Bonus Content
Kirby: King of Comics
“Jack Kirby didn’t invent the comic book. It just seems that way..” And to thousands—maybe millions—of comic book fans world-wide, Jack Kirby is an icon of (dare we say it?) almost superhero status. Born Jacob Kurtzberg in Manhattan's Lower East Side, Kirby created or co-created some of the genre's most popular characters (see sidebar). But his greatest legacy may be his groundbreaking concept of comic layout and design. From DC Comics to Marvel, Kirby honed his innovative skills on developing the action-packed comic book we see today. With 200 color and black-and-white illustrations, Kirby: King of Comics illuminates the brilliant six-decade career of this inimitable creator—an authorized celebration by one who knew him well.
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams Inc. ( December 01, 2007 )
Item #: 75-6137
ISBN: 081099447X
Product Dimensions: 9.0 x 12.25 x 0.0 inches
Product Weight: 48.0 ounces
About time the King was Honored!
September 25, 2008
An absolutely great book! Jack Kirby was Marvel. Stan Lee might take more credit (and he stabbed Jack in the back quite a few times) but without Jack and later Steve Ditko, there wouldn't be a marvel. The man was an artistic genius and this book is certainly worth reading for all his fans and those who want to know more.
Reviewer: Rob M
KING KIRBY REMEMBERED
June 02, 2008
In the late 1960's,I remember seeing an ad on the back of a comic for The Famous Artists
School.Well,I sent off for the sketchbook that would have these "artists" evaluate my talent prior to enrollment in their school.One of their questions was to list my favorite artists.Well,I listed Rockwell,Michaelangelo,Van Gogh and.... Kirby.A few weeks later,I got a phone call from one of the instructors and we talked for a little while.Turns out ,my family didn't have the money to enroll me.
While I was talking to the man,he wanted to know who Jack Kirby was!!!
I must have been
12 or 13 at the time,but after I
explained that Kirby was the King of Comics,the instructor made the comment that he wasn't a "real" artist.I told the guy he was WRONG!!!Jack Kirby WAS an "artist" in every sense of the word.Mr Kirby influenced countless artists and his work will always have a signature style.This book is not the definative essay on his work,but it will do for now.Thanks,Mark!!!
Reviewer: Rick R
Much more than a penciler...
May 16, 2008
Flipping through this book it's very clear how much Kirby meant to the visual style of Marvel Comics. The splash pages, innovative page layouts and costume design of the Marvel Pantheon owes itself, in great measure, to the genius of Kirby.
If you're on this page reading this review you probably already know that.
What you may not know, is what Kirby added in to the comic epics he illustrated. He was SOOOO much more than a "penciller." His sense of imagination and storytelling completely blurred the definitions of "writer & artist." With that fact in mind, I'll leave it to the readers of Mark Evanier's prose to decide whether or not he was rewarded properly for his co-creations.
Buy the book and don't just look at the pictures. The story behind the art is as fascinating as the art itself.
Reviewer: Mark E
Kirby Was The King
April 17, 2008
Kirby had a hand in the creation of many of Marvel's greatest comic characters. His and Stan Lee's run on the Fantastic Four is widely considered the most inventive in the history of the genre. Many of the writers and artists in comics today trace their love of the artform to Kirby.
Reviewer: Timothy G
Marvel/DC Does It Again!!
March 24, 2008
The Right Book for the Right Time!!!
With all the movies and animated features coming out, a great tribute to one of their creators!! nuff said!!!
Reviewer: Larry D
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