From Shadow to Light: The Life & Art of Mort Meskin by Steven Brower

by Steven Brower

“Mort Meskin was a consummate professional, dedicated to his work. A great talent.”—Jack KirbyFrom Shadow to The Life and Art of Mort Meskin is a coffee table art book and critical biography of one of the twentieth century’s most influential comic book artists. Meskin’s career spanned both the Golden and Silver ages of comics, from the 1940s to the 1960s. His drawing, chiaroscuro technique, and storytelling are considered by connoisseurs of the form to be among the most sophisticated of his time. His passion for his artwork was equaled by his skill,and the quality of his overall oeuvre blurs the artificial distinction between high and low art. Yet he is known mostly among hard-core aficionados today, eclipsed by many of his peers, some of whom he profoundly influenced. Among Meskin’s fans and admirers are Jim Steranko, Joe Kubert, Alex Toth, Carmine Infantino, Steve Ditko, Jerry Robinson, and Jack Kirby. From Shadow to The Life and Art of Mort Meskin will finally give this neglected artist the recognition he’s due.The first artist to draw Sheena of the Jungle, Meskin’s work appeared in such diverse genres as romance, true crime and western comics. Following World War II he formed a studio with the legendary Jerry Robinson, co-creator of The Joker and Robin. He later worked for Joe Simon and Jack Kirby’s company S&K Studio and with Stan Lee at Atlas (Marvel). During the 1950s and ’60s he helped DC Comics define their mystery and science fiction lines. And there is one aspect of Meskin’s voluminous creative output that has yet to be his personal art. From Shadow to Light compiles for the first time the best of Meskin’s art from his comic book career, his post-comics career bin advertising, and his fine art. Many of the comics pages are scanned form the original art, thanks to the cooperation of the Meskin estate.Mort Meskin’s story is one of perseverance and overcoming personal demons. It is the tale of the indomitable spirit of a true artist and innovator. From Shadow to The Life and Art of Mort Meskin will finally set the record straight and add his name to the pantheon of comic book artists who helped create this distinctly American art form.

Genres: Comics, Biography, Art

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Johnathon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic biography of one of the most underrated artists of the Golden Age, providing great details on Meskin's life along with gorgeous reprints of his art. Brower gives a nice worts and all bio, detailing Mort Meskin's talent where even Will Eisner & Jack Kirby praised his ability but also his mental problems that deeply affected his personal and professional life. The oversized format of the book is used great as well, as you get great reproductions of his art, from comic books to advertising. A must read for any comic book fan.

[Mark Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful book and visual feast for the eyes. By no means a definitive biography, but it shouldn’t be approached as such. Sit back and enjoy a look back at one the dynamic creators at the beginning of Comics.

[David Macpherson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a very handsome book filled with great work in a variety of styles. The text was just alright. i didn't get a good sense of Meskin. His sons were co-authors and that is a valid though skewed view of the subject. I guess my big issue is that I came into the book not knowing much about Meskin and I left with a little knowledge but my appreciation didn't increase much. I think the author didn't explain to me why he is so important in the history of comic art. They showed a lot of examples and expected me to understand how great he is and i guess I didn't do my work.

[Steven Heywood · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a long time to warm to Mort Meskin's work: the poor quality of the 70s reprints did no favours to an artist who told stories with so many solid blacks. This book includes some beautiful examples of his comic book art — covers, isolated pages and a couple of full stories — that demonstrate the skilled, dynamic storytelling of his layouts. Added to that are examples of his sketches, advertising work and other artwork.

[Harold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good biography, amazing artwork. Makes me want to see more of Meskin's comics and drawings.