John Severin: Two-Fisted Comic Book Artist

A spirited biography of one of the most prolific creators in the history of American comics! From a start in 1947 at the Simon & Kirby shop, he co-created the legendary Western strip American Eagle, and became an EC Comics mainstay, working with Harvey Kurtzman on MAD and Two-Fisted Tales. In addition to a 40+ year association with Cracked magazine, his pivotal Marvel Comics work included an extended run inking Herb Trimpe on The Hulk, and teaming with sister Marie Severin to create the definitive comics version of King Kull. Throughout a storied career, he freelanced for virtually every major publisher, and remained a workhorse up ’til his final Dark Horse mini-series at age 89. Included in this volume is a special "American Eagle" section, an eye-popping art gallery, and extensive personal photos and artifacts (including WWII "Victory Mail" cartoons and handmade greeting cards for his family). Also featured are commentary from over 25 peers gathered just for this book, including Neal Adams, Richard Corben, John Byrne, Russ Heath, Walter Simonson, and many others. Written by Greg Biga and multiple Eisner Award-winner Jon B. Cooke, with an introduction by Howard Chaykin, foreword by Mort Todd, and afterword by Chuck Dixon, this profusely illustrated book celebrates the centennial of the two-fisted artist's birth!

Greg Biga is an Educator, Motivational Speaker, Instructional Leader, and Author. He's an award-winning educator, as a high school art teacher and a building principal. He's also been a college track coach, illustrated magazine covers, done restoration for reprints of classic comic strips, and participated in a national animation campaign for a famous chip company.

Jon B. Cooke is editor of COMIC BOOK CREATOR magazine and author of numerous books on comics history, including THE WARREN COMPANION, THE BOOK OF WEIRDO, THE CHARLTON COMPANION, and THE PACIFIC COMICS COMPANION, with numerous forthcoming books. His COMIC BOOK ARTIST magazine [1998–2005] received five consecutive Eisner Awards for “Best Comics-Related Periodical,” and he is the writer and producer of the documentary WILL EISNER: PORTRAIT OF A SEQUENTIAL ARTIST. Father of three sons, he resides in southern Rhode Island with his wife, Beth, and too many pets.

John Powers Severin (December 26, 1921 – February 12, 2012) was an American comics artist noted for his distinctive work with EC Comics, primarily on the war comics Two-Fisted Tales and Frontline Combat; for Marvel Comics, especially its war and Western comics; and for his 45-year stint with the satiric magazine Cracked. He was one of the founding cartoonists of Mad in 1952.

John Powers Severin (December 26, 1921 – February 12, 2012) was an American comics artist noted for his distinctive work with EC Comics, primarily on the war comics Two-Fisted Tales and Frontline Combat; for Marvel Comics, especially its war and Western comics; and for his 45-year stint with the satiric magazine Cracked. He was one of the founding cartoonists of Mad in 1952.