A three-part exploration of the history of the Book Industry By Mark Pracht. Premiering at City Lit Theatre, Chicago, IL, from 2022 to 2024.
Published by:
Part One - The Mark of Kane
“This robust new play reveals the writers and artists who launched an enduring icon of American popular culture, Batman.” - Chicago On Stage
In 1939, two young friends huddled in a Bronx apartment and created a legend. A hero who represents an enduring chapter in the tale of the American comic book. One, Bob Kane, would profit from that legend for years to come. The other would be all but forgotten. This is the legacy of the mark of Kane.
This play begins “The Four-Color Trilogy,” highlighting major turning points in American comic book history.
“Enormously thought-provoking, delightfully stimulating, and wretchedly heartbreaking.” - Around The Town Chicago
“Recommended for more than just comic-book lovers.” - New City Chicago
Part Two - The Innocence of Seduction
“A love letter to comic books, featuring characters based on the actual creators, their work and they were affected by the repurcussions of overregulation.” - NewCity Chicago
As a 1950's Congression investigation probes the perceived connection between comic books and juvenile delinquency, the lives of three fascinating individuals become entangled. William Gaines, the visionary behind horror comics, Matt Baker, a closeted black artist, and Janice Valleau, an innovative creator. A riveting exploration of an era marked by censorship, prejudice, and the enduring resilience of artistic expression.
This play continues “The Four-Color Trilogy,” highlighting major turning points in American comic book history.
“A rather deep show that keeps our interest with it's focus on dark humor... A commentary on the comics of the day an advocacy piece against censorship.” - Around The Town Chicago
Part Three - The House of Ideas
It was in the 1960s that Marvel Comics began creating dozens of memorable characters, one after another over a period of years, and built a single cohesive world for them to inhabit. In comic books, this was revolutionary. But the two men at the center of this renaissance struggle with the idea of credit now that they’ve made it something worth struggling over. The House of Ideas examines the rise of Marvel and the fraught relationship between the Lennon and McCartney of comic books, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Part Three of The Four-Color Trilogy, about the men and women who created a body of literature Americans both embraced and loathed.
This play continues “The Four-Color Trilogy,” highlighting major turning points in American comic book history.
