The Artistic Journey of Jack Katz
Early Publications and Legacy
Jack Katz, a notable figure in the world of graphic novels, initially published his works through Comics & Comix, a retailer based in Berkeley. Later, his volumes were also made available by Bud Plant, a co-founder of the same retailer.
Post-Masterwork Contributions
After completing his seminal work, Katz continued to contribute to the art community as both a painter and educator. His dedication to the craft resulted in the publication of two anatomy books and two volumes of sketchbooks, alongside another graphic novel titled “Legacy.” This narrative explores the enigmatic fate of a billionaire’s wealth, co-written with comics veteran Charlie Novinskie.
Family and Personal Life
Katz is survived by his two sons, Ivan and David, and two daughters, Beth and Laura Katz, alongside numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His personal life included three marriages, all of which concluded in divorce.
Ambitious Projects: The Follow-Up
In 2013, the same year that Titan Comics reissued “The First Kingdom”, Katz began working on a highly ambitious follow-up: a 500-page graphic novel called “Beyond the Beyond.” To finance this project, he utilized the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo. Katz devoted long hours to this endeavor, often working up to 18 hours a day, and humorously noted he frequently worked in his pajamas, as described in a 2015 video interview.
Reflections on His Career
Katz shared insights about his journey in the industry, recalling that early on, he faced skepticism regarding his age and capabilities. “All of these people, they were, ‘Oh, you’re 45, you’re over the hill!’” he recounted in an interview. “I’m 85 now! I’m ready to take on ‘Beyond the Beyond!’”
Unfinished Work
Although Katz completed “Beyond the Beyond” in 2019, the graphic novel remains unpublished. He acknowledged that such challenges were part of his creative journey, likening it to scaling a mountain: “For heaven’s sake,” he remarked, “you know, if you climbed Mount Everest one time, it’s not a snap the second.”
Conclusion
Jack Katz leaves behind a rich legacy in the field of graphic novels, marked by his innovative storytelling and dedication to the art form. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and writers alike, demonstrating that passion and perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements, regardless of age.
