The "Most Kirby" Jack Kirby Pages in Marvel History
Celebrate the King's birthday with a look at some agelessly awe-inspiring art!
Jack Kirby, one of the most fundamentally impactful artists and writers in comic book history, was born on this day, August 28, 103 years ago. His work, spanning six decades, earned him an eternal nickname: the King.
How essential is Kirby to Marvel? Simply put: there would be no Marvel Universe as we know it without his artistic talent and boundless imagination. The King created or co-created Captain America, the Hulk, Iron Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Thor, the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, Silver Surfer, the Inhumans, Black Panther, the Eternals, and so many more. Kirby’s command of the comics medium was unmatched, and his pages still take our breath away.
To celebrate Kirby’s indelible comic book legacy on his birthday, Marvel.com is sharing a few of our favorite signature Kirby pages from his incredible body of work.
Avengers (1963) #4, page 7
While this is a flashback page that serves as a recap, it carries a tremendous amount of emotion. This is the story of how Captain America lost Bucky in their final battle of World War II. It was a character moment that haunted Cap for decades, and it was brilliantly illustrated by the King.
Fantastic Four (1961) #49, page 16
Kirby’s run on FANTASTIC FOUR with Stan Lee was filled with dazzling visuals and unforgettable characters. But the first Galactus and Silver Surfer story is still the gold standard. In the middle chapter, the Watcher sent the Human Torch on a journey to Galactus’ ship in order to turn the tide against the Devourer of Worlds. And it was a mind-bending trip.
Fantastic Four (1961) #51, page 1
Lee and Kirby got a lot of mileage out of the Thing’s pathos and his quest to be free of his rock-like body. “This Man...This Monster” opened with a stunning splash page image of the Thing in the rain which perfectly embodied his eternal despair. It’s a beautiful page, and one of the most dramatic images of the Thing from Kirby’s run.
Thor (1966) #161, page 11
During Kirby’s run on THOR (1966), he revealed the origin of Galactus and introduced Ego the Living Planet. In issue #161, Kirby set the two cosmic powers against each other. Which hero could possibly be brave or crazy enough to leap into a battle between Galactus and Ego?
Why, the Mighty Thor, of course. This heroic splash perfectly captures the Odinson’s bravery and spirit. There’s no way that Thor would sit out of this fight—and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
The Eternals (1976) #3, pages 2-3
Within THE ETERNALS (1976), Kirby introduced the cosmic entities known as the Celestials. To further illustrate their power and stature, the Celestials tower above immortal Eternals like Ajak and Ikaris. This particular Celestial was Arishem, leader of the Fourth Host; his arrival on Earth heralded the hour of humanity's trial and judgment.
Black Panther (1977) #1, pages 2-3
Kirby didn’t waste any time setting up the intrigue in his solo run on BLACK PANTHER (1977). With the opening pages, T’Challa and Mr. Little discover a murder while a dangerous threat lurks outside of their view...but not ours!
Devil Dinosaur (1978) #4, pages 2-3
The fourth issue of Kirby’s DEVIL DINOSAUR (1978) opens with Moon-Boy experiencing a disturbingly prophetic dream about an impending threat to the Valley. It’s a nightmarish visual, as an enormous creature seemingly appears in the sky.
Peruse these eye-poppin' publications with Marvel Unlimited right now! Pax et Justitia!
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