The Comics Journal Library, Vol. 1: Jack Kirby

The Comics Journal Library #1

by Gary Groth

As the creative vision behind Marvel Comics in the '60s, the late Jack Kirby (with writer Stan Lee) rejuvenated superheroes with such characters as the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, Thor, and the X-Men. This book presents a comprehensive look at Kirby through a series of in-depth interviews from "The Comics Journal." Illustrations in b&w and color.

Genres: Comics, Art, Nonfiction, History

132 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2002

Reviews

[David Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A more comprehensive take on the art and career of Jack Kirby is probably possible, and while the material is remarkably nuanced and informative, its bias on the Kirby vs Marvel confrontation of the 1980s is hard to miss. Of course, it's even harder to be upset about "bias" in the technical sense when the biased are essentially correct. And even if it isn't the most comprehensive possible overview, it only takes a small sampling of the King's best work to give the whole book an incredible visual impact—and the sampling is by no means small.

This collection requires sober thought to appreciate properly, but through his interviews as well as his art, Jack Kirby invests every page with the wonderful force of his personality. I had a blast reading it, and I think anybody interested in the popular arts would have one as well.

[doowopapocalypse · Rating 3 out of 5]

The interviews are good, nothing too in depth. The material about Kirby's case against Marvel is better, the best essay is a look at the stakes, for lack of a better word, of the conflict in the Fourth World canon and how Kirby's world view shaped it, and how it differed from stories he lays claim to from Marvel.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much new to me but some of the interviews with Jack and Roz Kirby are extra heartbreaking.