ComicLink is auctioning of a “glorious oversized work” featuring Marvel’s world famous version of the Norse God of Thunder, The Mighty Thor, by Jack Kirby.
The art was apparently developed for a Thor animated series proposal that the Ruby-Spears Animation Studio was developing in the 1980s.
Unseen by the public until now, it recently surfaced as part of the vast Ruby-Spears Archives of Kirby concept boards.
A full-figure image of Thor measuring approximately 13″ x 15″, it is to ComicLink’s knowledge, larger than any other original Kirby Thor artwork that has ever surfaced, including his work from the early Silver Age, when Kirby was working in the “Twice-up” artwork size.
“The inker of the piece, who did an excellent job over Kirby’s pencils, is unknown” ComicLink notes, “and was likely someone employed by Ruby-Spears at the time.”
Jack Kirby illustrated this impressive work in the 1980s during the time he was employed by the Ruby-Spears Animation Studio. Starting in 1980 and covering a period of eight years, Kirby operated primarily as a concept artist for the studio, using his once in a century imagination to bring to life mostly new concepts that the studio could pitch to the TV networks for Saturday mornings cartoons. A tiny percentage of Kirby’s work for Ruby-Spears involved existing comic book characters including Marvel’s Thor and DC’s Wonder Woman. (Concept boards for that project are also offered in this auction).
Comic archivist Paul Gravett commented “I know Jim Woodring and Alfredo Alcala Art worked with Kirby at Ruby-Spears – could this be inked by either of them (I think maybe Alcala)?”
Some online commentators have question if the head of Thor on the left is really by Kirby.
The auction ends on 5th September 2024 and bids are currently at over $2300.
• Check out this Thor auction item here on ComicLink
With thanks to Paul Gravett
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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