If you grew up in the ’80s and ’90s and were a Marvel Comics fan, chances are, you’re familiar with the work of iconic artist Mike Zeck. He penciled the original Secret Wars mini-series, which introduced Spider-Man’s black costume. Which, of course, later became Venom. His art for 1986’s The Punisher mini-series helped catapult Frank Castle into one of Marvel’s biggest characters. And all that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Zeck’s contributions to Marvel. Now, Kickstarter has launched a campaign for a new deluxe coffee table book from Clover Press, The Marvel Art of Mike Zeck.
The campaign for The Marvel Art of Mike Zeck will also feature 11″ x 17″ prints, stickers, a puzzle, signed books, and much more. You can take a peek at several exclusive pages down below, all showcasing covers for the 1984 Secret Wars series. That same series will serve as the source material for Marvel Studios’ most ambitious project yet, Avengers: Secret Wars.
This 200+ page 9″ x 12″ high-end coffee table book features a portfolio and several prints. All of which celebrate Zeck’s incredible Marvel Comics legacy. After debuting in 1977 as the penciler for Shang-Chi, Master of Kung-Fu, Mike Zeck’s fame grew. Especially after the massive success of Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars. Zeck illustrated one of the most famous Spider-Man stories of all time, Kraven’s Last Hunt. And his cover for Captain America Annual #8, showing Wolverine fighting Cap, remains one of the most iconic Marvel images. And it just so happens to be the cover for this deluxe book.
Clover Press Publisher Hank Kanalz had the following to say about working with Zeck on this new release:
I first met Mike at the Chicago Comicon in 1986, right after his Punisher was released. And he left such a positive impression on this very impressionable kid. I had the privilege of working with him on a couple of projects over the years. And I am thrilled that in retirement, he’s agreed to be a part of our prestigious The Marvel Art Of… line of art books.
For more information on how to contribute, head on over to the official The Marvel Art of Mike Zeck Kickstarter page.