Jacob Kurtzberg (Parents: Benjamin and Rose Kurtzberg; Spouse: Rosalind “Roz” Goldstein)
Jack Kirby (1917–1994), widely known as “The King of Comics,” was one of the most prolific and influential creators in the history of the comic book medium. Born Jacob Kurtzberg in the tenements of New York’s Lower East Side to Austrian-Jewish immigrants, he used comics as an escape from a rough upbringing.
Kirby began his career in the 1930s, working under various pseudonyms before settling on Jack Kirby. In 1941, along with partner Joe Simon, he created Captain America for Timely Comics (the predecessor to Marvel). The character was an instant cultural phenomenon, particularly for its cover depicting the hero punching Adolf Hitler. After serving in World War II, Kirby and Simon invented the romance comic genre in the late 1940s and worked successfully in crime, horror, and western comics.
In the 1960s, Kirby returned to Marvel and partnered with writer/editor Stan Lee. This collaboration birthed the Marvel Universe. In a remarkably short period, Kirby co-created The Fantastic Four, The Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, The X-Men, The Avengers, Black Panther, and the Silver Surfer. His art style defined the “Marvel House Style”: explosive action, exaggerated perspective, blocky musculature, and the famous “Kirby Crackle” (dots of black ink used to represent crackling energy).
In 1970, Kirby moved to rival publisher DC Comics, where he wrote and drew his magnum opus, the Fourth World Saga (The New Gods, Mister Miracle, The Forever People), introducing the villain Darkseid. He later returned to Marvel to create The Eternals before moving into animation and independent comics in his later years.
Kirby was also a fierce advocate for creators’ rights, fighting for the return of his original artwork and recognition of his authorship, a battle that paved the way for modern creator-owned comics.
Active in others filds : Animation Design (Ruby-Spears, Thundarr the Barbarian), Concept Art (notably for the Lord of Light project, which was used in the Argo operation).
