The First Kingdom: 1974 - 1986
In 1972, Katz began developing artwork for The First Kingdom. After shopping his concepts around to various publishers and newspapers, he found a local publisher with Comics & Comix in Berkeley, California. Later issues were published by Bud Plant Inc.
Thanks to the support from his wife Caroline, Jack was able to complete the ambitious series. Twenty- four issues were published between 1974 and 1986. In 1980, Katz also created a First Kingdom art portfolio which was published by Bud Plant Inc., which consisted of six unique prints. The series remains Katz's magnum opus, and established a new fame for him in the comics industry. The series was reprinted in various formats, including a deluxe six-volume hardcover set by Titan Books in 2013. In 2012, Katz drew two sequels to The First Kingdom series: The Space Explorers Club, and Destiny, which were published by Titan Books as part of the The First Kingdom hardcover re-issue. In 2019, Katz completed another sequel, Beyond The Beyond, which remains to be published. Katz is currently working on another sequel to the series. |