The Passing of Jack Kirby.

JimInks · Feb 6, 2014

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the death of my old friend and hero, comics' greatest writer/artist/creator, Jack "King" Kirby. Without Jack, there is no Captain America, no Iron Man, no Thor, no X-Men, no Spider-Man, no Hulk, no Avengers, no Marvel Universe. He created or co-created more million dollar properties than anybody else in the business, and despite what Stan Lee claims, is the major creator of the Marvel characters. He was a rather humble guy considering his achievements, and kind to everybody. He may not have gotten the proper credit for what he did, or the money he was entitled to, but he's remembered by everybody who saw his work and by everybody who ever met him. I'm dedicating all my smokes to Jack today, who occasionally smoked a pipe, btw. RIP, Jack.

herbinedave · Feb 6, 2014

RIP King Kirby. Did you ever work with him Jim?

JimInks · Feb 6, 2014

herbinedave":4irgxm2r said:
RIP King Kirby. Did you ever work with him Jim?

I inked a couple of covers Kirby had drawn, but that was after the fact. I knew Jack for 15 years, and he and his wife Roz were good friends. I was even a house guest, which they seldom allowed to non-blood relatives. Great people, and I dearly miss them both. I doubt a day ever passes that I don't think about Jack for one reason or another.

JimInks · Feb 6, 2014

Here's my old friend Will Eisner telling a funny Jack Kirby story. Seems like only yesterday that these great men were alive and creating the work of the Gods.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmykiOdHzH0

herbinedave · Feb 6, 2014

Jim, thanks for the little snippets into Jack Kirby's genius. At one time in my life I was totally into comics. That is in the past, but it is a time I cherish. We would all like the simpler times in our lives back.

JimInks · Feb 7, 2014

herbinedave":juqmonwk said:
Jim, thanks for the little snippets into Jack Kirby's genius. At one time in my life I was totally into comics. That is in the past, but it is a time I cherish. We would all like the simpler times in our lives back.

I agree! I posted this story in another forum, and thought you folks might like to read it: I was a house guest of the Kirbys' for a few days after the 1991 San Diego Con. My wife knew Jack loved chocolate cake, so she made a small one (sans icing, but it was still very tasty), and mailed it so it arrived the day after we got to the house. Jack was thrilled about it, but Roz said, "You can only eat a little bit, Jack. Remember you're on a diet!" When Roz wasn't looking, I gave Kirby an extra piece of cake. He ate it real fast and asked,"Are their any crumbs on my shirt?" "No, Jack. I think we got away with it." And we did!