Holy Toledo, Batman ... it's 'American Comic's Creators' Exhibit in Long Branch celebrates comics as an American art form "Dondi War Orphan" by Irwin Hansen An exhibit celebrating the artistic contributions of the creators of comic books and comic strips has opened at the Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts in Long Branch. "American Comic's Creators" will run through Dec. 23 at SICA, 20 Third Ave., Long Branch. Curators of the exhibit are renowned comic art teacher Ian Dorian and James Santangelo. The public is invited to an opening reception to be held Dec. 3 from 3-6 p.m. Many of the exhibiting artists will be present. The artists whose work is included in the exhibit write and create comics, fantasy, sci-fi and horror stories, and their work ranges from Popeye to Captain America to King Kong. In a statement on the exhibit, the curators explain: "American Comic's Creators" take a look at the inventive and expressive world of comic book creators, their process and their varying socio/political messages. Since their inception they have inspired the imagination of people the world over. During the latter part of the 20th century many prestigious literary and artistic awards have been bestowed upon comic creators. As a result, the 'art world' has finally caught up with and recognized this great American art form." Marvel Comics' "Thor" by Jack Kirby Artists represented in "American Comic's Creators" include: Neal Adams, Mark Bagley, June Brigman, Sal Buscema, John Byrne, R. Crumb, Joe DeVito, Paul Dini, Steve Ditko, Hy Eisman, Will Eisner, Frank Frazetta, Sam Glanzman and Jackson Guice. Also, Irwin Hasen, Bob Kane, Gil Kane, Bill Keane, Jack Kirby, Joe Kubert, Bob McLeod, Frank Miller, Rags Morales, Emmanuel "Mac" Raboy, John Romita Sr., Alex Ross, Fernando Ruiz, Alex Schomburg, Joe Shuster, and Walt Simonson, Charles Vess, John Watson, Al Williamson, Wally Wood and Bernie Wrightson. Gallery hours are 1-5 p.m. Wednes-day and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. DH Press' "Kong: King of Skull Island" by Joe DeVito SICA is a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to increase the public's accessibility, awareness and appreciation of the contemporary arts in central New Jersey. For more information on SICA, visit www.sica.org.