August 28th of this year would have been Jack Kirby’s 95th birthday. The influential and celebrated “King of Comics” is the creator & co-creator of some of the greatest comic characters in history and since his death in 1994, the legendary artist’s work is probably better known now, thanks to movies like The Avengers, than when he was knocking out 8 to 10 pages a day of stories about the Fantastic Four, Thor, the Hulk, Captain America and Iron Man.
So how can you help to celebrate Jack Kirby’s birthday and legacy? I’m glad you asked! In honor of Kirby’s contributions to the comic-book art form and industry, on Aug. 28 the third annual “Read a Comic in Public Day” event will take place across the country.
So take a comic to work, take one on the bus, go to the library or mall and whip out a spectacular sample of stunning sequential-art and show the world that comics are alive and well! Let the gawkers know what they are missing out on, or bring a couple of extra books to share with someone and show them how cool comics can be. And be sure to come back to Nerdvana and post a picture of you reading your comic in a public place.
Another way you can help to celebrate Kirby’s birthday is to get onboard with Jack Kirby’s granddaughter Jillian Kirby who is kicking off her “Kirby4Heroes” campaign to raise money for the Hero Initiative, which helps comic creators with medical or financial problems. You can see her Kirby4Heroes promo video below.
Learn more about Jack Kirby and check out some of his incredible art at the online Jack Kirby Museum & Research Center.
