In the Days of the Mob #1 - Jack Kirby art & cover + 1st issue

Jack Kirby

In the Days of the Mob v1 #1, 1972 - One of two magazine format issues that featured Jack Kirby art, this premiere issue chronicles the 1930s gangster era in America. The collection includes stories on Arizona Clark, The Kansas City Massacre and Al Capone. The cover is purposely chaotic, designed to look more like a magazine than comic, though the illustrations get lost in the mix. Inside, Kirby's black and white art is tempered with various ink washes, suggesting a journalistic feel. All of his panels lack the traditional comic frames, making his layouts more open and his drawings more explosive. His two-page spread (one of two) of a prohibition-era speakeasy with mob patrons, big bands, and dancing girls (pages 24-25) is elaborately stunning. Four full splash pages are also interspersed to control the pacing and add interest. Kirby's art is bit more violent and intense than usual, due not only to the subject matter but the intended older audience. The final page advertises a second issue, including two small tantalizing Kirby pages, that sadly never saw print. Compare this issue to the artist's other magazine, Spirit World. This is 1 of 1 In the Days of the Mob issues by Kirby. /// key 1st issue

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Kirby cover pencils (Vince Colletta) inks = **
"Welcome to Hell" Kirby story pencils (Vince Colletta inks) 4 pages = ***
"Ma's Boys" Kirby story pencils (Vince Colletta inks) 15 pages = ****
"Bullets for Big Al" Kirby story pencils (Vince Colletta inks) 12 pages = ***
"The Kansas City Massacre" Kirby story pencils (Vince Colletta inks) 8 pages = ***
"Method of Operation" Kirby story pencils (Vince Colletta inks) 2 pages = **
(all pages above in black and white)

Jack Kirby

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