Jack Katz and Caroline Gold graphic novel art collection
Content Description
This collection includes original pen and ink illustrations for The First Kingdom and other graphic novels created by Jack Katz with the support of Caroline Gold. The Titan Comics publication of The First Kingdom is considered Kack Katz and Caroline Gold's preferred version above any other pesentations of the work. Katz's early work with comics related to his graphic novel work, but his primary work was in the graphic novel realm. Additional materials include drafts of text and page layouts, published and unpublished versions of works, original life drawings, journals, correspondence, photographs, awards, and news clippings.
Dates
- Creation: 1960 - 2020
Conditions Governing Access
This material is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Publication of this material beyond Fair Use must be facilitated through the copyright holder.
Biographical / Historical
Jack Katz (Sept 27, 1927-April 24, 1927) was born on September 27, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York. He is credited as having published the first graphic novel, "The Kirst Kingdom."
Katz attended the School of Industrial Art in New York City. He began professional cartooning as a teenager in 1943. Throughout his early career, he worked for Archie Comics (MLJ), C.C. Beck and Pete Costanza’s studio, Hillman Periodicals, Better/Standard/Nedor, King Features Syndicate, Standard Comics, Atlas/Timely, Fiction House Comics. In 1955 Katz exited the comics industry to focus on painting and teaching private students as well as classes at the New York City YMCA.
Katz returned to comics by 1969, working for various publishers including Marvel and DC. By 1970 katz transition to Skywald Publications, working as a writer, editor, and artist. After relocating to Califonia, he started work on "The First Kingdom." "The First Kingdom" began publishing in 1974 and the 24-issue series concluded in 1986. Upon finishing the first 24 issues of "The First Kingdom," Katz taught art at a California community college while continuing his endeavors in painting and creating additional graphic novels. His partner, Caroline Gold, assisted in his creative endeavors.
Jack Katz passed away April 24, 2025, at the age of 97.
(See Ringgenberg, Steven. "Jack Katz, 1927-2025." Accessed October 17, 2025. https://www.tcj.com/jack-katz-1927/)
[INSERT CAROLINE GOLD BIO NOTE]
Extent
50 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Original art for The First Kingdom and other graphic novels created by Jack Katz with the support of Caroline Gold. Additional materials include drafts of text and page layouts, published and unpublished versions of works, original life drawings, journals, correspondence, photographs, awards, and news clippings.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by Caroline Gold.
Genre / Form
Topical
- Title
- Guide to the Jack Katz and Caroline Gold graphic novel art collection
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Madison Teague, Amanda Focke
- Date
- 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas Repository
Fondren Library MS-44, Rice University
6100 Main St.
Houston Texas 77005 USA
713-348-2586
woodson@rice.edu