Mike Zeck: A Masterful Comics Artist
Вставка
- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- ►Support this channel on Patreon: / comictropes
►Support this channel by becoming a UA-cam member:
/@comictropes
►Donate a one-time tip: www.ko-fi.com/...
►Check out my 2nd comics channel: /@prosandconslive
Mike Zeck has had a very successful career as a comics artist working for a wide variety of companies and himself. This video tracks his career from Charlton to Marvel and DC and into retirement. Along the way, Zeck became the artist behind many modern classics: The first miniseries for The Punisher, Spider-Man: Kraven's Last Hunt, Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars, and many more. An artist who helped get me into comics and who drew with clean lines, dynamic layouts, specific details, and big emotions.
Clips used:
Zeck Interview from Heroes Aren't Hard to Find: • Mike Zeck Interview at...
Background purchased from: / @freemotionbackgroundloop
It's nice to hear about a retired comics worker who 1) is in good financial shape 2) is satisfied with their body of work.
I agree. Too many seem to be unsatisfied by the end despite their body of work.
Mi pregunta es cómo se pensiono y se puedo retirar de los cómics.
That really is winning the lottery in that industry
You gotta expect that a little bit just based on the limitations of printing technology of the period. BWS started coloring his own stuff early on, which helped in terms of a final printed product more representative of his intent, but he has admitted it would still have looked hundreds of times better with modern digital precision. Michael Golden isn't shy about expressing some of his "career dissatisfaction" even though in Marvel Fanfare he experienced far better printing quality than most newsstand line comics of the era.
@@stevenfunderburg1623 I think you replied to the wrong comment?
Hey Chris regardless of if you think we “don’t care about” your depression, there are always going to be members of your community and in your life that very much do. I never share anything person on YT but I just want you to know you’re never alone, man. Your work is wonderful and you seem like a genuine person. Thanks for always putting in effort. Always promoting amazing work and interesting stories. And always being you dude, you’re appreciated as a person. Not just for Comic Tropes but for who your are outside of this channel. Once again I’m not trying to be all “parasocial relationship” with you, but it’s just reality. There are always people who care about you as a person.
What he said
Agreed.
I don't know you personaly Chris. But I have watched you for years. Friendly. Insightful. Some real zingers mixed in.
So while we ofc don't know you deeply alot of us still care.
You seem like a genuinely good dude. One that has given me hours of enjoyment on UA-cam and many more reading the comics you recommend.
These videos might not be doing something grand like curing cancer or whatever. But you bring joy.
You are a net positive to this world.
He has lots of subscribers and is making money of UA-cam I don’t know why he would be depressed
Depression doesn't have anything to do with money or success. Look at Robin Williams or Anthony Bourdain. Both were highly successful people making money, and borh succumbed to their depression. Money doesn't make your brain suddenly create the right chemicals.
@@saibrickshop969life is more than that
I used to manage a comic book store in CT back in the early 90s. Mike Zeck was a regular customer. We had a lot of writers and artists as customers since we were a suburb of New York City. Mike Zeck though stood out. He was just a regular guy who would ask questions about what everyone was excited about. So many others acted like they were rock stars. They forgot that outside of the geeky culture no one knew or cared who they were. Zeck and Jerry Ordway were the two artists who always stood out because they cared about the fans and really appreciated our support. Mike Zeck is a great artist but he is also a top human being.
no way! thats so cool!
That's awesome. Was it Galaxy Comics any chance?
@@metalmusic7620 No. It was the Dream Factory location in Orange, CT
Ok, cool. I know they came Galaxy also.
Which was in Norwalk.
I'm sorry to hear about your struggle with depression man. I've struggled with a lot of depression/anxiety as well. God bless you sir. I will genuinely pray for you today.
Funny, me and my friends were just talking about Zeck. He's underrated especially in the cover department: Cap Annual vs Wolverine, Dethlok Cap cover, Secret Wars #1 cover, Jazz hands Spidey Secret Wars cover, Web of Spidey coming from the grave, Cap No More cover. This is all from my head. All iconic covers.
Yeah, Deathlok cover is made me pick up my first issue of Captain America.
Yes I remember well his art inteh 80s , in cap / the punisher / and his master piece , kraven 's last hunt. His heros were muscular and menacing. Great years !!
yep so underappreciated he isn't even on the extensive dropdown autofill list of artists / writers that ebay uses for comic listings. . .I always type his name in manually whenever I post anything with his art :)
Hey, Chris. I just want you to know that I also deal with some serious issues regarding depression.
And at a point when I was losing interest in the things that make me happy, you helped renew that. I discovered Comic Tropes at just the right time.
You always say "Keep Reading comics."
And I do. But a big part of that is because you kept me reading comics. And that's been a big help in the darker times.
Sorry for rambling, but I just wanted you to know that, I hope it helps in some small way to know that.
do what you can Chris, don't overwork yourself. Any day we see a new episode is a good day, no matter how long it takes. Take good care of yourself, that's what counts. You're important :)
I've known Mike for 50 years and I was one of the first people to publish his art.
How can you talk about Zeck with out mentioning John Beatty's inks. The two are a dynamic duo and truly made some epic work together.
I'd argue Zecks work was always elevated with Beatty's inks.
This is a great point
@@TheBeowulf ty very much
I think he mentioned him, but didn't talk much about him.
@@malafakka8530 I didn't hear his name, maybe I missed it . I'll have to look again
Commenting for reach. I get so many good suggestions for things to read from this channel. Bless.
You're important too Chris, and we care about you!! Your content is something that I, as a fellow mental health issue sufferer, looks forward to each week. Keep fighting!!! I for one am in your corner!!!
Love this art. His Wolverine attacking Cap mesmerized me as kid. I was able to get a signed print 30+ years later. He also signed my “Kraven’s Last Hunt” and drew Spider-Man eyes with the Spidey sense waves; a prized piece in my nerd collection. He seems like a good guy to boot.
Mike Zeck raised the bar on every projetct he was involved , Shang chi Cap America, Punisher, Secret Wars , Spider Man
really a giant.
Be well, Chris. we love the show, but remember you are important beyond that. I wish you all the best and love all the content you make.
Seriously man uploads for this channel are a fucking treat. And one on Mike Zeck? Ever since I read Kraven’s Last Hunt I’ve had nothing but respect for his abilities as an artist. A phenomenal talent. Also, seriously man, we all love you and if you ever feel the need to vent and update us, we definitely care. Its a good thing to be open like that.
That Captain America Annual #8 cover unlocked a memory for me. I now vividly remember it seeing it for sale as a poster and always wanting it. Just went on ebay and got one!
He is the quintessential Punisher artist, and everything he touched was beautiful!
I loved Mike Zeck. Claremont/Byrne's X-Men, Miller's Daredevil, Bob Layton's Ironman, McFarlane's Hulk, Byrne's Fantastic Four, Walt Simonson's Thor and Zeck's Captain America: My favorite comic runs in the 1980's. It truly was something special that gave me a life-long love for comics. And I relived many of these joys through the videos on Comic Tropes, some of the best content on UA-cam
His work on Secret Wars, the Spider-man, Kraven run and along with the original 1982 Brood X-Men storyline by Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum and Paul Smith, those were my gateway drugs into comics, what a time!
Some of those covers are very interesting. The way he uses that shining look effectively instead of the traditional focus on darkness to convey a creepy or dangerous feeling is something not seen often in comics or other things.
Loved this video! I'm a fairly newer/younger comic reader and I really do love your videos highlighting creators who I may see but not pay attention to!
I feel like you share your experience from decades of reading and allow me to feel like I've been here the whole time, rather than just catching up now.
Sorry to hear you're not doing too well at the moment, bit of a pagliacci situation, I tend you watch a lot of your videos and similar stuff when I'm getting hammered by my brainworms, so thank you for being there for me in those times. Glad to hear you've got strong support mechanisms in your family and friends though, that's invaluable. Stay strong Chris ❤️
Don't normally see appreciation for Mik Zeck. Loved his work in the 80s. I was into the Secret Wars, Captain America, Punisher and especially Kraven's Last Hunt.
Chris, thank you for all you contribute. You are definitely appreciated as well. Keep up and stay healthy. Take all the time you need.
I remember picking up ALL that great Mike Zeck art on Secret Wars.. Captain America.. Punisher.. ESPECIALLY that Captain America Annual with Wolverine..& basically everything he did for Marvel Comics at my local NYC comic book shop during the 1980s.
Thanks for bringing back all these great memories..im a huge fan of Comic Tropes.
Anyways hang in there brother ..i know its not always easy.
👑
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Mike Zeck several years back. He’s incredibly nice and friendly!
The Zeck run on Master of Kung Fu is why I started collecting as a 12 year old. I love his Cap work as well.
Met Mike Zeck at a convention as a nervous fifteen-year-old kid holding an issue number one of Secret Wars. He was incredibly warm and answered my dumb questions. I'm 23 now and I think back on our interaction as the most positive of my personal idols. Absolute masterclass artist and person.
We love you Chris! We don't care how long things take, you and your work are valuable and your health comes first! You are a blessing and I look forward to every single one of your videos! You are important!! ❤
So glad that people were talking about Mike Zeck. He's such a talented artist
Went to a comic show years ago in Dallas and got to meet Mike zeck. He was an awesome guy and he was sitting right next to Bernie wrightson. Two amazing artists. I told him that your punisher IS punisher and he said thanks for that. Captain America 286 and GI Joe 24 are two of my favorite covers from the 80’s. Just awesome dynamic work. Great video comic tropes and something else….you’re important too. I always feel like I’m going to learn something I didn’t know when I watch your stuff. Thank you for that. Clinical depression is a scary thing but know that you’re important and valued and what you do matters. Thank you
Mike Zeck’s anatomy and poses on Master of Kung Fu were what got me into that character and then I followed him over to Captain America. I’m such a huge fan. I got excited when I saw that he was the subject of your latest episode. Thanks for a good one.
Please keep in mind that there are lots of people, strangers you’ve never met, that are pulling for you and wishing you well.
I'm Luis Kulik, or Luis Gingerbread (english artistic name). I'm a digital and comic artist from brazil and your channel has been my way to release stress or any negative emotions I may had in my process. Recently I've been diagnosed with autism and I too have struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life. One of my hiperfocus/hiperfixations is comics and comic book history and your work has helped me in many occasions. You are very important to me and I believe that you're very important for so many people around the world. Hope things get better for you. Sending the biggest virtual hug someone has ever send to another. ❤
As a new subscriber I really appreciate your work on your channels. I’m sorry to hear about your challenges with depression and I hope you continue to get the support that you need. As a complete stranger I just wanted to let you know you make an impact and matter a great deal to the comic community, family and friends and to strangers like myself. All the best to you
What a great career
Also hang in there chris, we're in rough times
Great job as always Chris. I want you to know I also suffer from depression to a certain extent, but your show gets me through some harder times so you are making a difference at least in my life and I suspect many other so thank you. We understand and are with you. 👍🏻
Hey, Chris. I'm tormented by anxiety and depression as well. I just wanted to let you know that I admire the fact that you addressed it with us. I know how difficult it can be to open up to others. I'm glad you have support, and I hope you start to feel better.
Admirable, yep. Means a lot to lots of us.
Dude you rule, bro; we love you and your work. Thank you!!!
I've been slowly reading every 616 related comic and I think Zeck's time on master of kung fu with double 0 Shang Chi is worth more than a footnote. I found he always had a excellent composition when it came to fight scenes with a really good flow panel to panel that no one at Marvel could do at the time IMO.
Also sorry to hear you're still having issues with your depression, but it sounds like you have a good support system in place. I'm always happy to see when one of your videos hit my subscription feed for whatever that's worth.
Thank you for this! I feel terrible I didn't know this name. I think you and I are about the same age and G.I. Joe #48 marked my official start to comic collecting when I first opened a hold slot at the local comic shop. And seeing all of the other familiar covers from my youth were also by him. Wow. Great work as always!
Always so dynamic and his faces so expressive. I loved reading his work as a kid and still do today.
Zeck is the shit! His covers blow me away!
I love Mike Zeck's artwork. So glad I did get to thank him in person! Got to talk with him quite some time while he signed several of my comics for me. He's a really, really nice guy.
I don't think a lot of these classic stories would be classics without Mike Zeck's art.
I got to have dinner with Mike Zeck after the release of Damned. He was a regular at a little comic shop in CT and I got to talk with him pretty often. Absolutely wonderful guy.
Thanks! Mike Zeck's covers are masterclass. The only other artist that does gear porn (weapons and vehicles) as good is Michael Golden. Zeck's one of the best comic book legacy artists from the 1980's, and the 80's had no shortage of great talent. If you like him, you may enjoy the similar styles of Jim Lee, Marc Silvestri, Lee Weeks and Ron Wagner (who is highly underrated).
I got a stack of comics for Christmas in 1984. I never really had any of my own before but in the stack was Secret Wars #1-4. I was hooked immediately and started looking for more comics at our local 7-Eleven spinner rack where I found Punisher #1. And I loved GI Joe (especially that cover for issue #24 that you featured a couple times in the video). I have great memories of his Captain America run too. Didn't even realize back then that they were all from Mike Zeck, I just thought this is what comic book art looks like and that's why I loved it. Mike Zeck is still my favorite artist even 40 years later.
I love Mike Zeck ! I got to meet him in Toronto and he graciously signed my Punisher Circle of Blood ! ICON!!!!!!!!!!!
The way José Luís García-López created my mental image of the core DC Universe, Mike Zeck did the same for the Marvel characters for me. One of the few times the word iconic makes all the sense.
Please, take good care. Not every day has to be a homerun.
Chris Please be safe and well, since I'm lifting a very similar building, I really understand how difficult it can be sometimes. I wish you all the best and Please, PLEASE be safe. You have no idea how much it means to Me, to watch and re-watch your videos and how much of a nice impact you have on Me which makes it easier to lift that freaking building. So forgive my selfishness and let me ask you once again to be safe and here with us forever, so I can keep enjoy your work :)
Don't forget...
"You're much stronger than you think you are. Trust Me."
- Superman (All-Star Superman (Grant Morrison))
Well, after the last couple of days, this is the wholesome content we needed... Take care Chris, your're important too.
Zeck is still doing conventions, despite what his site may say. This year he came to the ComicCon in Melbourne Australia. He said it was his first time in the country. He ran a panel and signed books. Did a cute drawing in my copy of Last Hunt.
Mike Zeck will always be one of my favorite creatives in comics. Not only for his amazing art that's had such a lasting impact, but because he was the first artist I ever met at Fan Fusion (Arizona Comic Con) back in high school. He was extremely warm and even talked to my mother talked for a while about life. It's a memory I still hold on to and made me want to seek out more of his work beyond Spider-Man.
Take care Chris! You are appreciated!!
Always one of my top2-3 artists all time. Secret Wars was where I discovered him. Thanks for making this homage!
Zeck's art is totally Underrated ❤ His style was always iconic and recognizable as his own.
Zeck is one of my favorites, definitely on my Mt. Rushmore. His Punisher is still my favorite version, too. Great video!
I'm glad you're reaching out for help!!
As an aspiring cartoonist who's grown up watching your videos and still watches them, please know that you've been doing great work in highlighting and analyzing the works of many creators that I otherwise would have never discovered. Especially the past couple years, your level of production and writing has really improved, and I'm looking forward to seeing your channel continue to grow. You're a genuine lynch pin in the Comics community and I hope you get through this rough patch.
Thank you for your work, Chris.
The Punisher Circle Of Blood is one of my favorite comic books ever! Mike Zeck's art is what sold me on that book.
Loved Mike’s work on the Punisher Mini-series one of the best Punisher renditions EVER !!!!
His Captain America entry in TOHOTMU is iconic !!!!
You are a gift to the comic book community!! Please be encouraged and I am fan for life. Praying for you my friend,
Probably my favorite Punisher artist. I loved how he drew Frank as a big and imposing figure.
Thank you for helping share comic history and showing me artists I’ve never heard of Chris ! 🤘🔥🔥🔥
For me, it was the art on Kraven's Last Hunt that blew my mind and made me check the credits to know the name of the artist. I still have the Mexican edition of those issues.
An excellent video, as usual.
Keep going, brother and stay strong. The videos you make are a delight and I love zoning out to them especially when my anxiety’s take over me. Just know what you do brings joy and makes others days brighter.
In regards to Mike Zeck; I had the pleasure of meeting him earlier this year at Supanova. He was very friendly and was nice enough to sign my books and even did a little Spidey Remarque for me. He’s a great artist.
I agree that Mike Zeck is awesome. I loved Secret Wars and that first Punisher miniseries. Prayers for your struggle with depression. Keep talking to your friends and family and posting videos.
You said it, man. Zeck had great composition and weight.
He hit my radar with the Punisher mini series in th 80's. Which I absolutely loved. Had no idea he.penciled the orinal Secret Wars. Thanks for the video.
Take care of yourself Chris. Depression is hell of an affliction and it's good to hear that you are taking it seriously, reaching out to both loved ones and professionals when needed. Never apologise for not feeling great, so many others have the same struggles. YOU are important too - never forget. And the work you have done on this channel will stand the test of time.
Mike Zeck. Thank you Chris, for serendipitously reintroducing me to Mike Zeck. I bought and still have all six of the Kraven's Last Hunt issues. EPIC. Maybe I'm biased, but based on comic prices, it's vastly undervalued and underrated, and my most treasured set in my low to mid tier collection. ✌️
Yes! Absolutely! First comics I ever bought: Secret Wars. Second: Kraven's last Hunt. Zeck was so dynamic & underrated!
Hello Chris,
My introduction to comic art was Jack Kirby, but it was Mike Zeck who captured my mind. When I started my paper route job as a13 year old, I would spend my money on those cool Mike Zeck books. My absolute favorite artist of all time.
Mike was one of my main inspirations for becoming a comic book fan. I always found his style to be strong and expressive with a great sense of movement and action. I fully agree and concur with your sentiments.😎👍
For whatever reason Mike's KGBeast Batman cover has always stuck deep into the recesses of my mind. He's so mega talented...love Mike's work.
I was lucky enough to meet Mike at that Heroescon. My buddy got his Secret Wars 8 signed by him after we stood in the Stan Lee line getting my ASM 252 and X-Men 4 signed. That was a really special day. I also struggle with crippling anxiety and depression, and it can sometimes be a real challenge looking for that motivation to keep pushing forward, but when I think back on moments like that and the good people in our community making content like you do, it makes me want to stick around to see what's next.
So thank you, Chris. We appreciate what you do and I want to remind you that you're not alone.
Keep at it with getting help for depression. Good on you for reaching out for help, you are worthy of that help and don't think for a moment you don't deserve it.
Man, I've heard you speak about your struggles with depression before, but your reveal at the end of this video scared me. Please know that your work is valued. I'm grateful I found your channel and am thankful for your profiles of comic book artists and your recommendations for reading. Every time you've offered suggestions, I've begun searching for the books at my local libraries or online. You have given me hours of great reading. Thank you for your work!
Chris your videos have always helped me distract from my depression, and I just want to say thanks, what you do has a big impact
Just got the notification. Excited to watch another great ComicTropes episode!
I want you to stay around too Chris.
Mike zeck is incredible. Still holds up. Especially the punisher and the web of Spider-Man work.
Cool video. Zeck's Punisher, Zeck's Kraven mini series, Conan comics, and Dark Knight Returns changed me from a kid who bought from the newstand to a kid who went to comic stores.
Hang in there bro. Thank you so much for this episode. I was affected exactly like you were. Absolutely love Mike Zack. He was the first artist that I consciously needed to learn what a penciler was
We don't want you going away either Chris! Great content. Love Mike Zeck as well. So much enjoyment he brought us drawing such wonderful comics in our childhoods. So great of you to showcase it again here. Ron Garney had a start by meeting Zeck and learning from him. So he contributed to the creation of another great talent as well. Contribution is real happiness and fulfillment, and you too have an important role contributing this great channel.
Dude, we lost way too many good people in comics lately. Put yourself first and keep going and do well! I rather see a video from you rarely than never again. You are one of the people that keep comics nice! It´s very appreciated!
Hang in there Chris! My favorite Comics Tropes episodes are when you deep dive on works you personally love. It's like having a smart, enthusiastic and yes nerdy friend who comes to visit through the computer, and I can assure you it gets ME through hard and difficult times when I see a new Comics Trope video and know you're about to show up.
Man, I’m sending lots and lots of love from Verona, Italy (the City of Love, no less).
Seriously, the only comics-related content that I watch is your stuff; all your stuff :) Because it’s deeply researched, it’s insightful, it’s full of surprises, and above all it is delivered by a very special human being. Your passion, compassion, empathy, humanity carry through the screen and make me care for you as a fellow man.
I’m pretty sure that I struggled with undiagnosed depression at various points in my life, so I can relate to your situation. And for what it’s worth, I know that very soon you’ll find the strength that you need. Until then, keep getting help, keep us posted and keep reading comics!
Excellent overview of Mike Zeck's career. I hadn't thought of it myself, but you're right that he drew a lot of people into comics.
Great video! I got to meet Mike Zeck at a comic con in Calgary and was super kind and gracious. I got a photo with him and treasure it.
Great watch. Zeck was my favorite artist as a kid. Hell, I still love his work. Would love to see new work from him.
Hey Chris,just wanted to let you know,I've always loved your channel and the content that you put out,I love the way you write your videos,the little jokes and the way you analyse and disect artworks and panels,you made me discover a lot of great artists I would've never known about without you,you're the person who made me interested in comics,so from the bottom of my heart,I wish you the best and take care of yourself,not every day is easy but we can get through it,hope it cheered you up a bit reading that,lots of love and support from Belgium !
Shocked that Zeck wasn't on my radar. Love some of the examples of his work you showed here.
Thank you for all you contribute to the comics community and I wish you better days concerning your mental health. Bless you Chris!
Chris i admire all the work you do, i'm with you i hope you get better. Sometimes we have to go deeper in ourselves to find our way. If you wanna just talk about it im here.
Love Zech. had forgotten a little about him. this reminded me about some great childhood books. love the channel.
Always been an unknowing fan of that guy. Thanks for bringing his story to my eyes. So happy you’re here. I went through a really bad rough spot late last year. I’m glad I called those numbers, too. ❤
In the early 2010s I met Mike Zeck at the first comic convention I ever went to (a little con in Des Moines, Iowa.) No one else besides a friend of mine and my step dad were in line and so we just stood there for at least half an hour and talked about his work on The Punisher, Secret Wars, and Spiderman. He was so kind and seemed genuinely interested and engaged in our conversation. I don't know that I've ever had an experience with a creator quite like that one.
Hey Chris. Take care of yourself first. You are number 1, and loved. The longer the wait for your episodes, the sweeter.
I chose life two years ago. That stuff gets scary, dark, and heavy. No day is easy but what has helped me is just doing life moment by moment. I'm so happy you are here and you are one of my favorite UA-cam channels. I love your content. Take all the breaks you need to let yourself be healthy and do the things that bring you joy.
I was at that Heroes con in 2015 and got to meet the man. He was selling glossy prints of the famous cover runs like Kraven's Last Hunt and Secret Wars. What a Legend.
Thanks for the episode. The Zeck Punisher covers are what first brought the character to my attention. You take care of yourself Chris.