I have a few comic book artists that I really look up too, guys that have the ability to create some fantastic scenes and iconic characters. If I had to make a list of them, at the top would be Jack Kirby.
Called “The King”, Kirby created (and co-created) some of the most well known characters in comics. The Fantastic Four, Ironman, Thor, The Hulk, The X-Men all grew and thrived from Kirby’s mind.
Jack Kirby ushered in a whole new era at Marvel when he teamed up with Stan Lee in the 60’s. Together they started a wave that is still going to this day. p
Artist Gil Kane, speaking at a forum on July 6, 1985, at the Dallas Fantasy Fair described when Kirby rejoined Marvel:
“Jack was the single most influential figure in the turnaround in Marvel’s fortunes from the time he rejoined the company … It wasn’t merely that Jack conceived most of the characters that are being done, but … Jack’s point of view and philosophy of drawing became the governing philosophy of the entire publishing company and, beyond the publishing company, of the entire field”
Kirby’s unique style for drawing bold, powerful figures and fantastic vistas help spark the imaginations of the next generation of comic artists. Jack Kirby passed away in 1994, but his legacy lives on to this day. We all owe Jack a huge thanks for giving us some of the greatest comics the world has ever seen.
