I was a huge fan of the artwork of Mike Parobeck. I first noticed his work on comics related to Batman: The Animated Series. He was able to combine the Bruce Timm designs with his own style sense for some of my most fondly remembered Batman tales. I also followed his work on titles like El Diablo and The Fly, but my favorite art from him was on the great Justice Society series that brought those classic characters out of limbo. Sadly, that series last only ten issues. Sadder still, Parobeck himself passed away not long after. He was an amazing talent that was taken far too soon.
Hah! Great cover Ross! What a hoot of a story that would make... watching the JSA get together for a poker night. :) Fun too that the two images fit together so seamlessly!
ReplyDeleteI've said it before and I'll say it again, you're a great talent.
Gregg
Thanks, I had been wanting to make a Thing Poker Night cover for a long time and finally found some images that would work.
ReplyDeleteHa! Good One! I'm a big fan of the Thing and the Justice Society of America. You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteOrdinaryguy2
The Thing and Wildcat in the same room...you can hear the wisecracks fly.
ReplyDeleteI've come to greatly appreciate Mike Parobeck's work, he is such an underrated talent. Too bad he was taken too soon.
ReplyDeleteI still enjoy re-reading Parobeck's JSA and Batman Adventures run.
ReplyDeleteI still remember the first Parobeck issue. It was The Batman Adventures 7, with Killer Croc - poly-bagged with a cell from the show! Now that's a great start!
I have a couple of issues of The Fly. I've been meaning to get that complete run, too.
What an amazing talent he was!
While this is quite an interesting cover, it's a shame you couldn't build the game out of a more divergent cast using characters from numerous sources. Maybe someday something will work out, and you can just call the group "The Thing and his Poker Buddies."
ReplyDeleteI remember that JSA series. It sold well, but I remember reading that the editor of DC at the time said that DC should not be in the business of telling the stories of geriatric superheroes.
ReplyDeleteMike Parobeck's art on this JSA series drew back into DC after years away (since the Crisis in fact) and I concur, his passing was a great loss to all comics fans.
ReplyDeleteRip Off
The marvel superheroes floating poker game was always a favorite of mine. Loved seeing the regulars (The Thing, Cap and Nick Fury among others) getting together with guest stars on an off night that always seemed to be interrupted. This crossover cover is great! I can see Wildcat and many JSAers fitting right in with ole Ben playing cards and drinking brews.
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