Karl Kesel: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Writer}} |
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{{shortlead|date=June 2017}} |
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{{Infobox comics creator |
{{Infobox comics creator |
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| birth_place = [[Victor, New York]] |
| birth_place = [[Victor, New York]] |
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| notable works = ''[[Superman (comic book)#1986 revamp|The Adventures of Superman]]''<br>''[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics series)|Daredevil]]''<br>''[[Harley Quinn]]''<br>''[[Hawk and Dove]]'' vol. 2 and 3<br>''[[Superboy (comic book)|Superboy]]'' vol. 3<br>''[[Superman vol. 2|Superman]]'' vol. 2 |
| notable works = ''[[Superman (comic book)#1986 revamp|The Adventures of Superman]]''<br>''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|Fantastic Four]]''<br>''[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics series)|Daredevil]]''<br>''[[Harley Quinn]]''<br>''[[Hawk and Dove]]'' vol. 2 and 3<br>''[[Superboy (comic book)|Superboy]]'' vol. 3<br>''[[Superman vol. 2|Superman]]'' vol. 2 |
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'''Karl Kesel''' (born January 7, 1959 |
'''Karl Kesel''' (born January 7, 1959<ref name="CBG">{{cite web |author-link=John Jackson Miller |last=Miller |first=John Jackson |url=http://cbgxtra.com/knowledge-base/for-your-reference/comics-industry-birthdays |title=Comics Industry Birthdays |work=[[Comics Buyer's Guide]] |date=June 10, 2005 |location=Iola, Wisconsin |access-date=December 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218031356/http://cbgxtra.com/knowledge-base/for-your-reference/comics-industry-birthdays |archive-date=February 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>) is an [[Americans|American]] comics writer and inker whose works have primarily been under contract for [[DC Comics]]. He is a member of [[Periscope Studio]] and is best known for his collaborations with fellow artist [[Tom Grummett]] on ''[[Superman (comic book)|The Adventures of Superman]]'', ''[[Superboy (comic book)|Superboy]]'', and ''[[Section Zero]]'', as well as the first ''[[Harley Quinn]]'' comic title. |
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==Biography== |
==Biography== |
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===DC Comics=== |
===DC Comics=== |
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Karl Kesel's first work for |
After a friend at college complimented his inking, Karl Kesel began submitting his portfolio to [[Marvel Comics]] and [[DC Comics]].<ref name="back71">{{cite journal|last=Greenberger|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Greenberger|title=New Talent and Bonus Babies|journal=[[Back Issue!]]|issue=71|pages=69–71|publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]]|date=April 2014|location=Raleigh, North Carolina}}</ref> Kesel's first work for DC Comics appeared in ''[[New Talent Showcase]]'' #4 (April 1984).<ref name="GCD">{{gcdb|type=credit|search= Karl+Kesel|title= Karl Kesel}}</ref> He soon became the inker on ''[[Legion of Super-Heroes|Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes]]''<ref name="GCD" /> — so soon, in fact, that he suspected that he was assigned ''New Talent Showcase'' #8 as a test run to see how well he jelled with ''Tales of the Legion'' penciller Terry Shoemaker.<ref name="back71"/> Kesel was discouraged that inks which looked smooth and clear on his original pages appeared clunky in the printed comics, and with some guidance from [[Dick Giordano]] he studied how to draw in a way that would appear better on the printed page.<ref name="back71"/> Kesel worked on the lighthearted ''[['Mazing Man]]'' series, as well as providing inks over the pencils of [[George Pérez]] on ''[[History of the DC Universe]]'' and [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]] on ''[[Legends (comics)|Legends]]'' and ''[[Superman vol. 2|Superman]]'' vol. 2.<ref name="GCD" /> With his then-wife [[Barbara Kesel]], he co-wrote a ''[[Hawk and Dove]]'' miniseries in 1988 which was drawn by [[Rob Liefeld]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Manning|first= Matthew K.|last2=Dolan|first2=Hannah, ed.|chapter= 1980s|title = DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle|publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley]]|year=2010|location= London, United Kingdom|isbn= 978-0-7566-6742-9 |page= 234 |quote = Written by Barbara and Karl Kesel and drawn by future superstar Rob Liefeld, this five-issue miniseries reestablished the famous pair for a new generation.}}</ref> Kesel and artist [[Tom Grummett]] are the creators of the modern [[Superboy (Kon-El)|Superboy]] character, Kon-El, who debuted in the "[[Reign of the Supermen]]" story arc, starting from ''[[Adventures of Superman (comic book)|The Adventures of Superman]]'' #500 (June 1993).<ref>Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 259: "The issue also featured four teaser comics that introduced a group of contenders all vying for the Superman name...A cloned Superboy escaped captivity in a yarn by writer Karl Kesel and artist Tom Grummett."</ref> An ongoing ''Superboy'' series was launched by Kesel and Grummett in February 1994.<ref>Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 265: "Superboy set up camp in picturesque Hawaii in his new ongoing title written by Karl Kesel and with art by Tom Grummett."</ref> In 1996, Kesel and artist [[Stuart Immonen]] produced ''[[The Final Night]]'' limited series.<ref>Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 274: "In this four-issue miniseries by writer Karl Kesel and artist Stuart Immonnen, the heroes of the present united with the Legion of Super-Heroes and the New Gods in an attempt to stop a 'sun-eater'."</ref> That same year, Kesel was one of the many creators who contributed to the ''[[Superman: The Wedding Album]]'' one-shot wherein the title character married [[Lois Lane]].<ref>Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 275: "The behind-the-scenes talent on the monumental issue appropriately spanned several generations of the Man of Tomorrow's career. Written by Dan Jurgens, Karl Kesel, David Michelinie, Louise Simonson, and Roger Stern, the one-shot featured the pencils of John Byrne, Gil Kane, Stuart Immonen, Paul Ryan, Jon Bogdanove, Kieron Dwyer, Tom Grummett, Dick Giordano, Jim Mooney, Curt Swan, Nick Cardy, Al Plastino, Barry Kitson, Ron Frenz, and Dan Jurgens."</ref> Kesel wrote the ''[[World's Finest Comics|Batman and Superman: World's Finest]]'' ten-issue limited series<ref>Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 289: "Batman and Superman reunited in April [1999] in the ten-issue limited series ''World's Finest''...The series was written by Karl Kesel."</ref> (April 1999–Jan. 2000) which explored the Post-Crisis history of the two with each of the ten issues taking place one year after the other. He and artist [[Terry Dodson]] launched a ''[[Harley Quinn]]'' ongoing series in December 2000.<ref>Cowsill, Alan "2000s" in Dolan, p. 297: "Written by Karl Kesel and drawn by Terry Dodson, the double-sized first issue dealt with Harley's twisted relationship with the Joker."</ref> |
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===Marvel Comics=== |
===Marvel Comics=== |
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Kesel's first work for [[Marvel Comics]] was inking a [[Vision (Marvel Comics)|Vision]] story in ''[[Solo Avengers|Avengers Spotlight]]'' #23 (Oct. 1989).<ref name="GCD" /> He inked [[Mark Bagley]]'s cover art for the Japan-exclusive Super Famicom video game ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man: Lethal Foes]]'' in 1995. Kesel wrote ''[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics series)|Daredevil]]'' issues #353–364 (June 1996 – May 1997)<ref name="GCD" /> and in 2002 wrote the story |
Kesel's first work for [[Marvel Comics]] was inking a [[Vision (Marvel Comics)|Vision]] story in ''[[Solo Avengers|Avengers Spotlight]]'' #23 (Oct. 1989).<ref name="GCD" /> He inked [[Mark Bagley]]'s cover art for the Japan-exclusive Super Famicom video game ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man: Lethal Foes]]'' in 1995. Kesel wrote ''[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics series)|Daredevil]]'' issues #353–364 (June 1996 – May 1997)<ref name="GCD" /> and in 2002 wrote the story "Remembrance of Things Past" in which it was revealed that Ben Grimm, the [[Thing (comics)|Thing]] of the [[Fantastic Four]], is [[Judaism|Jewish]].<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Kesel, Karl| penciller= [[Stuart Immonen|Immonen, Stuart]]| inker= [[Scott Koblish|Koblish, Scott]]| story= Remembrance of Things Past| title= Fantastic Four| volume= 3| issue= 56| date= August 2002| publisher= Marvel Comics| page= | panel= }}</ref> Kesel wrote and drew a "lost" ''[[Captain America]]'' [[comic strip]] from the 1940s which was published on [[Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Laura |last=Hudson |url=http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/03/05/captain-america-strip-daily-marvel/ |title=Exclusive: 1940s Captain America Strip Coming Daily at Marvel Digital |work=[[ComicsAlliance]] |date=March 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220164725/http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/03/05/captain-america-strip-daily-marvel/ |archive-date=February 20, 2012 |url-status=dead|access-date=March 4, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In 2011, he scripted a [[Hulk]] and the [[Human Torch]] story which had been plotted by [[Jack C. Harris]] and drawn by [[Steve Ditko]] in the 1980s. It was published by Marvel as ''Incredible Hulk and the Human Torch: From the Marvel Vault'' #1 (August 2011).<ref name="GCD" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/comics/news/a315941/lost-steve-ditko-comic-unveiled.html |title=Lost Steve Ditko Comic Unveiled |first=Hugh |last=Armitage |date=April 22, 2011 |website=[[Digital Spy]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425205311/http://www.digitalspy.com/comics/news/a315941/lost-steve-ditko-comic-unveiled.html |archive-date=April 25, 2011 |url-status=live |access-date=March 26, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |
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===Dark Horse Comics=== |
===Dark Horse Comics=== |
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===Gorilla Comics=== |
===Gorilla Comics=== |
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In 2000, Kesel and his former ''Superboy'' collaborator Tom Grummett created ''[[Section Zero]]'' as part of the [[Gorilla Comics]] imprint at [[Image Comics]]. Gorilla Comics was intended to be a creator |
In 2000, Kesel and his former ''Superboy'' collaborator Tom Grummett created ''[[Section Zero]]'' as part of the [[Gorilla Comics]] imprint at [[Image Comics]]. Gorilla Comics was intended to be a creator-owned company financed by a comics-related website, eHero.com.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=13569 |title=State of the (Ape) Nation: How Healthy is Gorilla? |first=Beau |last=Yarbrough |date=December 28, 2000 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603115341/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=13569 |archive-date=June 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 4, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The website proved to be a financial failure, leaving the creators to personally finance their own books. Along with the other Gorilla Comics creators, Kesel and Grummett attempted to continue the series they started, but these efforts proved to be unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.tcj.com/234/n_gorilla.html |title=The Case of the Disappearing Gorilla: The Banana Trust Explains How Not to Start a Comics Line |first=Michael |last=Dean |date=June 8, 2001 |location=Seattle, Washington |work=The Comics Journal #234 |publisher=[[Fantagraphics Books]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120081000/http://archives.tcj.com/234/n_gorilla.html |archive-date=January 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 4, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In January 2012, Kesel announced that he and Grummett would be relaunching ''Section Zero'' as a webcomic on the Mad Genius Comics website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2012/01/kesel-and-grummetts-section-zero-returns-as-a-webcomic/ |title=Kesel and Grummett's ''Section Zero'' returns as a webcomic |first=JK |last=Parkin |date=January 3, 2012 |website=Comic Book Resources |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314101344/http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2012/01/kesel-and-grummetts-section-zero-returns-as-a-webcomic/ |archive-date=March 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 4, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.madgeniuscomics.com/2012/01/02/ |
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|title=Back to ZERO!|first=Karl|last=Kesel|date=January 2, 2012|publisher=MadGeniusComics.com| |
|title=Back to ZERO!|first=Karl|last=Kesel|date=January 2, 2012|publisher=MadGeniusComics.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307000514/http://www.madgeniuscomics.com/2012/01/02/|archive-date=March 7, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=March 4, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The previously published stories were posted on the site and new material was added as it was completed.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.madgeniuscomics.com/category/comics/section-zero/|title= Archive for ''Section Zero''|first1= Karl|last1= Kesel |first2= Tom|last2= Grummett|year= 2012|publisher= MadGeniusComics.com|access-date= March 4, 2012}}</ref> A [[Kickstarter]] campaign in 2017 will allow Kesel and Grummett to finish the story.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.cbr.com/section-zero-kickstarter-karl-kesel-tom-grummett/|title= Kesel & Grummett's Section Zero Finds New Life in Kickstarter Campaign|first= Brandon|last= Staley|date= May 3, 2017|website= Comic Book Resources|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170504132110/http://www.cbr.com/section-zero-kickstarter-karl-kesel-tom-grummett/|archive-date= May 4, 2017|url-status= live|df= mdy-all|quote= Karl Kesel and Tom Grummett’s ''Section Zero'' may get a second shot at life if a Kickstarter campaign gets the required funding.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1227066666/section-zero|title= ''Section Zero'': Ultra-Cool Collector's Edition |first= Karl|last= Kesel|date= 2017|publisher= [[Kickstarter]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170811005625/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1227066666/section-zero|archive-date= August 11, 2017|url-status= live|df= mdy-all|quote= 1,049 backers pledged $65,140 to help bring this project to life.}}</ref> |
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===Personal life=== |
===Personal life=== |
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For several years, he was married to fellow comics writer [[Barbara Kesel]] (née Randall), with whom he wrote ''[[Hawk and Dove]]''; they have since divorced. |
For several years, he was married to fellow comics writer [[Barbara Kesel]] (née Randall), with whom he wrote ''[[Hawk and Dove]]''; they have since divorced.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Eury |first=Michael |date=July 2017 |title=Hawk and Dove: Birds of a Different Feather |url=https://issuu.com/twomorrows/docs/backissue97preview |journal=Back Issue! |location=Raleigh, North Carolina |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |issue=97 |pages=44–45}}</ref> |
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==Awards== |
==Awards== |
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⚫ | Kesel was nominated for the [[Eisner Award]] for "Best Inker" in 1991<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/eisner91.php|title= 1991 Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Nominees and Winners|publisher= Hahn Library Comic Book Awards Almanac|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150712034353/http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/eisner91.php|archive-date= July 12, 2015|url-status= live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and 1992.<ref name=eisner92>{{cite web |url= http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/eisner92.php|title= 1992 Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Nominees and Winners|publisher= Hahn Library Comic Book Awards Almanac|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150712012648/http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/eisner92.php|archive-date= July 12, 2015|url-status= live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |
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Kesel has been nominated for a number of [[Eisner Award]]s, "Best Inker" (1991)<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/eisner91.php|title= |
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⚫ | 1991 Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Nominees and Winners|publisher= Hahn Library Comic Book Awards Almanac| |
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In 2016, he was nominated for [[Inkwell Awards]] Favorite Inker.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.inkwellawards.com/?page_id=5352|title= Inkwell Awards Winners, 2016|date= 2016|publisher= [[Inkwell Awards]]| |
In 2016, he was nominated for [[Inkwell Awards]] Favorite Inker.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.inkwellawards.com/?page_id=5352|title= Inkwell Awards Winners, 2016|date= 2016|publisher= [[Inkwell Awards]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160828021957/http://www.inkwellawards.com/?page_id=5352|archive-date= August 28, 2016|url-status= live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |
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==Bibliography== |
==Bibliography== |
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Comics work (as writer unless noted) includes: |
Comics work (as writer unless noted) includes: |
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===Dark Horse Comics=== |
===Dark Horse Comics=== |
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===DC Comics=== |
===DC Comics=== |
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*''[[Action Comics]]'' #692–695, 701 (1993–1994) |
*''[[Action Comics]]'' #692–695, 701 (1993–1994) |
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*''[[Superman (comic book)|The Adventures of Superman]]'' #500–533, 535, 537–550, 552–562, 564–567, #0, ''Annual'' #5–7 (1993–1999) |
*''[[Superman (comic book)|The Adventures of Superman]]'' #500–533, 535, 537–550, 552–562, 564–567, #0, ''Annual'' #5–7 (1993–1999) |
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*''[[Atari Force]]'' #20 (1985) |
*''[[Atari Force]]'' #20 (1985) |
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*''[[World's Finest Comics|Batman and Superman: World's Finest]]'' #1–10 (1999–2000) |
*''[[World's Finest Comics|Batman and Superman: World's Finest]]'' #1–10 (1999–2000) |
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*''[[Batman '66]] Meets [[The Man from U.N.C.L.E.]]'' #1–6 (inker) (2016) |
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*''[[Batman '66]] Meets [[Wonder Woman '77]]'' #1–10, 12 (inker) (2016–2017) |
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*''DCU Holiday Bash III'' (1999) |
*''DCU Holiday Bash III'' (1999) |
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*''[[The Final Night]]'' #1–4 (1996) |
*''[[The Final Night]]'' #1–4 (1996) |
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*''[[Future Quest]]'' #3 (inker) (2016) |
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*''Guardians of Metropolis'' #1–4 (1994–1995) |
*''Guardians of Metropolis'' #1–4 (1994–1995) |
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*''[[Harley Quinn]]'' #1–25 (2000–2002) |
*''[[Harley Quinn (comic book)|Harley Quinn]]'' #1–25 (2000–2002) |
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*''Harley Quinn: Our Worlds At War'' #1 (2001) |
*''Harley Quinn: Our Worlds At War'' #1 (2001) |
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*''[[Hawk and Dove]]'' vol. 2 #1–5 (1988–1989) |
*''[[Hawk and Dove]]'' vol. 2 #1–5 (also inker) (1988–1989) |
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*''Hawk and Dove'' vol. 3 #1–25, 28, ''Annual'' #1 (1989–1991) |
*''Hawk and Dove'' vol. 3 #1–25, 28, ''Annual'' #1 (1989–1991) |
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*''[[Hellblazer]]'' #9 (inker) (2017) |
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*''[[History of the DC Universe]]'' #1–2 (as inker) (1987) |
*''[[History of the DC Universe]]'' #1–2 (as inker) (1987) |
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*''[[Legends (comics)|Legends]]'' #1–6 (as inker) (1986–1987) |
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*''Legends of the DC Universe 80-Page Giant'' #2 (2000) |
*''Legends of the DC Universe 80-Page Giant'' #2 (2000) |
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*''[['Mazing Man]]'' #1–12, ''Special'' #1–3 (as inker) (1986–1990) |
*''[['Mazing Man]]'' #1–12, ''Special'' #1–3 (as inker) (1986–1990) |
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*''The [[Teen Titans|New Titans]]'' #68–69 (1990) |
*''The [[Teen Titans|New Titans]]'' #68–69 (1990) |
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*''Secret Files [[Lex Luthor|President Luthor]]'' #1 (2001) |
*''Secret Files [[Lex Luthor|President Luthor]]'' #1 (2001) |
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*''[[Secret Origins]]'' vol. 2 #43 |
*''[[Secret Origins]]'' vol. 2 #43; #49 (also artist) (1989–1990) |
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*''Secret Origins 80-Page Giant'' #1 (1998) |
*''Secret Origins 80-Page Giant'' #1 (1998) |
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*''[[Showcase (comics)|Showcase '94]]'' #6 (1994) |
*''[[Showcase (comics)|Showcase '94]]'' #6 (1994) |
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*''[[Superboy and the Ravers]]'' #1–10, 13–19 (1996–1998) |
*''[[Superboy and the Ravers]]'' #1–10, 13–19 (1996–1998) |
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*''[[Supergirl (comic book)|Supergirl Annual]]'' #1 (1996) |
*''[[Supergirl (comic book)|Supergirl Annual]]'' #1 (1996) |
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*''[[Supergirl (comic book)|Supergirl]]'' vol. 7 #24 (inker) (2017) |
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*''[[Superman vol. 2|Superman]]'' vol. 2 #4–16, 18, 20 (as inker); #54–56 (as writer and inker) (1987–1991) |
*''[[Superman vol. 2|Superman]]'' vol. 2 #4–16, 18, 20 (as inker); #54–56 (as writer and inker) (1987–1991) |
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*''Superman & [[Savage Dragon]]: Metropolis'' #1 (1999) |
*''Superman & [[Savage Dragon]]: Metropolis'' #1 (1999) |
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*''Challengers of the Fantastic'' #1 (1997) |
*''Challengers of the Fantastic'' #1 (1997) |
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*''Spider-Boy Team-Up'' #1 (1997) |
*''Spider-Boy Team-Up'' #1 (1997) |
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{{div col end}} |
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===Image Comics=== |
===Image Comics=== |
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===Marvel Comics=== |
===Marvel Comics=== |
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{{div col|colwidth=20em}} |
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*''All Winners Comics 70th Anniversary Special'' #1 (2009) |
*''All Winners Comics 70th Anniversary Special'' #1 (2009) |
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*''[[Amazing Fantasy]]'' #13–14 (2005) |
*''[[Amazing Fantasy]]'' vol. 2 #13–14 (2005) |
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*''[[The Amazing Spider-Man]] Annual'' #37 (2010) |
*''[[The Amazing Spider-Man]] Annual'' #37 (2010) |
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*''[[The Amazing Spider-Man Family]]'' #1 (2008) |
*''[[The Amazing Spider-Man Family]]'' #1 (2008) |
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*''[[The Avengers (comic book)|The Avengers]]'' vol. 8 #11–12 (inker) (2019) |
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*''[[Captain America]] / [[Citizen V]] '98'' (1998) |
*''[[Captain America]] / [[Citizen V]] '98'' (1998) |
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*''Captain America: Patriot'' #1–4 (2010–2011) |
*''Captain America: Patriot'' #1–4 (2010–2011) |
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*''Captain America The 1940s Newspaper Strip'' #1–3 (2010) |
*''Captain America The 1940s Newspaper Strip'' #1–3 (also artist) (2010) |
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*''[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics series)|Daredevil]]'' #353–364 (1996–1997) |
*''[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics series)|Daredevil]]'' #353–364 (1996–1997) |
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*''[[Fantastic Four]]'' vol. 3 #51–56 (2002) |
*''[[Fantastic Four]]'' vol. 3 #51–56 (2002) |
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*''Fantastic Four'' #514–516, 525–526 (2004–2005) |
*''Fantastic Four'' #514–516, 525–526 (writer); #642–644 (inker); #645 (writer/inker) (2004–2005, 2015) |
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*''Fantastic Four / Fantastic 4 '98'' (1998) |
*''Fantastic Four / Fantastic 4 '98'' (1998) |
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*''[[Fantastic Four 2099]]'' #1–5 (1996) |
*''[[Fantastic Four 2099]]'' #1–5 (1996) |
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*''[[Ultimate X-Men]]'' #72 (2006) |
*''[[Ultimate X-Men]]'' #72 (2006) |
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*''[[Web of Spider-Man]] Super Special'' #1 (1995) |
*''[[Web of Spider-Man]] Super Special'' #1 (1995) |
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*''[[What If (comics)|What If Doctor Doom Had Become the Thing?]] #1 (2005) |
*''[[What If (comics)|What If Doctor Doom Had Become the Thing?]]'' #1 (2005) |
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*''[[X-Men]]'' #187 (2006) |
*''[[X-Men: Legacy|X-Men]]'' #187 (2006) |
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*''[[X-Men Unlimited]]'' #34 (2002) |
*''[[X-Men Unlimited]]'' #34 (2002) |
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*''[[Access (comics)|Unlimited Access]]'' #1–4 (1997–1998) |
*''[[Access (comics)|Unlimited Access]]'' #1–4 (1997–1998) |
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{{div col end}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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*[http://periscopestudio.com/karl-kesel/ Karl Kesel] at Periscope Studio |
*[http://periscopestudio.com/karl-kesel/ Karl Kesel] at Periscope Studio |
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*{{comicbookdb|type=creator|id=293|title=Karl Kesel}} |
*{{comicbookdb|type=creator|id=293|title=Karl Kesel}} |
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*[http://www.mikesamazingworld.com/features/creator.php?creatorid=62 Karl Kesel] at Mike's Amazing World of Comics |
*[http://www.mikesamazingworld.com/mikes/features/creator.php?creatorid=62 Karl Kesel] at Mike's Amazing World of Comics |
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*[http://www.maelmill-insi.de/UHBMCC/ |
*[http://www.maelmill-insi.de/UHBMCC/namk8.htm#N868 Karl Kesel] at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators |
||
*[http://www.fantasticfourheadquarters.co.uk/blog/karl-kesel-interview Karl Kesel interview at Fantastic Four Headquarters] |
*[http://www.fantasticfourheadquarters.co.uk/blog/karl-kesel-interview Karl Kesel interview at Fantastic Four Headquarters] |
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{{succession box | title=''[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics series)|Daredevil]]'' writer| before=[[J. M. DeMatteis]] |after=[[Joe Kelly (comics)|Joe Kelly]] | years=1996–1997}} |
{{succession box | title=''[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics series)|Daredevil]]'' writer| before=[[J. M. DeMatteis]] |after=[[Joe Kelly (comics)|Joe Kelly]] | years=1996–1997}} |
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{{succession box | title=''Superboy'' vol. 3 writer| before= [[Barbara Kesel]]|after=[[Jay Faerber]]| years=1998–2000}} |
{{succession box | title=''Superboy'' vol. 3 writer| before= [[Barbara Kesel]]|after=[[Jay Faerber]]| years=1998–2000}} |
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{{succession box | title=''[[Harley Quinn]]'' writer| before=n/a| after=[[A.J. Lieberman]]| years=2000–2002}} |
{{succession box | title=''[[Harley Quinn]]'' writer| before=n/a| after=[[A. J. Lieberman]]| years=2000–2002}} |
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{{succession box | title=''[[Fantastic Four]]'' writer| before=[[Carlos Pacheco]], [[Rafael Marín]],<br> and [[Jeph Loeb]]| after=[[Adam Warren (comics)|Adam Warren]]| years=2002<br/>(with Carlos Pacheco and Rafael Marín in early 2002)}} |
{{succession box | title=''[[Fantastic Four]]'' writer| before=[[Carlos Pacheco]], [[Rafael Marín]],<br> and [[Jeph Loeb]]| after=[[Adam Warren (comics)|Adam Warren]]| years=2002<br/>(with Carlos Pacheco and Rafael Marín in early 2002)}} |
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{{succession box | title=''Fantastic Four'' writer| before=[[Mark Waid]]| after=[[J. Michael Straczynski]]| years=2005}} |
{{succession box | title=''Fantastic Four'' writer| before=[[Mark Waid]]| after=[[J. Michael Straczynski]]| years=2005}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Kesel, Karl}} |
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[[Category:1959 births]] |
[[Category:1959 births]] |
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[[Category:20th-century American artists]] |
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[[Category:21st-century American artists]] |
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[[Category:American comics artists]] |
[[Category:American comics artists]] |
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[[Category:American comics writers]] |
[[Category:American comics writers]] |
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[[Category:Comics inkers]] |
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[[Category:DC Comics people]] |
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[[Category:Marvel Comics people]] |
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[[Category:People from Victor, New York]] |
[[Category:People from Victor, New York]] |
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[[Category:Writers from New York (state)]] |
[[Category:Writers from New York (state)]] |
Revision as of 19:30, 14 September 2023
Karl Kesel | |
---|---|
Born | Victor, New York | January 7, 1959
Nationality | American |
Area(s) | Writer, Inker |
Notable works | The Adventures of Superman Fantastic Four Daredevil Harley Quinn Hawk and Dove vol. 2 and 3 Superboy vol. 3 Superman vol. 2 |
Karl Kesel (born January 7, 1959[1]) is an American comics writer and inker whose works have primarily been under contract for DC Comics. He is a member of Periscope Studio and is best known for his collaborations with fellow artist Tom Grummett on The Adventures of Superman, Superboy, and Section Zero, as well as the first Harley Quinn comic title.
Biography
DC Comics
After a friend at college complimented his inking, Karl Kesel began submitting his portfolio to Marvel Comics and DC Comics.[2] Kesel's first work for DC Comics appeared in New Talent Showcase #4 (April 1984).[3] He soon became the inker on Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes[3] — so soon, in fact, that he suspected that he was assigned New Talent Showcase #8 as a test run to see how well he jelled with Tales of the Legion penciller Terry Shoemaker.[2] Kesel was discouraged that inks which looked smooth and clear on his original pages appeared clunky in the printed comics, and with some guidance from Dick Giordano he studied how to draw in a way that would appear better on the printed page.[2] Kesel worked on the lighthearted 'Mazing Man series, as well as providing inks over the pencils of George Pérez on History of the DC Universe and John Byrne on Legends and Superman vol. 2.[3] With his then-wife Barbara Kesel, he co-wrote a Hawk and Dove miniseries in 1988 which was drawn by Rob Liefeld.[4] Kesel and artist Tom Grummett are the creators of the modern Superboy character, Kon-El, who debuted in the "Reign of the Supermen" story arc, starting from The Adventures of Superman #500 (June 1993).[5] An ongoing Superboy series was launched by Kesel and Grummett in February 1994.[6] In 1996, Kesel and artist Stuart Immonen produced The Final Night limited series.[7] That same year, Kesel was one of the many creators who contributed to the Superman: The Wedding Album one-shot wherein the title character married Lois Lane.[8] Kesel wrote the Batman and Superman: World's Finest ten-issue limited series[9] (April 1999–Jan. 2000) which explored the Post-Crisis history of the two with each of the ten issues taking place one year after the other. He and artist Terry Dodson launched a Harley Quinn ongoing series in December 2000.[10]
Marvel Comics
Kesel's first work for Marvel Comics was inking a Vision story in Avengers Spotlight #23 (Oct. 1989).[3] He inked Mark Bagley's cover art for the Japan-exclusive Super Famicom video game The Amazing Spider-Man: Lethal Foes in 1995. Kesel wrote Daredevil issues #353–364 (June 1996 – May 1997)[3] and in 2002 wrote the story "Remembrance of Things Past" in which it was revealed that Ben Grimm, the Thing of the Fantastic Four, is Jewish.[11] Kesel wrote and drew a "lost" Captain America comic strip from the 1940s which was published on Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited.[12] In 2011, he scripted a Hulk and the Human Torch story which had been plotted by Jack C. Harris and drawn by Steve Ditko in the 1980s. It was published by Marvel as Incredible Hulk and the Human Torch: From the Marvel Vault #1 (August 2011).[3][13]
Dark Horse Comics
Kesel worked with comic book illustrator Brandon McKinney on issues #6 and #13 of the comic series Aliens: Space Marines published by Dark Horse Comics, which accompanied alien figures in the first line of Alien figures released by Kenner in 1992.
Gorilla Comics
In 2000, Kesel and his former Superboy collaborator Tom Grummett created Section Zero as part of the Gorilla Comics imprint at Image Comics. Gorilla Comics was intended to be a creator-owned company financed by a comics-related website, eHero.com.[14] The website proved to be a financial failure, leaving the creators to personally finance their own books. Along with the other Gorilla Comics creators, Kesel and Grummett attempted to continue the series they started, but these efforts proved to be unsuccessful.[15] In January 2012, Kesel announced that he and Grummett would be relaunching Section Zero as a webcomic on the Mad Genius Comics website.[16][17] The previously published stories were posted on the site and new material was added as it was completed.[18] A Kickstarter campaign in 2017 will allow Kesel and Grummett to finish the story.[19][20]
Personal life
For several years, he was married to fellow comics writer Barbara Kesel (née Randall), with whom he wrote Hawk and Dove; they have since divorced.[21]
Awards
Kesel was nominated for the Eisner Award for "Best Inker" in 1991[22] and 1992.[23]
In 2016, he was nominated for Inkwell Awards Favorite Inker.[24]
Bibliography
Comics work (as writer unless noted) includes:
Dark Horse Comics
- Dark Horse Presents #33 (1989)
- Indiana Jones and the Sargasso Pirates #1–4 (1995–1996)
DC Comics
- Action Comics #692–695, 701 (1993–1994)
- The Adventures of Superman #500–533, 535, 537–550, 552–562, 564–567, #0, Annual #5–7 (1993–1999)
- Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #46–47 (2006–2007)
- Atari Force #20 (1985)
- Batman and Superman: World's Finest #1–10 (1999–2000)
- Batman '66 Meets The Man from U.N.C.L.E. #1–6 (inker) (2016)
- Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77 #1–10, 12 (inker) (2016–2017)
- DCU Holiday Bash III (1999)
- The Final Night #1–4 (1996)
- Future Quest #3 (inker) (2016)
- Guardians of Metropolis #1–4 (1994–1995)
- Harley Quinn #1–25 (2000–2002)
- Harley Quinn: Our Worlds At War #1 (2001)
- Hawk and Dove vol. 2 #1–5 (also inker) (1988–1989)
- Hawk and Dove vol. 3 #1–25, 28, Annual #1 (1989–1991)
- Hellblazer #9 (inker) (2017)
- History of the DC Universe #1–2 (as inker) (1987)
- Legends #1–6 (as inker) (1986–1987)
- Legends of the DC Universe 80-Page Giant #2 (2000)
- 'Mazing Man #1–12, Special #1–3 (as inker) (1986–1990)
- New Gods Secret Files #1 (1998)
- The New Titans #68–69 (1990)
- Secret Files President Luthor #1 (2001)
- Secret Origins vol. 2 #43; #49 (also artist) (1989–1990)
- Secret Origins 80-Page Giant #1 (1998)
- Showcase '94 #6 (1994)
- Showcase '95 #3 (1995)
- Showcase '96 #8 (1996)
- Silver Age: Challengers of the Unknown #1 (2000)
- Silver Age: Green Lantern #1 (2000)
- Sins of Youth: Superman, Jr. / Superboy, Sr. #1 (2000)
- Superboy vol. 3 #1–10, 12–19, 21–30, 50–79, 100, #0, #1,000,000, Annual #1–2 (1994–2002)
- Superboy / Risk Double-Shot #1 (1998)
- Superboy / Robin: World's Finest Three #1–2 (1996)
- Superboy and the Ravers #1–10, 13–19 (1996–1998)
- Supergirl Annual #1 (1996)
- Supergirl vol. 7 #24 (inker) (2017)
- Superman vol. 2 #4–16, 18, 20 (as inker); #54–56 (as writer and inker) (1987–1991)
- Superman & Savage Dragon: Metropolis #1 (1999)
- Superman / Toyman #1 (1996)
- Superman Forever #1 (1998)
- Superman Red/Superman Blue #1 (1998)
- Superman Secret Files #1 (1998)
- Superman: King of the World #1 (1999)
- Superman: The Legacy of Superman #1 (1993)
- Superman: The Man of Steel #69, #1,000,000 (1997–1998)
- Superman: The Wedding Album #1 (1996)
- Tangent Comics / The Joker #1 (1997)
- Tangent Comics / The Joker's Wild #1 (1998)
- Team Superman Secret Files #1 (1998)
- Who's Who in the DC Universe #2–4, 6 (1990–1991)
DC Comics and Marvel Comics
- Challengers of the Fantastic #1 (1997)
- Spider-Boy Team-Up #1 (1997)
Image Comics
- George Pérez's Crimson Plague #1 (Section Zero preview) (2000)
- Section Zero #1–3 (2000)
Marvel Comics
- All Winners Comics 70th Anniversary Special #1 (2009)
- Amazing Fantasy vol. 2 #13–14 (2005)
- The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #37 (2010)
- The Amazing Spider-Man Family #1 (2008)
- The Avengers vol. 8 #11–12 (inker) (2019)
- Captain America / Citizen V '98 (1998)
- Captain America: Patriot #1–4 (2010–2011)
- Captain America The 1940s Newspaper Strip #1–3 (also artist) (2010)
- Daredevil #353–364 (1996–1997)
- Fantastic Four vol. 3 #51–56 (2002)
- Fantastic Four #514–516, 525–526 (writer); #642–644 (inker); #645 (writer/inker) (2004–2005, 2015)
- Fantastic Four / Fantastic 4 '98 (1998)
- Fantastic Four 2099 #1–5 (1996)
- Human Torch #1–12 (2003–2004)
- Marvel Apes #1–4 (2008–2009)
- Marvel Holiday Special '96 (1996)
- Marvels Comics: Fantastic Four #1 (2000)
- Spider-Man Family #7 (2008)
- Ultimate X-Men #72 (2006)
- Web of Spider-Man Super Special #1 (1995)
- What If Doctor Doom Had Become the Thing? #1 (2005)
- X-Men #187 (2006)
- X-Men Unlimited #34 (2002)
Marvel Comics and DC Comics
- Spider-Boy #1 (1996)
- Unlimited Access #1–4 (1997–1998)
References
- ^ Miller, John Jackson (June 10, 2005). "Comics Industry Birthdays". Comics Buyer's Guide. Iola, Wisconsin. Archived from the original on February 18, 2011. Retrieved December 12, 2010.
- ^ a b c Greenberger, Robert (April 2014). "New Talent and Bonus Babies". Back Issue! (71). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 69–71.
- ^ a b c d e f Karl Kesel at the Grand Comics Database
- ^ Manning, Matthew K.; Dolan, Hannah, ed. (2010). "1980s". DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 234. ISBN 978-0-7566-6742-9.
Written by Barbara and Karl Kesel and drawn by future superstar Rob Liefeld, this five-issue miniseries reestablished the famous pair for a new generation.
{{cite book}}
:|first2=
has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 259: "The issue also featured four teaser comics that introduced a group of contenders all vying for the Superman name...A cloned Superboy escaped captivity in a yarn by writer Karl Kesel and artist Tom Grummett."
- ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 265: "Superboy set up camp in picturesque Hawaii in his new ongoing title written by Karl Kesel and with art by Tom Grummett."
- ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 274: "In this four-issue miniseries by writer Karl Kesel and artist Stuart Immonnen, the heroes of the present united with the Legion of Super-Heroes and the New Gods in an attempt to stop a 'sun-eater'."
- ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 275: "The behind-the-scenes talent on the monumental issue appropriately spanned several generations of the Man of Tomorrow's career. Written by Dan Jurgens, Karl Kesel, David Michelinie, Louise Simonson, and Roger Stern, the one-shot featured the pencils of John Byrne, Gil Kane, Stuart Immonen, Paul Ryan, Jon Bogdanove, Kieron Dwyer, Tom Grummett, Dick Giordano, Jim Mooney, Curt Swan, Nick Cardy, Al Plastino, Barry Kitson, Ron Frenz, and Dan Jurgens."
- ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 289: "Batman and Superman reunited in April [1999] in the ten-issue limited series World's Finest...The series was written by Karl Kesel."
- ^ Cowsill, Alan "2000s" in Dolan, p. 297: "Written by Karl Kesel and drawn by Terry Dodson, the double-sized first issue dealt with Harley's twisted relationship with the Joker."
- ^ Kesel, Karl (w), Immonen, Stuart (p), Koblish, Scott (i). "Remembrance of Things Past" Fantastic Four, vol. 3, no. 56 (August 2002). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Hudson, Laura (March 5, 2010). "Exclusive: 1940s Captain America Strip Coming Daily at Marvel Digital". ComicsAlliance. Archived from the original on February 20, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2012.
- ^ Armitage, Hugh (April 22, 2011). "Lost Steve Ditko Comic Unveiled". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on April 25, 2011. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
- ^ Yarbrough, Beau (December 28, 2000). "State of the (Ape) Nation: How Healthy is Gorilla?". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on June 3, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2012.
- ^ Dean, Michael (June 8, 2001). "The Case of the Disappearing Gorilla: The Banana Trust Explains How Not to Start a Comics Line". The Comics Journal #234. Seattle, Washington: Fantagraphics Books. Archived from the original on January 20, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2012.
- ^ Parkin, JK (January 3, 2012). "Kesel and Grummett's Section Zero returns as a webcomic". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2012.
- ^ Kesel, Karl (January 2, 2012). "Back to ZERO!". MadGeniusComics.com. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2012.
- ^ Kesel, Karl; Grummett, Tom (2012). "Archive for Section Zero". MadGeniusComics.com. Retrieved March 4, 2012.
- ^ Staley, Brandon (May 3, 2017). "Kesel & Grummett's Section Zero Finds New Life in Kickstarter Campaign". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on May 4, 2017.
Karl Kesel and Tom Grummett's Section Zero may get a second shot at life if a Kickstarter campaign gets the required funding.
- ^ Kesel, Karl (2017). "Section Zero: Ultra-Cool Collector's Edition". Kickstarter. Archived from the original on August 11, 2017.
1,049 backers pledged $65,140 to help bring this project to life.
- ^ Eury, Michael (July 2017). "Hawk and Dove: Birds of a Different Feather". Back Issue! (97). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 44–45.
- ^ "1991 Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Nominees and Winners". Hahn Library Comic Book Awards Almanac. Archived from the original on July 12, 2015.
- ^ "1992 Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Nominees and Winners". Hahn Library Comic Book Awards Almanac. Archived from the original on July 12, 2015.
- ^ "Inkwell Awards Winners, 2016". Inkwell Awards. 2016. Archived from the original on August 28, 2016.
External links
- Karl Kesel at Periscope Studio
- Karl Kesel at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)
- Karl Kesel at Mike's Amazing World of Comics
- Karl Kesel at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators
- Karl Kesel interview at Fantastic Four Headquarters