When was the last time you saw a "shown in issue #156 - ye olde editor" caption?

How much fun was that? You knew the issues to hunt for.

Jack Schaefer's SHANE - coming to City Lit Theatre this Fall YouTube video by MPJedi21

Coming ths Fall at @citylittheater.bsky.social

www.mark-pracht.com/the-four-col...

The Four-Color Plays:

An exploration of the history of the Book Industry By Mark Pracht. Premiering at City Lit Theatre, Chicago, IL, from 2022 to 2024.

Three stand-alone tales of the creators of the comic books that defined the 20th century, and created an art form.

Information link below

Step into the revolutionary 1960s, where Marvel Comics redefined comic book storytelling.

​This thrilling play delves deep into the meteoric rise of Marvel and the fraught, fascinating relationship at its core. A tale for dreamers, doers, and anyone who’s ever said, “Make Mine Marvel!” Excelsior!

As a 1950's Congressional investigation probes the perceived connection between comic books and juvenile delinquency, the lives of three fascinating individuals become entangled. A riveting exploration of an era marked by censorship, prejudice, and the enduring resilience of artistic expression.

In 1939, two young friends huddled in a Bronx apartment and created a legend. 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.

“Recommended for more than just comic-book lovers.” - New City Chicago

#TheFour-ColorPlays:

#NewStagePlays exploring the history of the Book Industry By Mark Pracht. Premiered at @citylittheater.bsky.social Chicago, IL, from 2022 to 2024.

#Theatremakers
#ComicBookHistory

This weekend I'll be at C2E2, here in Chicago on March 27-29. I'll be at Artist Alley table Y-2 with original art, prints, and comics by me, including the just-released "Phantastes." I'll also be signing and doing sketches. If you'd like to pre-book a commission, please DM me. #c2e2 #comics #chicago

you must have... MERCY!

www.kickstarter.com/projects/mon...

In case you're at #C2E22026

@22panelspodcast.bsky.social

www.mark-pracht.com/the-four-col...

“The Four-Color Plays,” three #newstageplays highlighting turning points in comic book history.

The creation of Batman, the comic book scare of the 1950's, the rise of Marvel Comics, these stand-alone stories thrilled audiences and critics.

Info link below

#Theatremakers
#ComicBookHistory

This thrilling play delves deep into the rise of Marvel and the fraught, fascinating relationship at its core. Will these titans find common ground, or crack under the weight of their success? This is a tale for dreamers, doers, and anyone who’s ever said, “Make Mine Marvel!” Excelsior!

Stan "The Man" Lee, the charismatic wordsmith, and Jack "King" Kirby, the masterful artist.

“The best part is recognizing bits of Kirby and Lee in their fictional creations.” - New City Chicago

Step into the revolutionary 1960s, where Marvel Comics redefined storytelling and unleashed a dazzling universe of unforgettable characters. But behind the scenes of this creative explosion lay a tangled web of ambition, collaboration, and conflict between two visionaries:

The House of Ideas Retrospective Trailer YouTube video by MPJedi21

2025 Joseph Jefferson Award Nominee - Best New Work

“The story of two giants and creative pioneers in the comics industry: Jack Kirby and Stan Lee - sometimes called the Lennon and McCartney of comic books.” - Third Coast Review

#NewStagePlay
#Theatremakers

Schedule Event Information

So, if any of you happen to be at C2E2 this year?

Drop by! It's not comics, but I'll be happy to talk about SHANE

Sun, Mar 29, 2026
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
Room S403

(we are not cosplay central)

World Premiere from the classic #WesternNovel by #JackSchaefer

Adapted and directed by Mark Pracht, author of #TheFourColorPlays

8/21–10/4, 2026

Shane, a mysterious stranger hiding a dangerous past, is offered a job as a farm hand and settles in with the Starretts, setting up a deadly showdown.

“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

A riveting exploration of an era marked by censorship, prejudice, and the enduring resilience of artistic expression.

This #NewStagePlay continues “The Four-Color Plays,” highlighting major turning points in American comic book history.

As a 1950's Congressional investigation probes the perceived connection between comic books and juvenile delinquency,three fascinating individuals become entangled. William Gaines, the visionary behind horror comics, Matt Baker, a closeted black artist, and Janice Valleau, an innovative creator.

The Innocence of Seduction Retrospective Trailer YouTube video by MPJedi21

“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

#NewStagePlays
#Theatremakers

Exclusive limited edition @daileyart.bsky.social variant cover. Another masterpiece only available on
@kickstarterread Get MERCY: IN PRISON - a revenge-fueled women in prison one shot. Grab one HERE:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/mon...

I chatted MERCY: IN PRISON and comics with @fanboyplanet.bsky.social Check it out: fanboyplanet.com/steven-princ...

“Enormously thought-provoking, delightfully stimulating, and wretchedly heartbreaking.” - Around The Town Chicago

“Recommended for more than just comic-book lovers.” - New City Chicago

Info below

This #NewStagePlay begins “The Four-Color Plays,” highlighting major turning points in American comic book history.

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.

The Mark Of Kane Retrospective Trailer YouTube video by MPJedi21

“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.