Original and rare works of art by Jack Kirby, widely known as the“King of Comics,” is coming to Tucker Oct. 4 for a one-day exhibition.
Chris Brennaman, owner of comic book and gaming shop Infinite Realities at 5007 Lavista Road in Tucker, will host the free event featuring rare works by the artist who is regarded as one the most important creators of comic book art.
“Jack Kirby’s influence on comic books cannot be overstated,” an Infinite Realities press release said. “Widely regarded as the most important creator in the history of the art form, Kirby co-created some of the most iconic characters and concepts in pop culture, including ‘Captain America,’ ‘The Avengers,’ ‘The Fantastic Four,’ ‘The X-Men’ and ‘Thor.’”
Kirby, who died in 1994 at the age of 76, learned to draw cartoon figures by tracing characters from comic strips and editorial cartoons. He worked for a variety of publications, including Marvel, where he achieved massive commercial success. He was referred to by many as the “William Blake” of the comic art world.
In 1987, he was one of the three inaugural inductees of the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame. In 2017, Kirby was posthumously named a Disney Legend for his contributions in the field of publishing, and because those creations formed the basis for the Walt Disney successful media franchise, the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Disney Legend’s tribute to Kirby contained this little-known fact: “Jack went on to design work in Hollywood, including artwork for a science-fiction film that was never made, yet helped the CIA sell a plot to rescue embassy workers trapped in Khomeini’s Iran, as depicted in the film ‘Argo.’”
According to Brennaman, the exhibit, which will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., will provide fans an unprecedented look into the creative process behind some of the most beloved comic book characters and stories.
“Without Jack Kirby, modern comics simply wouldn’t exist as we know them,” Brennaman said. “His creativity and passion built the framework for the superhero genre, and we are honored to showcase his original art in this exclusive gallery.”
