Looking back at the Master of Kung Fu (comic covers)

Earlier this month I was approached by some friends who are working on an art book; sort of. They’re also working on promoting an art book – THE MARVEL ART OF MIKE ZECK

Most comic fans might recognize his work either from his work on Marvel comic titles The Punisher or Secret Wars. But those who know, know that Mike Zeck started drawing comics in 1977 as the penciler of Shang-Chi, Master of Kung-Fu. Starting with issue #55 (May 10 1977), 49 years and a couple of days ago, if my math is correct.

It’s a little known bit of history that many readers of Kung Fu Magazine (and many martial artists of a certain age) started a lifelong martial arts journey inspired by Marvel’s Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu. While much of this credit is rightly attributed to writer Doug Moench and artist Paul Gulacy, Mike Zeck took over Gulacy’s 50 issue run on the book after 5 issues of retaining artists. He would move on to more notable projects before Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu completed its first volumes with issues #125 (March 15th 1985).

Now this friends I mentioned earlier offered me some exclusive cover art postcards curated specifically for my readers – How cool is that!?

“I first met Mike at the Chicago Comicon in 1986 right after his Punisher was released, and he left such a positive impression on this very impressionable kid. I had the privilege of working with him on a couple of projects over the years, and I am thrilled that in retirement, he’s agreed to be a part of our prestigious The Marvel Art Of… line of art books.” 

Clover Press Publisher Hank Kanalz

Clover Press and Marvel are collaborating for the tenth book in the The Marvel Art Of… book series; THE MARVEL ART OF MIKE ZECK. This will be a high-end coffee table book featuring a portfolio, prints, and more that celebrate Zeck’s career. A career that includes designing the iconic black costume for Spider-Man, providing art for Kraven’s Last Hunt and work on the first Punisher mini-series in 1986.

The Marvel Art Of… books are a series of high-end, boutique artbooks that showcase legendary Marvel Comics’ artists, featuring iconic images alongside rare and never-before-seen artwork. The Marvel Art of Mike Zeck collects Zeck’s most stunning, most action-packed, and most well-loved Marvel illustrations from Marvel titles like Captain America, Spider-Man, Punisher and more in a 200+ page 9″ x 12″ high end coffee table book. The campaign will also feature 11″ x 17″ prints, stickers, a puzzle, signed books, and more. The Marvel Art Of… series debuted in 2023 with The Marvel Art of David Mack and The Marvel Art of Alex Maleev, followed by stunning art books for Michael Allred, Russell Dauterman, Mike Del Mundo, Dan dos Santos, Tyler Kirkham, David Nakayama, and Michael Turner.