Comics
Published March 4, 2021

From Captain America to the Eternals: Jack Kirby Essential Issues to Celebrate the King

It's Cap's 80th anniversary, so we're celebrating his creator, Jack "The King" Kirby!

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the creation of one of Marvel's most celebrated and iconic heroes, Steve Rogers AKA Captain America! But he would have never taken that Super Soldier Serum, never would have punched Hitler, and would never go on to have eight decades of sensational stories on the page and screen if it wasn't for Jack Kirby!

Jack Kirby was responsible for the creation and co-creation of so much of Marvel's Universe of characters, so it's a great time to celebrate the King by reading a few of his essential stories. Kirby classics are too numerous to count, but here are three issues you can read -- handpicked by Marvel's own Lorraine Cink -- on Marvel Unlimited today!

CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS (1941) #1

Written and penciled by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon

Captain America Comics #1

QUINTESSENTIAL CAP!

What better way to introduce a hero clad in the American flag during World War II than by showing him decking Hitler? Simple and effective, we have Joe Simon and Jack Kirby to thank for this one. Read this on Marvel Unlimited today!

FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #51

Written by Stan Lee, penciled by Jack Kirby

Fantastic Four #51

"This man...this monster!"

You can't call yourself a fan of Ben Grimm, the ever-lovin' blue-eyed Thing, if you haven't read this issue. Decades later and it's still one of the greatest Thing stories ever created. Read this classic on Marvel Unlimited today!

ETERNALS (1976) #2

Written and penciled by Jack Kirby

Eternals #2

The Coming of... THE CELESTIALS!

Is Kro strong enough to take on the mysterious visitors within the massive space ship hovering above the City of the Space Gods?! Meanwhile, Ikaris must awaken a fellow Eternal to welcome a special guest... Read it today on Marvel Unlimited!

Not enough Kirby conversation? Tune in to the latest episode of This Week in Marvel, featuring an interview with author Tom Scioli about his book, Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics. You can download the full audio below:

What's your favorite Kirby creation? Tell us on our social channels! Find Marvel on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram—and keep watching Marvel.com for more news!

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