My admiration for the artistic skills of Jim Starlin knows no bounds. His work on Captain Marvel and Warlock (both in Strange Tales and Warlock's own mag) are the pinnacle of cosmic comics, Ol' Groove's favorite genre. Starlin's cover for Strange Tales #179 (January, 1975) is one of the most awesome pieces I've ever seen. Adam Warlock is bound, but looks so determined and powerful it's obvious he's waaaaay more in control than that legion of funkadelic aliens would like to believe. Starlin's use of shadows and dark colors seem to almost shine a spotlight on our hero. His imaginative aliens, part Ditko, part Kirby, and splashed with whatever else Starlin was into at the time are downright freaky-deaky! This is as far out as it gets. It's a masterpiece, I tell ya--a masterpiece! Topping it off is that "COSMIC Code Authority" stamp in place of the usual Comics Code Authority one. Man, this cover just totally blows my mind every time i see it. It's why they invented the word "awesome", man! Can you dig it?
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Grooviest Covers of All Time #8
My admiration for the artistic skills of Jim Starlin knows no bounds. His work on Captain Marvel and Warlock (both in Strange Tales and Warlock's own mag) are the pinnacle of cosmic comics, Ol' Groove's favorite genre. Starlin's cover for Strange Tales #179 (January, 1975) is one of the most awesome pieces I've ever seen. Adam Warlock is bound, but looks so determined and powerful it's obvious he's waaaaay more in control than that legion of funkadelic aliens would like to believe. Starlin's use of shadows and dark colors seem to almost shine a spotlight on our hero. His imaginative aliens, part Ditko, part Kirby, and splashed with whatever else Starlin was into at the time are downright freaky-deaky! This is as far out as it gets. It's a masterpiece, I tell ya--a masterpiece! Topping it off is that "COSMIC Code Authority" stamp in place of the usual Comics Code Authority one. Man, this cover just totally blows my mind every time i see it. It's why they invented the word "awesome", man! Can you dig it?
Hey Groovy One!
ReplyDeleteI agree this was/is a master piece! I was a HUGE fan of 90% of Marvel's massive wave of every character they threw at us mind blown fans!! But I always had a special place in my heart for Him/Adam Warlock. From FF,Thor, Marvel Premiere, the Power of Warlock, Strange Tales & Warlock!
I especially loved the Cosmic Trio Jim drew for the Marvel Calender in 75 or 76. I was always disappointed Marvel never had a new team book featuring Warlock, the Surfer & Capt.Marv-ell. Even thought I loved their CM. I always thought he wasn't on the Sufer or Warlock's power level. Even if he did have cosmic awareness.
I always hoped kirby or Starlin. Would create yet another all powerful cosmic being to make it a trio. Boy am I happy I grew up in the 70's!