APoC #1

APoC stands for "attractive people of comicdom."  Recent studies have led me to believe something I'm sure most of you probably already knew: comics are made entirely by super sexy people.  That's not a subjective opinion, it's a fact.

Contrary to what some people may tell you

Seriously, every nerd in every comic shop from here to Timbuktu has probably heard the "Which superhero would you lay?" scenario. It's one of those icky parts about geekdom we can't seem to escape.  But does anybody consider the people who created these characters? Okay maybe not, because that would be a bit creepy... but could we? Absolutely! And so, induced with a fit of superficiality, I have decided to write a series of posts celebrating some of comics' hottest creators.

Maybe this idea seems shallow, but it comes from the heart.  The fine authors and artists highlighted in these entries belong on this list not just for being handsome people of their time, but because they lived spectacular lives which inspired the creation of the many colorful characters they would later realize on the page.

For the record, I'd pick She-Hulk. I like a woman with authority!

Mark Twain once said, "Write what you know." So how do you explain comic book writers?  I doubt Jerry Siegel or Joe Shuster could lift a car over their head, and Bob Kane probably never dabbled in vigilantism, but isn't that where the magic in comics comes out- from the minds of the creators?  Perhaps it is this capacity for imagination that makes them so attractive. Take a look at Jack Kirby...

Back in the day

Just look at that stylish suit, the nonchalant posture, that charismatic smirk! I'm not exactly sure when the picture was taken but I'm guessing it was in the 1940s.  By this time the Nazis had invaded Poland, The Great Dictator was released to critical acclaim, and Jack "The King" Kirby was probably beginning his partnership with Joe Simon, where he would go on to co-create Captain f'ing America, shortly before getting drafted into the war as a recon man and drawer of maps.

Not to mention later in his career when he was drawing stuff like THIS

I won't spend this entire post telling you of the man's many accomplishments, since someone else seems to have done a bang-up job of it here.  Suffice to say, his prolific profile has influenced the world of comics today in ways we can only begin to comprehend.  From what I've heard, he was a personable fellow who loved young people, and at the same time he was a total bad-ass who always enjoyed a good cigar. But get this...

I heard in an interview somewhere that the guy was only like 5'1", give or take a few inches.  Now you tell me Mister Clemens, how does a man that short become the basis for the characterization of the  Fantastic Four's Ben Grimm aka. The Thing?

Property of Marvel Comics

Because the man was larger than life, with a take-charge personality that resulted in in a wealth of stunning illustrations and stories.  His influence is still felt in comics today, as he continues to inspire countless artists and writers.  That is why Jack Kirby reigns supreme in the pantheon of great creators in comics.  He's a real life hero and the honorable first entry in this epoch of "Attractive People of Comicdom."

Jacob Kurtzberg, August 28, 1917-February 6, 1994
The King of Comics

The next entry for APoC is the first female for the list, and she's a real looker!