Curt Swan: A Life in Comics

By Eddy Zeno

Published by Vanguard Productions
59-A Philhower Rd. Lebanon N.J. 08833
creativemix.com/vanguard
Hardcover - ISBN # 1-887591-37-9 $34.95
Limited Edition Deluxe S/N Hardcover -
ISBN # 1-887591-45-1 $49.95
Trade Paperback Edition –
ISBN # 1-887591-40-0 $19.95 (Copy Reviewed)

 

If I ask you to picture Superman, what image comes to mind? To most, I’m sure it is Christopher Reeve, star of four movies in the 70’s and 80’s. To others, George Reeves (no relation) who played him in the 1950’s TV series; or maybe even Kirk Alyn from the early movie serials, Dean Cain from Lois and Clark, or any of the numerous animated versions stretching from the Fleischer cartoons in the 40’s up to The Justice League currently airing on Cartoon Network. However, for me, it is, and always will be, the image of the Man of Steel from the comics, and that of the one artist whose interpretation will always be the definitive version for many fans-Curt Swan.

Curt Swan: A Life in Comics by Eddy Zeno is a beautifully packaged tribute to not only the artist who drew Superman and his many assorted cast of characters for over 30 years in a parade of different titles, but the man behind the pencil as well.

We follow him from his early days in the Army working for Stars and Stripes as a staff cartoonist during World War 2, through his burgeoning career working on different characters for National Periodical Publications (later to become DC Comics) and on to his several decades long stint on Superman and related characters, to his eventual semi-retirement and passing. As a testament to the talent of one of the most respected artists in the business, this book has been crafted with love and respect for the man and his ability, and it shows on each page and with each illustration.

And what illustrations they are! If you have ever read a DC comic, even if has been more years than you would care to admit, you’ll be surprised of the memories that will coming flooding back with each page turned. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself transported back to the days of comics sold at drug stories and Mom and Pop grocery stores all over the country, not just at specialty shops. When they were meant to be rolled up and stuffed in your back pocket, not put into a plastic bag with a backing board and taped shut, never to be opened again. Page after page filled with images of not only the Last Son of Krypton, but including, and in no way limited to; Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Batman, Robin, as well as The Legion of Super-Heroes. This book even has, what in my opinion was one of the weirdest, yet neatest villain ever created: The Composite Superman-half Superman on one side, half Batman on the other, and with all the powers of the previously mentioned Legion of Super Heroes.

I’m glad to see the life and art of Curt Swan get the respect it is due. Raves from colleagues in the industry accompany the many illustrations, adding a depth to how his work was admired not only by the fans, but also by other professionals. What could have been a boring textbook of the man ends up being a glorious celebration of his life and career.

Whither you get this book because you are a comic fan like me, or because you remember the days of sipping a cold soda on the front porch with the latest four-color adventures of Superman and his ‘family’, this is the kind of book that will make you appreciate the art as you get to know the man. Who could ask for any greater biography than that-you should be very proud of the work you have done here Mr. Zeno, and I think Mr. Swan would be as well.