Devil Dinosaur By Jack Kirby Omnibus HC Review
Jack Kirby's return to Marvel Comics in the mid-Seventies is generally regarded as an embarrassment for "The King". His art was still superb, but his need for autonomy in his writing led to some absolutely abysmal storylines. This was especially true of his higher-profile series like Captain America and Black Panther; however, when it came to the lower-profile, more personal works, his creativity really shone through. Such was the case with Devil Dinosaur, which is collected in its 9-issue entirety in the DEVIL DINOSAUR OMNIBUS.
Let's face it: a "buddy story" centering on a proto-human and a tyrannosaur may not seem like the best concept (much less even be possible), but the affinity Kirby had for stories involving prehistory, mythology, sorcery, and ancient astronauts is used to great effect here. Where Kirby's other titles incorporating these elements were cosmic in scope (New Gods, Eternals), his Devil Dinosaur series used them as the backdrop for a simple tale of a struggle for survival. DD and Moon-Boy are two outsiders who have a limited understanding of the greater forces acting around them, just looking for a place to live happily ever after - how could they know that their adventures would lay the foundations for the myth of Hercules, the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, and the reports of cryptids in the 20th Century?
It's easy to see that Kirby was wholly into this comic, as evidenced by the "Dinosaur Dispatches" included in the book. These pages contain The King's musings on the topics he covered in this title, and they are a true joy to read. They provide insight into what drove Kirby's creative juices, and I am thankful that the publisher saw fit to include them. No gods from outer space could beat this Devil! Jack Kirby crossed into a new cosmos with this crimson carnivore and his faithful sidekick Moonboy! Now, for the first time, Marvel collects the King's saga of Devil Dinosaur in his prehistoric prime! Collects Devil Dinosaur #1-9.
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Customer Reviews
Ridiculously fun to read! - Cody C. Gaisser - Nashville, Tennessee, USA
There's nothing deep or particularly historically significant about this 70's prehistoric comic book by Jack Kirby. It's a simple boy-and-his-dog story, whereas the boy is a primitive human and his dog is a gigantic red tyrannosaur with a penchant for kicking bad guys in the face. However, if you can approach it from the innocent point of view of a child it is an incredibly fun read. The art is outstanding even by Kirby's cosmic standards (particularly the first appearance of the spacecraft, which Moon Boy perceives to be a dragon - a gorgeous 2 page psychedelic spread that krackles into the outer limits... hard to believe this guy was in his 60s!!). As far as bare-bones, easy-to-read, purely escapist entertainment goes, this is an absolute delight.
"...and thus endeth the Chronicle..." - N. Durham - Philadelphia, PA
Jack Kirby is undoubtedly one of the most revered creators of all time in the realm of comic book history, and while his Devil Dinosaur series may not have been as impacting or influential as a majority of his other creations, it is a nevertheless wild and fun trip. Starring Moon-Boy and his red-skinned companion of which the comic gets it's name, Devil Dinosaur lasted only nine issues, but stands as one of Kirby's most enjoyable endeavors. Thrill to the adventures that Moon-Boy and Devil embark on as they trek across the dangerous prehistoric landscape getting into all sorts of adventures, culminating in a ride into the sunset. The storytelling may be deceptively simple, but Kirby's artwork remains a spectacular portrait of an artist and creator at his absolute finest. All in all, the Devil Dinosaur Omnibus may not feature the King's most influential and important work, but it is a fun and often thrilling ride while it lasts that readers old and new will enjoy.
Jul 07, 2010 06:37:05
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