From the world of Marvel comic books straight to IU’s campus, the University Collections opened its newest exhibit April 11 featuring comic artist Mike Zeck’s contributions to Marvel comics. The exhibition, “The Comic Art of Mike Zeck: The Marvel Years,” is in the McCalla School and features Zeck’s original artwork, props and costumes, which were adapted by Marvel in its movie productions.
Zeck began working with Marvel comics in 1974 with the iconic “Captain America” series. He went on to sketch comic characters for other series like “Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars” (1984–85), where he was the primary sketch artist for what became a best-selling comic book. “The Punisher” (1986) and “Master of Kung Fu” (1978-1981) are some of his other famous contributions.
Zeck’s realistic character interpretation and attractive cover art formed the storyboard for Marvel’s television and film productions. His work also helped the franchise form cover art like “The Marvel Super-Heroes Secret War,” which is one of the most successful series in the franchise.
Charles Costas, a seasoned comic art collector and IU alumnus, collected Zeck’s work as an admirer and a friend since 1981. He helped bring the exhibit together.
Costas recalled meeting Zeck for the first time at the age of 14 during a comic book convention in Alexandria, Virginia. He found himself completely captivated by Zeck’s work, and he spent around $375 to buy Zeck’s original “G.I. Joe” cover along with the complete set of original artwork from “The Punisher Limited Series” issue two.
"It was a big investment as a kid, but it was probably one of the best investments I ever made,” Costas said. “It introduced me to collecting original artwork and the creative process on how books were created."
Costas said Zeck was an observant artist who drew inspiration from cinema. Zeck’s artwork in “Master of Kung Fu,” a comic book series featuring Shang-Chi, was inspired by the movements of martial artist and actor, Bruce Lee. Costa said Zeck studied Lee’s filmography to add an element of realism to Shang-Chi's movements.
Zeck, a childhood fan of Captain America, expressed his desire to sketch the hero when he joined Marvel, and began his creative journey under the guidance of the series’ editors, Mark Gruenwald and inker John Beatty. His work on “Super-Heroes: Secret Wars” became iconic — especially his sleek and minimalist design of the Black Spiderman costume, which is still a fan favorite.
The McCalla School exhibit drew the attention of comic art and illustration enthusiasts.
Raphael Cornford is a professional illustrator and avid comic art enthusiast who draws inspiration from the comic art designed in the ‘80s with a hint of modern intricacies. He said he was interested in seeing the original copies Zeck sketched, including the areas of white out where something had to be corrected in edits, to understand the design process in its rawest form.
Cornford also shared that some Indie publishers in the role-play gaming industry love the traditional art form from 1980s with a touch of modern art intricacies.
Brian Woodman, associate director of University Collections and director of the McCalla School, said the exhibit is a collective effort between of Costas and McCalla School to recognize and applaud Zeck’s contribution to television and films
“It’s the mission of our department to try to help people see value and understand cultural heritage collectibles. 50 years ago, everyone thought comics were trash, but over time, people became attached to them and realized the talent that went behind them,” Woodman said. “I'm hoping this reminds people of the artists and their contributions.”
Woodman said there was a transition in storytelling and character development in the comic genre over time as modern readers are more invested in nuanced character arcs and storylines compared to readers of the 1980s who were more interested in the artistry of the stories.
The exhibition is open through February 2026. The exhibition gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday every week. Visitors can get additional information from the official University Collections website.
