickel (Garfield), Andy Hirsch (Baker Street Peculiars), and a special short story featuring first ever off-model artwork of your favorite characters as Garfield is reinterpreted for a new generation. When Jon reveals plans to bring Odie to a talent show audition, Garfield decides he can’t let Odie get all the spotlight. But when his actions cause Odie to run away, it’s up to Garfield to bring Odie back home.

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Garfield: Snack Pack Vol. 3

by Jim Davis, Mark Evanier, Scott Nickel

The gang’s all here for another delicious serving of Garfield goodies! In the volume, Garfield becomes matchmaker for some neighborhood dogs, and picks up the trenchcoat once again for another Sam Spayed adventure.

Writers Mark Evanier and Scott Nickel, and artist Antonio Alfaro bring laughs and shenanigans for the whole family.

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Garfield: Snack Pack Vol. 2

by Mark Evanier, Scott Nickel

Garfield goes head to head with a haunted TV, gets lost at the beach, and reunites with his old foe, The Lasagna Monster, in this collection of never-before collected short stories.

The Fat cat returns for fun (and food) for all seasons, in this collection of sensational seasonal stories. As the gang heads to the beach to soak up some rays, Jon and Liz hit bumpy waters, navigating a breakup just as a giant shark approaches. After the waters have calmed,, Garfield and Odie audition for a reality show, and Garfield encounters nemeses old and new: a spooky ghoul who reaches out from the TV, and the fan-favorite Lasagna Monster. Writers Mark Evanier (Garfield and Friends) and Scott Nickel team up with artists Antonio Alfaro, David DeGrand (Spongebob Comics), and more for loads of comedy and carbs. Collects Garfield 2018 Vacation Time Blues #1 and Garfield 2018 TV Or Not TV? #1.

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Superman Adventures 2

by Scott McCloud, Mark Millar, Mark Evanier, David Michelinie, Hilary J. Bader

Based on the beloved animated series, Superman takes flight in this book for fans of all ages!

Superman: The Animated Series was an instant classic, developed by the same team behind the beloved Batman: The Animated Series and featuring some of the greatest Superman adventures ever committed to film.

Dive back into the world of Superman: The Animated Series with this collection of comics featuring the iconic cast and some legendary creators!

FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SUPERMAN CATCHES A COLD.

GAWK AS SUPERMAN LOSES HIS POWERS!

WITNESS THE GALACTIC BRAWL BETWEEN SUPERMAN AND LOBO.

WATCH AS SUPERMAN PLAYS BASEBALL TO SAVE THE WORLD!

SUPERMAN ADVENTURES VOL. 2 features stories by Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics, Zot!), Mark Millar (Ultimate Avengers), Rick Burchett (THE BATMAN ADVENTURES) and others. Collects SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #11-16, SUPERMAN ADVENTURES ANNUAL #1 and SUPERMAN ADVENTURES SPECIAL #1.

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Grumpy Cat & Garfield

by Mark Evanier

It's the inevitable meeting of the sourpusses! Garfield, the reigning cynical cat of newspapers and TV crosses paths with Grumpy Cat, the internet sensation whose scowl endeared herself to the world. Who's the most sarcastic? Well, he likes lasagna and not much else...and she doesn't even like lasagna. Can these two inhabit the same comic book mini-series, let alone the same planet? You'll find out in a trio of issues written by Mark Evanier and illustrated by Steve Uy. We'd say it's the cat's meow but neither of these cats meows.

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Groo: Minstrel Melodies

by Sergio Aragones, Mark Evanier

The rhyming minstrel travels with his daughter from town to town singing tales of Groo!

The Groo-verse’s hapless wandering minstrel and his smart daughter, Kayli, roam the land . . . Traveling from town to town, they sing tales of Groo wherever they go, bringing laughter, joy, and lessons to the townsfolk . . . and hopefully some kopins to their pockets! Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier begin another epic, hilarious Groo series, with colors by Carrie Strachan and letters by Stan Sakai!

Collects Groo: Minstrel Melodies #1–#4.

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