📖 Overview
Mark Evanier is an American writer and comics historian who has made significant contributions across multiple entertainment mediums since 1969. He is particularly recognized for his work on the animated series "Garfield and Friends" and the comic book "Groo the Wanderer," as well as his comprehensive biography "Kirby: King of Comics."
Starting his career as a production assistant to comic legend Jack Kirby, Evanier went on to write for numerous comic book series including "Blackhawk," "DNAgents," and "Crossfire." His television writing credits span popular animated shows like "Scooby-Doo," "Richie Rich," and "The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show."
As a comics historian and journalist, Evanier maintains the well-regarded blog "News from ME" where he shares industry insights and observations. His expertise in comics history has made him a respected authority in the field, particularly regarding the life and work of Jack Kirby.
Beyond his creative work, Evanier is known for his contributions to comic book fandom, having served as president of a Los Angeles comic book club in the late 1960s and playing a role in early Marvel Comics fan organizations. His work continues to influence both the comics and animation industries today.
👀 Reviews
Readers highlight Evanier's deep knowledge of comics history and his ability to share insider perspectives. His book "Kirby: King of Comics" receives strong praise for its detailed research and personal insights into Jack Kirby's life. One Amazon reviewer noted: "The background details and production stories make this essential for understanding Kirby's work."
Readers appreciate:
- Clear, conversational writing style
- Behind-the-scenes industry stories
- Historical accuracy and research
- Personal anecdotes from working with comics legends
Common criticisms:
- Blog posts can be lengthy and meandering
- Some books lack depth on technical aspects of comic creation
- Limited coverage of certain time periods in biographical works
Ratings:
- "Kirby: King of Comics" - 4.7/5 on Amazon (127 reviews)
- "Mad Art of Will Elder" - 4.8/5 on Amazon (42 reviews)
- Goodreads average across all works: 4.2/5
Most reader feedback comes from comics industry professionals and dedicated fans rather than casual readers.
📚 Books by Mark Evanier
Kirby: King of Comics - A comprehensive biography of comic book artist Jack Kirby, covering his life, artistic contributions, and impact on the comics industry through both narrative and visual documentation.
DNAgents - A comic book series about five genetically engineered teenagers with superhuman abilities who work for a mysterious corporation while discovering their place in the world.
Crossfire - A comic series following Jay Endicott, a Hollywood bail bondsman who moonlights as a masked vigilante in Los Angeles.
Blackhawk - A revival of the classic comic series about an international team of World War II-era aviators who battle various threats to global security.
Groo the Wanderer - A long-running comic series chronicling the misadventures of Groo, a wandering warrior whose well-intentioned actions often result in catastrophe.
Hollywood Comics - A collection of essays and stories about the entertainment industry, drawing from Evanier's personal experiences working in television and comics.
DNAgents - A comic book series about five genetically engineered teenagers with superhuman abilities who work for a mysterious corporation while discovering their place in the world.
Crossfire - A comic series following Jay Endicott, a Hollywood bail bondsman who moonlights as a masked vigilante in Los Angeles.
Blackhawk - A revival of the classic comic series about an international team of World War II-era aviators who battle various threats to global security.
Groo the Wanderer - A long-running comic series chronicling the misadventures of Groo, a wandering warrior whose well-intentioned actions often result in catastrophe.
Hollywood Comics - A collection of essays and stories about the entertainment industry, drawing from Evanier's personal experiences working in television and comics.
👥 Similar authors
Gerard Jones has written extensively about comics history and culture, with detailed accounts of the industry's golden age and its cultural impact. His book "Men of Tomorrow" covers similar ground to Evanier's Kirby biography in examining the foundational figures of comics.
Steve Gerber worked in both comics and animation like Evanier, writing for properties including Howard the Duck and animated series. His career path parallels Evanier's transitions between mediums and his work contains similar elements of social commentary mixed with humor.
Len Wein began his career in comics fandom before becoming a professional writer and editor in the industry. His work spans both mainstream superhero titles and more experimental projects, reflecting a similar range to Evanier's output.
Trina Robbins documents comics history with a focus on creators and cultural context, similar to Evanier's historical writing. Her books provide detailed accounts of comics industry developments and behind-the-scenes perspectives.
Roy Thomas combines deep comics industry knowledge with writing across multiple formats including animation and comic books. His work preserving and documenting comics history through magazines and books mirrors Evanier's role as an industry historian.
Steve Gerber worked in both comics and animation like Evanier, writing for properties including Howard the Duck and animated series. His career path parallels Evanier's transitions between mediums and his work contains similar elements of social commentary mixed with humor.
Len Wein began his career in comics fandom before becoming a professional writer and editor in the industry. His work spans both mainstream superhero titles and more experimental projects, reflecting a similar range to Evanier's output.
Trina Robbins documents comics history with a focus on creators and cultural context, similar to Evanier's historical writing. Her books provide detailed accounts of comics industry developments and behind-the-scenes perspectives.
Roy Thomas combines deep comics industry knowledge with writing across multiple formats including animation and comic books. His work preserving and documenting comics history through magazines and books mirrors Evanier's role as an industry historian.