Bernard Krigstein: The Most Influential Comic Book Artist

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Bernard Krigstein had a relatively short run in comic books in the 40s through the early 60s but his impact was tremendous. Art scholars and comic book aficionados have studied Krigstein's work, especially the comics he illustrated at EC Comics in the 50s. He had a philosophy that changed the way artists approached comic book storytelling. In this episode I talk about what comics were like before Krigstein's work and how his pages changed modern storytelling techniques. This includes a deep dive into his famous story Master Race from Impact #1.

[@petemarquez8759]

I had never heard of this guy before, this type of obscure and yet important bit of comic book history is why I watch. Thank you.

[@specialk2670]

never heard of krigstein is like never heard of starlin or adams or steranko to an old collector

[@ijiwarusensei89]

This was thoroughly fascinating. Thank you.

[@petemarquez8759]

@specialk2670 and @Rob S. My apologies, kick a guy while he’s down. I have heard of everyone of those guys, except I honestly had never heard of Krigstein, now that I have, I understand that it’s been my loss. I started collecting comics in the early 80’s as a kid, by now I thought I had heard of everybody. Chris always does this though, it’s why I look forward to his shows. I share them with my boys too, so hopefully they won’t be as ignorant as their dad’s been.

[@CharlesPetersonnakisisa]

Thanks for that. This is exactly why I subscribe to this channel. And since I am not buying my usual monthly stack, this will be the substitute. How do you contribute. Good luck during the furlough.

[@docsavage4921]

Don't mind the snobs, a lot of us bought comics in our day and never turned it into an obsession. It's called enjoying being a kid. I grew up during the 90's boom, tried the whole "collect to collect" phase, and just found it wasn't for me. Way too expensive for a kid with 10 dollars in his pocket and no regular source of income. And then I found other interests, yet still love that time reading Superman, Transformers, and Archie. Yes, I said read, not collect. Read, dogears and all.

[@nicocucsi]

To be honest; these more "academic" episodes área my favourites

[@MetalED]

I've never heard of Krigstein prior to watching this video, so was genuinely intrigued when you called him the most influential comic artist. One of my favorite things about this channel as opposed to other comic channels is you aren't scared to delve into comic history and academia knowing that it'll probably cost you some much needed likes. So thanks for educating me today.

[@fbritannia]

Yeah, he doesn't just talk about Superhero comics, which outside of this, Strip Panel Naked, and For the Love of Comics is incredibly rare.

[@dexterroberts5569]

Not my like

[@MarvelBoi44]

Do It Again Бall Бuster Кrigstein!! #MazelTovarishch

[@geekdoms]

I know you keep saying its not the most “popular” topic but this is honestly one of my favorite videos of yours

[@kentallard8852]

There is a lot of influence in this from film noir and German expressionist films in the angle of perspectives and lighting/shadows

[@bloke1348]

I noticed that too!! Was thinking of the cabinet of dr caligari....

[@ianfinrir8724]

​@@bloke1348I would _love_ a modern version of Dr. Caligari but they'd screw it up.

[@goodbuddy7607]

I have yet to see a comic video of yours that I didn't enjoy.

[@turtlesmeller2943]

true

[@yoyoHans]

Same

[@PassiveNights]

Same

[@moseslovesk]

Ditto

[@qty1315]

I've watched pretty much every one of his Comic Tropes videos. I think the only one I had a hard time watching was the TMNT Christmas Special, but that was due to the audio problems in the video which I found to be distracting.

[@CUTEMKUltras]

Personally I prefer it when you cover the more esoteric stuff in the comic's world. I didn't know about this guy and his work is the distillation of what comics are all about. I always enjoy your videos and they're brilliantly presented. Nice one man.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Thank you for giving exposure to important artists. This episode was vital.

[@owenamenta1]

I found this channel when I was going through rough times, and binging your content made my life bearable. Weirdly enough, I started to look forward to new Comic Tropes videos... It was something I had to live for even though I was so unhappy. It was something I was passionate about, and made me realize I can be passionate about other things that are worthy of my investment. Thank you for your videos Chris, I can imagine how many people have used your videos to soothe themselves.

[@graefx]

I've never heard of him before but the art and form language is breath taking. If you hadn't said he was from the 50s i would have just assumed this was some new indy darling. It's amazing how timeless the art looks especially given even the best of the era has a dated quality to it.

[@Batchman-z11]

Noticing how many commenters say they had never heard of Krigstein. I came to this video because I remembered Krigstein's work for MAD Comics in the 1950s. The names Kurtzman, Wood, Davis, Elder and Severin are well known, but there were others as well who contributed on occasion. I recall in particular a parody of "Bringing Up Father" where Krigstein pairs with Will Elder in a story having the "Father" character move in and out of an alternate reailty. His work was visually distinctive and quite unlike that of the others.

[@markginther6088]

The premise of 'Master Race' reminds me of a Twilight Zone episode. And also, the sign on the gate at Auschwitz read, "Work sets you free," rather than the "work makes life sweet" seen on the propaganda leaflet.

[@MarvelBoi44]

If only mo бucktoothed djaps & fanged nozzies (шho шeaseled dheir шay into dhe US under dhe auspices've Operation Clip) met dhe perfekk Fantom Strandger today dhe space program would'of бeen mučh mo advanced Кunta Кinte would'of бeen Кang've Mars son Str8 up.. #Hallelujah

[@lucasvanbakel2334]

Interesting how in the panel of Reissman falling, his body is falling in the same way the man who is being hit in the flashback is.

[@MarvelBoi44]

Do It Again Бomбer Harris!! #MazelTovarishch

[@timothybarnett1006]

One mark of his influence is that the innovations he developed are now so commonplace that they don't seem revolutionary, look at the Beatles, the idea of an album as a coherent statement rather than a collection of singles is up there with Krigstein altering panel count/size to control reading speed,

[@whyloechoedome8122]

I will say a decent amount of his work still holds up as well as when it first came out. He truly was a king of the craft and never ceases to astonish

[@edwarddillon5886]

Bernard Krigstein is a good illustrator, how about a video on one of my artistic heroes Hal Foster?

[@analiamoranchel186]

Seconded. Highly influential illustrator as well.

[@lakrids-pibe]

Hal Foster, Alex Raymond, Burne Hogarth, Milton Caniff...

[@detour99]

That was a fascinating and terrific episode. Much appreciated during these times. Good luck.

[@_seph]

These "esoteric" episodes are why I love your channel. I've been reading comics for more than 30 years but aside from all of the common Golden Age lore, it seems that my knowledge of pre-'60s is minimal as I hadn't encountered Krigstein. You did an outstanding job with this one and I will now be doing my own dive into his work. Thank you for the introduction. Cheers!

[@cha5]

Krigstein is one of my all time favorites, His EC stories that I always remember are ‘Master Race’ (The essential example of how to construct a story panel by panel that would never work in any other medium except Sequential Art) ‘The Catacombs’ (a story of being lost in the Catacombs of Rome, especially chilling if you’re claustrophobic.) And an adaptation of a Ray Bradbury story he did involving a man and his flying machine, I forget the title.

[@capellan2000]

the-wanderling.com/flying_machine.html

[@cha5]

Alejandro Tejada Thank you. ☺️

[@MarvelBoi44]

Do It Again Бomбer Harris!! #MazelTovarishch

[@nickdirienzo2849]

I appreciate the academic stuff as much as the goofier funny videos. Keep up the great work, you have fans and we love you!

[@michaelemond7315]

Found this artist after Larry Hama mentioned him in his interview with you. Fell in love with him. My two favs of his are the stories: 'More Blessed To Give...' (1954) and 'Key Chain' (1954) by Jack Oleck. More Blessed splits the page so we get the wife's perspective on one side and the husband's on the other. It is so brilliant.

[@travispardy8649]

Hey Chris, that was fantastic. I am long time viewer and subscriber, and I teach Junior High/High School literature. I actually cover Maus and Art Spiegelman in one of my classes, and, if it’s okay, I’d love to direct my more eager students to your discussion of Master Race. Very engaging, and relevant to the world we live in. Best of luck to you, your channel is genuinely and truly among my favorites, and you deserve all the success in the world. I remember your video where you gave out water and food to homeless people out-of-pocket. You are one of a kind, and I’m glad I found your channel.

[@miguelangelthomas5154]

Wow Chris. You really outdid yourself with this episode. I had never heard about Krigstein before this. In fact, there are a lot of things I never knew before you talked about them. You're a great comic historian and you make history come to life. I wish I could donate to you somehow but I'm Venezuelan refugee in Peru. Making money is hard for me. However, the very least I can do is interact with this amazing channel that you have made. Again, I wish I could do more than just watch you but I cannot. Please continue to make such great content and I will continue to watch.

[@donaldsanchez7099]

I studied oil painting under Krigstein in '75 at the High School of Art & Design. So wonderful to see this episode. Thank you.

[@reprintranch]

Any stories you can share? Was he as strict and humorless as the anecdotes suggest?

[@donaldsanchez7099]

@@reprintranch Thanks for your question Tom. 1975 was so long ago, that I'm afraid what little recollection I have will not be an adequate reply to your question. While my memories of Krigstein's interactions with us was far from being "strict," he was a pretty serious, get-down-to-business sort of teacher. I have no vivid memories of him joking or being in any way "light-hearted" with the students as I recall other teachers were at Art & Design. I do remember though, as we all worked on our oil paintings, Krigstein himself was painting this gorgeous scene of the city of Jerusalem during class. The palate was amazing as the city was cast in either a sunrise or sunset setting. I don't know where the painting wound up, whether in a gallery, museum, private collection, or it's hanging on the wall of a family member, but I think we were all mesmerized watching him work on it in class whenever he took a break from correcting the dabs of paint we had on our canvasses wishing it were actually art. Thanks again!

[@reprintranch]

@@donaldsanchez7099 Wow! Thanks so much for the detailed reply. You're the first person I've corresponded with who actually knew Mr. Krigstein personally. I'm fascinated by the fact that Mr. Krigstein was painting a scene of Jerusalem. As you may know, he illustrated quite a few books concerning Jewish history and folklore in the late 1950s and early '60s, and I assume that his own Jewish faith was a motivating factor in taking these assignments, as opposed to others.

[@donaldsanchez7099]

@@reprintranch You're quite welcome Tom!

[@reprintranch]

@@donaldsanchez7099 Mr. Sanchez, if I could trouble you to address one other topic -- as I understand it, Paul Cezanne was a big influence on Mr. Krigstein, probably more so than any other painter. I'm interested to know your perspective on this idea -- for example, was Cezanne a frequent topic of discussion in classes? Were there any characteristics of Cezanne's work, or any specific Cezanne paintings that seemed especially important to Mr. Krigstein? Were there other painters he discussed often, or seemed to hold in high regard? I'm a complete neophyte to painting, but realized I need to start learning a bit about it, so that I can get a better grasp of Mr. Krigstein's overall art background, and the things that may have informed his comics work. One obvious thing for me to look at, once I understand things better, is whether the coloring of any Krigstein EC stories might arguably have been informed by painters, notably Cezanne. At EC, Mr. Krigstein did his own coloring most of the time, according to EC staff colorist Marie Severin. (Which reminds me -- a more basic task I need to tackle is trying to find distinctions between the way Marie Severin colored EC stories and the coloring in the Krigstein EC stories.)

[@spider_dude]

The best part of most of my Sundays is the new vid of comic tropes, man you have improve so much that you are one of the few youtubers I keep watching every New video. Keep the good work Chris.

[@caligulapontifex5759]

You are correct in saying Krigstein influenced a whole generation of comic creators. The great Neal Adams introduced me to Krigstein's art. It was during a convention a few years back and Neal had this book called "We Spoke Out: Comic Books and the Holocaust" for sale at his table. I picked it up and was going through the pages, (Master Race was the first story in the book) when Neal noticed my deep interest in the material. Neal talked about how Krigstein's Master Race story influenced a whole generation of artists including himself, Jim Steranko, Frank Miller and so many more. Thank you for doing this video on a very important piece of comic history.

[@EdDale44135]

That comic was amazing. I saw one video on his work and your video came up due to the algorithm but I love the detail you went into and the art criticism.

[@SteelRaven11]

Man, that was a great breakdown of someone who was a true master of the media.

[@GuyEdwards001]

I love that you are balancing the mainstream stuff and some of the niche topics as well. Please continue to do both. Thanks for committing a whole video to Bernard Krigstein.

[@germanungo9435]

One of the BEST episodes of comic tropes EVER . Congratulations!

[@btfbeddie]

Wow, this really blew me away. I don't think I'll read comics in the same way after watching this, thank you Chris!

[@dr00ness]

yt always recommends your videos from years ago, and it's wild to be here right as a new episode gets posted. what's also crazy is you've been doing the same consistent quality for years. excellent job, man.

[@rbiznezz2]

Possibly my favorite episode of Comic Tropes. Thank you.

[@036whispered]

Your exploraton of artists Jeff Smith and this latest on Bernard Krigstein are the best and most meaningful works I have ever come across. While one is more somber in context to the other, both are to me celebrations of why sequential visual storytelling is the closest I can think of to being truly grateful to be alive. Thank you!

[@artisfu9]

This is WHY COMIC TROPES is the best comic KZbinr OUT THERE! He is an excellent ORATOR and HISTORIAN who is able to GRAB and HOLD the viewer's attention, while ELOQUENTLY devulging vital intelligence about the subject matter. CT...I SALUTE YOU!!!!!!

[@franciscobello1519]

You and Comics Kayfabe are providing a great service in making comics scholarship and history more accessible.

[@ChrisBHerrmann]

This was such a fascinating video. I was able to find a reprint of Krigstein's story through my library, in an anthology, 'We Spoke Out: Comic Books and the Holocaust.'

[@reprintranch]

I've been reading We Spoke Out recently, too. An interesting and very educational book, with some terrific artwork.

[@Cameroo]

Great episode! Thanks for taking the time to make this one!

[@xr7t7]

A Smithsonian Book of Comic-Book Comics ©️1981 goes into great detail on the history of E.C. Comics and the making of this excellent story Master Race, from Impact No. 1 (1955) illustrated by Bernard Krigstein.

[@atquinn1975]

Yes! My parents got me that for Christmas when I was a kid and Krigstein's story Master Race was a standout among standouts. Brilliant artist.

[@jamalamblie9657]

Your wholesomeness gives me hope for humanity. Thanks for all the great entertainment.

[@antoniodepablo1589]

A great author who deserves all the recognition and a great job on this video, making this great artist very well known. Thank you

[@euansmith3699]

That artwork is gorgeous. I've not heard of Krigstein before, so thank you for sharing. 3:08 Is the main character's hand on back to front; dear me Jack Kirby.

[@MarsHottentot]

He did that more than once 😂!

[@JoeJoe-lq6bd]

I'm reading it as two different hands. I think that the fingers are from his left hand and the thumb is from his right hand. It is awkward looking but the arms line up with how I'm seeing it.

[@stephennewhouse]

Came here for this comment

[@nicklopez2910]

Your channel is incredible man. The diversity in your video catalogue is exactly what I've been looking for. I never followed comic stuff on KZbin cuz they seemed to rehash the same stuff a lot. Glad I found your channel a few months ago. Best if luck in these times.

[@firejaw6459]

As an artist, these spotlights are the real gem episodes. Will be tracking down more Krigstein stuff now.

[@rubbershark3833]

I love your balance of deep dive material with main stream stuff. Plus you dive deep on the main stream stuff, so it's info-cational.

[@megatronmotors221]

The "Crime Suspense Stories" 22 from 1954! What a shocking cover! Can you imagine some kids mom in the 50s seeing that comic in her son's room! Great video!

[@chitamule9040]

Many thanks for introducing me to such an amazing comic book artist. Up until today I had never heard of Krigstein, his work was really ahead of its time.

[@waynechesser2000]

I am 52 and have been reading comic books for pretty much my entire life. Don't think I will ever be able to read them the same again. That was an amazing analysis. Thank you!

[@randy918]

In the last few months, this channel has become important. The quality is always rising, not easy to do, but lately its changed to becoming "need to know"! Thank you for your research and explanations of what you've learned!

[@BernardWidell]

Krigstein was my great uncle and I was named after him. I’ve recently been trying to learn more about him. Loved this video!

[@henryortega9203]

Thank you for showcasing this overlooked talent. Mr. Krigstein taught illustration while I attended A&D. Though I wasn’t in his class, I had a few friends that did and they told me that he would always try to steer away students from the comics medium. It wasn’t until much later on that we found who he was and why he was so down on that industry.

[@hamishfox]

Thank you for this video! All these years I hadn't realised it was this man's influence that was so much of what I love in comics.

[@TonyMajo]

I collected comics from around 1984 to 2004, and read a bunch of different titles, but never knew much about the history of the medium. I really appreciate the analysis and insight you give adding a new dimension to the comics I loved so much, and also showing me things I never knew existed. Great channel. Thank you.

[@dakotacwright]

This might be your best one yet, man. Excellent analysis of a story and an artist that I think a lot of newer/more modern comic fans have missed out on. Thanks for all the wonderful content!

[@andremoreau8390]

I love the more obscure topics. Thanks to you and the quarantine I've started reading comics again.

[@kyleanderson6304]

I studied Krigstein in my sequential art classes at art school. I'm glad you're bringing him more into the modern limelight!

[@jamesduncan6729]

This is easily the BEST video intro across your whole channel, Chris. I absolutely adore your channel, keep up the excellent work, bud. 👍

[@jamesderosa2041]

The "last panel from the flashback" is amazing. It reminds me of Guernica. WOW!

[@jonathancraddock1810]

Cool. Bernard Krigstein is like the filmmaker of comic artists. I hadn't heard of him before now. This is what I love about this channel, there is always something new to learn about comics.

[@jamespatricks5140]

Amazing use of adapted anatomy for drammatic effect here, also he's got some incredible ink work. Thanks for highlighting this guy, can't believe I've never heard of him before

[@anthonyperdue3557]

YES this episode was much appreciated! My opticals had the pleasure of focusing on The Master Race from a reprint book. There is a scene from the 1950s film The Big Lift, dealing with the Berlin airlift of the time, starring Montgomery Clift and Paul Douglas that has the Paul Douglas character confronting the brutal guard of a POW camp that always targeted him. When coming across Master Race I was reminded of that scene. No, you're not begging so trash that thought.

[@jsa141]

This is, hands down, one of your top ten best videos. Thank you. How do I not know this guy?!?

[@lesliedishslayer]

It is this kind of academic style content that i appreciate the most from you... its hard to find the sort of serious analysis of comics that you do- and the reason my boyfriend and i binged all your videos when we found you; the reason why we anxiously await every new video. I will donate. Im stoked this is your full time gig now

[@antdujar]

I've always been a kirby guy, but man, God blessKrigstein. His work visually ages so well! That man helped this medium last forever.

[@robesdebah4811]

You're pretty consistently great, but this is easily one of your best. Big cheers, Mister Tropes

[@poorangus8584]

This was awesome! I love that you’re willing to talk about these incredible artists who haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve.

[@mathewhudson7649]

Thanks for introducing me to Mr. Bernard... That's why this channel is great and I hope it continues to grow.

[@Relfar2]

This is the kinda video I come for more than the others! Another example of how the comic industry at large clashes with the forerunners of what keeps comics fresh and wonderful.

[@cabbagectrl]

Thank you for pointing out this comic book artist. This channel learned me a lot about (mostly) American comics. Good work!

[@buyahhhhrooo4418]

It took me a few days to finally watch this, but honestly, these are my favorite types of episodes. I always clip on the videos of people I don't recognize...let's be honest, I just watch them all. These are the ones that really get to me the most though and it always makes me want to explore more.

[@davidkirby9234]

It's a slow Sunday night. I just ran across a KZbin video from a competitor on "Master Race," and then this video popped up on my KZbin list. I knew about Krigstein's work but, oddly, not about "Master Race." Thanks for the detailed history on his life and work. One bit of his personal history from the competitor's video: Krigstein wanted to be a painter but got into comics because it paid the bills and painting didn't. But the rest of your history of his life was new to me. One of the more important videos you've done. Thanks!

[@carriertone]

I'd love to see you do a video on Mazzuchelli's Asterios Polyp. Or just Mazzuchelli in general.

[@ReaperXC]

LOVE THIS! Never heard of him or the comic. Thank you for videos like these.

[@leeallengrange3538]

I watch every video, regardless of whether I like or know the subject or not. I learn something new in every one, even those where I felt I was already well versed. Keep up the good work, Chris. Glad you and yours are safe, and hope the furlough doesn’t hit too hard.

[@49short]

That image of the people walking by covering their noses and mouths makes me think of that Dead Kennedy’s song where they talk about it. The line is like “there’s a prefab building and a funny smell, around the hills outside of town”

[@brandonmedina4471]

This will be the most viewed episode by me. As an aspiring comic book writer I plan to rewatch it several times along with reading all of Bernard’s comics and their analysis. Between Krigstein and Kurtzman EC were the most innovative comics of all time.

[@jackbyrnesbass]

These are my favorite kinds of episodes. Learning about the art of comics and the artists and writers that influence modern comics is always a great time that makes me excited to go read.

[@residentgrigo4701]

Exceptional analytical work. Well done.

[@casanovafunkenstein5090]

The tone and story telling of this short piece felt surprisingly contemporary for something published that long ago. The influence on Gibbons' art is very clear reading the black freighter segments from Watchmen and the reveal of the subject (not exactly the protagonist) of the piece's former identity reminded me of the part in V For Vandetta with the doll collection.

[@markbarrett8180]

VERY good episode of CT. I’d never heard of Krigstein before. One of your best yet

[@mattjohns-mv8cl]

Thanks for opening my eyes to B.Krigstein’s work, Chris. I am very interested in comics history and also passionate about the abilities and potential of comic book art (the train strobe effect is amazing!) so I am looking forward to diving deeper into ‘BB’s work. Thanks again, stay safe and well.

[@jonathanwalker4937]

I think it's fitting that his most influential story appeared in a comic titled Impact.

[@lclsmoothie]

Please keep making videos like these! I love hearing you talk about creators/artists and their influence and impact. I feel like Im learning so much more about the median of comics. Looking forward to more topics like these!

[@68arclight]

Thanks so much for your analysis. I hadn't heard of Bernard Krigstein previously. This was an absolutely fascinating and entertaining introduction to his work for me. Your channel is a must view for comic book lovers like me.

[@rodrigocastillo4253]

Chris, this video is... a true masterwork on itself. Thank you for reminding us of this crucial moment in comics history!!

[@zachweaver3006]

I bought the fantagraphics collection of krigstein’s ec work and let me just say it is absolutely astonishingly good and I have Chris to thank for turning me on to it.

[@NounOzlos]

Very interesting! Had never heard of Krigstein, but now I'll never forget that layout! Beautiful stuff.

[@gino8381]

You are my favorite comic book channel !

[@johnb.1020]

Love your idea! Bernie Krigstein was a tremendous drawer and storyteller and Marie Severin also did an excellent job coloring his comics.

[@jmena6157]

I attended Art & Design 1994 and never heard of him, Thank you for this amazing video highlighting this amazing artist

[@sassysteveartist]

So good to see your take on one of the finest, most nuanced graphic storytellers of all time. Keep up the great work!

[@Windwalker88]

This gave me goosebumps, amazing job. Never heard of this before, thank you for making me aware of it

[@boonsandrider]

Great video. It’s always helpful as an artist to see how the influential masters used the medium, to give us insight into our own work.

[@MrFaceNumeroUno]

Great ep Chris! Interesting topic I knew nothing about until now so thank you for that! It's especially interesting to me because the subject matter hits close to home. My grandparents spent 4 years as POWs in Manila during WW2 and my mom's 2 oldest sisters were actually born there.

[@davidmendez5933]

Thank you for introducing me to an amazing artist and storyteller

[@Seestaar]

Awesome! Great vid, as always, and thanks for the shout-out!

[@GOTAisMe]

Wow! Chris, this was amazing. I knew the name Bernard Krigstein but I didn't really know Bernard Krigstein until this episode. Thank you so much for the education. I've been reading comics since the mid 70s and it's always special when I can see something that I haven't seen before. You do great work and the topics you come up with are inspiring. Keep it up!

[@discoviolenza1984]

Great work man. Really enjoyed this. I always feel like I'm learning something from your episodes.

[@nilus2k]

I realize that I am not the "mainstream public" but I love this sorta thing. I can see a million other KZbin channels talking about Batman. Keep doing these cool deep dives

[@erikdaniels6006]

Your videos are always so well done and intriguing. Also, your intro song gives me life