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From The Archives: Jack Kirby's 100th

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by Andrea Purcell

Jack Kirby was one of the most important and influential artists in comics history. He co-created most of the Marvel Universe, including Captain America, The Fantastic Four, The X-Men, The Incredible Hulk, Ant-Man, Iron Man, The Silver Surfer, and so many others — as writer, artist, innovator, his legacy is unparalleled.

The king of comics is celebrating his centennial this year, and PREVIEWSWorld is taking a look back at five essential Jack Kirby creations that highlight the amazing and varied career that helped to shape and change the medium of comics forever.


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Young Romance: The Best of Simon and Kirby's Comics Volume 1

Fans of Kirby’s superhero stories may not know that, along with Joe Simon, he helped to create a whole new genre of comics in the late 1940s. Fantagraphics Books has collected this early work of two of comics biggest forefathers in Young Romance: The Best of Simon and Kirby’s Comics Volume 1 (OCT111099). An intriguing glimpse into the work of a young genius, Kirby and Simon created the romance genre as superhero books were falling out of vogue. Exciting, innovative, and beautifully drawn these early romance comics show a softer side of Kirby and show off the craftsmanship that became his trademark later in his career.

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Jack Kirby's OMAC: The One Man Army Corps 

Jack Kirby was a master of science fiction and nowhere is that more evident than in his creation of OMAC, The One Man Army Corps (MAY130232). Inspired by an idea Kirby had toyed with of a future Captain America, this DC Comics creation made a big impact in only eight issues. Created near the end of his contract with DC Comics, OMAC is a classic Kirby story as it melded together sci-fi and action to tell the story of Buddy Blank, a scientist who uses the power of Brother Eye to become a super being. Sadly canceled by DC Comics before the last storyline could be completed, the character of OMAC has been used by other creators such as Jim Starlin and Paul Dini who were inspired to continue the story that Kirby created.  

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Jack Kirby Mighty Thor Artist Edition

The Silver Age of Marvel Comics may be Jack Kirby’s most lasting impact on the medium of comics, working side-by-side with Stan Lee to help create the iconic characters of the Fantastic Four, Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, the X-Men, the Avengers, and more. Now in an artist edition from IDW Publishing, some of Kirby’s key early Marvel work is revealed in the Jack Kirby Mighty Thor Artist Edition (JAN160388). Featuring complete stories from Journey into Mystery #111, #117, and #118 plus a gorgeous gallery showcasing even more artwork this artist edition showcases a creator in his prime. 

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Devil Dinosaur by Jack Kirby Complete Collection

One of Kirby’s later creations for Marvel Comics is looming large again as Devil Dinosaur is making a comeback, and now fans can relive the short-lived but beloved origin series for this fearsome beast in the Devil Dinosaur by Jack Kirby Complete Collection (MAR140782). While this 1978 series only lasted for nine issues, the cult of fans who have sprung up around the stories of Moon Boy and Devil Dinosaur are testament to the genius of Kirby. Created as an answer to his DC Comics series Kamandi, Devil Dinosaur is a prehistoric romp featuring strange ape-men, mutated dinosaurs, and more.

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Jack Kirby Kamandi Artist Edition

When DC Comics wanted to create a series to mimic the newly released Planet of the Apes film, they relied on just one man – Jack Kirby. Originally released in October of 1972, Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth was Kirby’s sci-fi opus to post-apocalyptic fiction as the young Kamandi explores a world taken over by mutated humanoid animals. Fans of Kirby’s one of a kind art will gain a better appreciation of his astounding work in the Jack Kirby Kamandi Artist Edition (FEB150411). Collecting six of the earliest issues of Kamandi, along with covers and extras, this is a treat for any fan of sequential art.  

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