Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics

  

 Stan Lee had his chance to speak his version of the origins of Marvel Comics many times; most recently in 2015's Amazing, Fantastic, Incredible graphic novel. Sadly, The King, Jack Kirby never had a chance to give his first person account of the founding of the House of Ideas in sequential art form; passing away suddenly in 1994. That is, until now!

Culling from decades of journals, interviews and first person accounts, Go Bots' Joe Scioli grants Jack Kirby the chance to tell his side of the story. It all influences Marvel Comics and DC's Fourth World! From his rough and tumble days in the Brooklyn ghetto (The FF's Ben Grimm) to his bloody tour of duty in the European theater of World War II (Sgt Fury and his Howling Commandos) to his epic romance with wife Roz (Big Barda) and of course, his love/hate relationship with Stan Lee (Flunky Flashman), if you always wanted to learn the full story of Jack Kirby- now is your chance!

This graphic novel will definitely sour your opinion of Stan Lee. Marvel's most famous employee was an opportunist. Lee's love of comics and most importantly, it's fans, cannot be disputed. But I think it's arguable to say that popularity went to Stan's head. Unfortunately, the influence Jack Kirby had on the Marvel Universe was railroaded by the Stan Lee popularity train.

Kirby says it best when he tells readers that he 'saved Marvel's ass!' There is absolutely zero doubt in that. Marvel, then Timely, was just about to shut up shop. As Jack Kirby entered the office, the furniture was being repossessed. Loyal secretary turned editor, Flo Steinberg, has gone on record to admit that's true! If not for Jack Kirby, your favorite Marvel characters may never have seen the light of day. Or maybe they would have, but they would have been property of DC Comics or Charlton or even Archie...

The majority of this book is about Marvel. But the third act is deep in  Jack's days at DC Comics; which as epic as they were, they didn't turn out as promising as the King had hoped. As it got harder for Kirby to hold a pencil, he went into animation. I had no idea he was behind some of my favorite 80s Saturday morning cartoons like Thundarr, Turboteen and Mister T!

I loved this biography by Tom Scioli, even if I did get him confused with Ed Piskor. The art was great. The book was full of great stories and facts. I might be on the fence with my former love of Stan Lee. But my love for Kirby is unwavering.  If anything, this book has given me a desire to finally bite the bullet and complete my Sgt. Fury collection. 

The King may never have gotten his just due when he was alive. I'll admit, I never gave the New Gods the respect they deserved until I was in my 20s. But, in the past 20 years, Kirby has been cemented as a member of the Mount Rushmore of Comics. Thanks to books like this, Jack Kirby might finally be placed on his undisputed throne as the one true King of Comics!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.