Well, while we're on the subject of Jack Kirby classics we feel that we have no choice but to draw your attention to one of the most underrated of Kirby's works.  Originally released as a Marvel Treasury Edition in 1976, this work has been hard to get a hold of for the last twenty years.  It's a one-of-a-kind tale that has Budda™ taking Cap on a spin through America's past, present and future and shows Jack playing to his strengths as he works his way through the genres of mythological, western, war, super-hero, and science fiction comics -- all in one epic tale!  And not only that, but the twelve-page first chapter is inked by Barry Smith at the height of his powers (the only time Smith -- a life-long Kirby admirer -- ever inked Kirby).  This volume also collects Captain America #201 - 205 and so continues collecting the Kirby Cap run that was initiated last summer with the "Mad Bomb" TPB which collected #193 - 200, and which we still have in stock.

Originally produced to coincide with America's Bicentennial, "Madbomb" first appeared in Captain America #193 - 200 (#200 was, amazingly, actually realeased shortly before Jluy 4, 1976).  This run marked Kirby's return to Marvel after his five year stint at DC producing the much lauded "Fourth World" series (New Gods, Forever People, etc.).  "Madbomb" is the story of a power hungry cabal who adopt the mantle of "patriots" and take to wearing the powdered wigs of the founding fathers while hatching a scheme to grab control of the USA and rule it as "the new aristocracy" who are above the law.  In order to effect their scheme they employ powerful technology that distorts people's sense of self, driving them mad.  Sound familiar?  This is one of Kirby's great works, arguably his mature masterpiece; and by today's lights, it seems like a a prophecy as well.  That Marvel finally got around to recognizing the value of this work, and that they managed to release it to coincide with our nation's birthday this time around as well -- and in an important election year to boot --  is nothing short of a minor miracle.  Hallelujah!