Ships from: Darby, PA
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from: Niagara Falls, NY
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Want a NOOK? Explore Now
Anonymous
Posted August 21, 2008
A fanatastic book that gives great insights to the greed of the comic publishers and how they used great men like Kirby, Ditko and others. Sad but true Kirby and others really created 90% of the story line and imput but Lee took all the alocades and money. I understand that he now gives the late Kirby more credit but I really wonder how he can look at himself in the mirror every morning. Much appreciation to the wandering sumerai Ro who had the guts to tell the true story. A must for every silver age reader.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 25, 2005
As a lifelong fan of Jack Kirby¿s work, I was anxious to read Ronin Ro¿s biography of the great, tragic master artist. I wasn¿t disappointed. Tales to Astonish is a fascinating look at Kirby¿s life, from his early days as Jacob Kurtzberg in Manhattan, to his early art days, his days in the army during WWII it¿s easy to see how these dramatic and occasionally traumatic events provided the fuel and pathos for Kirby to co-create the Fantastic Four, The Hulk, Thor, the X-Men, the Avengers, and countless other characters for Marvel. Though this book goes in depth into Jack Kirby and Stan Lee¿s always dynamic, often dysfunctional relationship, it does try to present a balanced view by also quoting Stan and letting the reader draw their own conclusions. After the break with Marvel, it recounts the creation of Kirby¿s Fourth World at DC (my favorite era) and follows him through until the bittersweet end. Not only is it Kirby¿s story, but many other creators are featured, such as Stan Lee, John Romita, Joe Simon, Mark Evanier, and many more. Roz Kirby, the Queen mother of comicdom also has her tale told. This is not only an invaluable lesson in comic history, but in the human condition. It¿s the story of one man¿s life that is more extraordinary than any of the characters he created. It should not only be read by every comic book fan, but every student of pop culture, and every artist who even thinks about working freelance. Highly recommended to all!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 22, 2004
Ronin Ro has written a masterpiece. Kirby's life and times are presented with the sweeping literary tone of an epic novel. Tales to Astonish does for comics what Sea Biscuit did for horse racing--takes readers back to an earlier age and restores the glory to a forgotten champion, his generation, and what they spent their lives trying to accomplish. This is a classic that has more to do with life, war, marriage, adult decisions, and friendship than it does with men in tights and four color comic books (although the author competently covers those topics as well with an incredible mix of research and original interviews).
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview