Jack Kirby, born on August 28, 1917, in New York City, NY, was a comic book artist, writer, and editor. He is best known for co-creating the superhero Captain America in 1940 with Joe Simon. Kirby's career in comics began at a young age, as he was drawing for a local newspaper by the time he was 17. He briefly attended the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn before serving in World War II, where he honed his artistic skills in the army.
After returning from the war, Kirby dove headfirst into the world of comic books, working for virtually every publisher in town, including DC, Harvey Comics, Crestwood Publications, and Hillman Periodicals. It was during his time at Timely Comics (which later became Marvel) that Kirby and Simon created Captain America, a character that would become a household name and a symbol of American heroism.
Throughout the 1960s, Kirby continued to solidify his legacy in the comic book world, particularly during his time at Marvel Comics. Alongside Stan Lee, Kirby co-created some of Marvel's most iconic characters, including the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and the Hulk. His dynamic art style and innovative storytelling techniques set him apart from his peers and established him as a true visionary in the industry.
One of Kirby's most significant contributions to Marvel was his work on the Fourth World saga at DC Comics in 1970. This ambitious storyline introduced a whole new pantheon of characters, including the New Gods, that would forever change the landscape of comic book storytelling. Kirby's imagination knew no bounds, and his creations continue to inspire artists and writers to this day.
Despite his larger-than-life career, Kirby remained a devoted family man. In 1942, he married Roz Goldstein, and together they had four children: Susan, Neal, Barbara, and Lisa. Kirby's success in the comic book industry allowed him to provide for his family and give them a comfortable life.
Jack Kirby's influence on the comic book industry cannot be overstated. His groundbreaking work paved the way for future generations of artists and writers, revolutionizing the way stories were told in the medium. Kirby's legacy lives on in the countless characters and worlds he created, as well as in the hearts of fans who continue to celebrate his contributions.