5.11.23

Kraven the Hunter

 


Kraven the Hunter, whose real name is Sergei Kravinoff, is an American comic book character published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee (lyrics) and Steve Ditko (art), his first appearance dates back to Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1 no. 15 in August 1964. He debuted as Spider-Man's opponent, but came into conflict with other heroes, such as Black Panther and Tigra. He is the half-brother of the Chameleon and one of the founding members of the Sinister Six.

28.10.23

The High Evolutionary


The High Evolutionary, whose real name is Herbert Edgar Wyndham, is an American comic book character, created by Stan Lee (texts) and Jack Kirby (drawings), published by Marvel Comics. His first appearance occurs in The Mighty Thor (vol. 1) n. 134 (November 1966).
 

14.10.23

Kang the Conqueror


Kang the Conqueror (Nathaniel Richards) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Avengers #8 (September 1964).Kang the Conqueror is most frequently depicted as an opponent of the Avengers and the Fantastic Four. A time-traveler and descendant of the scientist of the same name, several alternate versions of Kang have appeared throughout Marvel Comics titles over the years, including his respective future and past heroic selves, such as Pharaoh Rama-Tut, Immortus, the Scarlet Centurion, Victor Timely, Iron Lad and Mister Gryphon. Other characters to assume the title of "Kang" include Kang's sons Marcus and Ahura Boltagon, and Ravonna, as well as alternate versions of Sue Storm and Kamala Khan.


 

2.10.23

Loky


Loki is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Venus (August 1949), although the characterization that has persisted to the modern day debuted in Journey into Mystery (October 1962).The character, which is based on the Norse deity of the same name, is the Asgardian "God of Mischief," the adopted son of Odin and the adopted brother of the superhero Thor. Loki has been portrayed as both a supervillain and antihero.

 

21.9.23

Machine Man

Machine Man originally appeared in the pages of 2001: A Space Odyssey #8 (July 1977), which was written and drawn by Jack Kirby, where he was called Mister Machine.[3] He went on to appear in his own self-titled series in 1978.

This title featured Machine Man entering the mainstream Marvel Universe. Jack Kirby wrote and drew the first nine issues, which dealt with the title character's status as a fugitive from the military after the death of his creator, and his first interactions with mankind. The book was canceled at the end of 1978 with X-51 finally standing up to the military. Machine Man appeared next in a three issue story arc within the pages of The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #235–237. The robot found himself battling the green giant within the suburban setting of his human friend, Dr. Peter Spaulding. By the end of the storyline, he incurred a complete system shutdown, leading to the events portrayed in his relaunched monthly series. The title was relaunched in issue #10 after a nine-month hiatus. Status quo in the book changed with Machine Man now living amongst humanity, and dealing with his own new-found emotions. Marv Wolfman came aboard as the new writer, partnered with artist Steve Ditko, which helped set a different tone from Kirby's previous stories. Issue #15 saw a new writer, Tom DeFalco, taking over the writing chores. The title lasted until issue #19, ending in Feb. 1980.


 

17.9.23

Darkseid


Darkseid is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby to serve as the primary antagonist of his "Fourth World" metaseries, and was first seen briefly in a series of cameos that started in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 in December 1970 before being seen in a full story in the debut issue of Forever People in February 1971.


 

13.9.23

Kamandi and Tuftan


DC Comics editor-in-chief Carmine Infantino had sought to acquire the rights to publish the comic based on the hit film Planet of the Apes. Having failed in the enterprise, he asked Jack Kirby to design a series of similar setting. Kirby had not seen the film but knew the plot broadly, and had also already created a similar story, The Last Enemy!, published in 1957 by Harvey Comics in Alarming Tales n. 1, even earlier than the original novel La Planète des singes by Pierre Boulle. He had also drawn an unused strip from 1956 called Kamandi of the Caves. Kirby brought all these elements together to create Kamandi.

 

11.9.23

11 Settembre


Uatu, often simply called the Watcher, is a comic book character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1966, published by Marvel Comics. His first appearance occurs in The Fantastic Four (first series) n. 13. Uatu is a member of the Watchers, a highly advanced extraterrestrial humanoid species.


 

6.9.23

X-Men


The Genesis of the X-Men according to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

In the annals of comics, few collaborations have proven as iconic and influential as that between Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Together, these two creative geniuses created one of the most beloved and popular superhero teams of all time: the X-Men.

The genesis of the X-Men was a fascinating process involving the ingenuity and brilliance of Lee and Kirby. Both contributed significantly to the creation of the mutant group, with Lee shaping the plot and characters, while Kirby shaped their incredible abilities and the world around them.

On several occasions, Stan Lee has shared his vision and enthusiasm for the genesis of the X-Men, both in interviews and in his writings. Below, we will report some of his most famous phrases that talk about the creative process and collaboration with Jack Kirby.

"With X-Men, we wanted to create a group of superheroes unlike any other. We wanted something fresh and innovative that spoke to young people."
With this phrase from Lee, we can understand the intent to create a group of characters that distanced themselves from the typical stereotypes of superheroes of the time. The desire to give voice to young people is a fundamental component of the genesis of the X-Men.

"Jack was instrumental in bringing the X-Men's powers and unique appearance to life. He created individuals with exceptional abilities, while simultaneously marginalizing them from society."
Kirby was the primary architect in developing the X-Men's extraordinary abilities. His illustrations gave an iconic aspect to the characters, conveying a sense of "superhuman" which is reflected in their social marginalization, a central theme of the series.

"The X-Men represent a powerful metaphor: the acceptance of differences and the fight for equality. They are the legacy of a world that often fears what is different."
Lee explains here that the X-Men are much more than just a group of superheroes. They are a powerful metaphor for social struggles and marginalization, representing a message of inclusion and equality.

"When Jack and I created the first X-Men, we knew we had created something special. We never imagined the incredible journey they would embark on and how beloved they would become by fans around the world."
With this phrase, Lee expresses the awareness of having created something unique and special with Jack Kirby. They probably couldn't have predicted the impact and enthusiasm that the X-Men would generate over the years, breaking through comic book barriers and adapting into multiple media.

The genesis of the X-Men, born from the minds of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, has proven to be much more than just a comic book creation. In addition to paying homage to the power of imagination and the ability to create entire worlds, it conveyed values of inclusion, acceptance of differences and the fight for equality.

The legacy of this legendary creative duo continues to be celebrated in the world of comics and beyond, as the X-Men remain an icon of hope and strength for many fans around the world.

31.8.23

The Last Boy on Earth

 


Kamandi is a fictional comic book character created by artist Jack Kirby and published by DC Comics. The bulk of Kamandi's appearances occurred in the comic series Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth, which ran from 1972 to 1978.

Kamandi is a young hero in a post-apocalyptic future. After a huge event called "The Great Disaster", humans have been reduced back to savagery in a world ruled by intelligent, highly evolved animals.


28.8.23

Jack Kirby's Birthday



The Incredible Imagination of Jack Kirby and Its Impact on the American Comics Industry

Introduction:

In the universe of comics, few names have left such an indelible mark as that of Jack Kirby. Known for his extraordinary imagination, Kirby is considered one of the greatest visionaries in the field of graphic storytelling. Throughout his career, he has helped transform the American comic book industry, creating iconic characters and alternate universes that have inspired generations of subsequent readers and artists.

Paragraph 1: Jack Kirby's towering imagination

Jack Kirby's defining characteristic was his immense and spectacular imagination. Every character, every detail and every world he created seemed to come from an amazing parallel universe. With daring concepts, unique creatures, and futuristic technology, Kirby has pushed the boundaries of comics, transforming them into something extraordinary and unique.

Paragraph 2: Iconic characters created by Jack Kirby

Kirby helped create some of the American comic industry's most beloved and enduring characters. His most famous works include the Incredible Hulk, the X-Men, Thor, Iron Man and the Avengers supergroup. Thus, Kirby's imagination was not only expressed through the setting and background of his comics, but also through the complex and heroic characters he created.

Paragraph 3: Alternative universes and innovative concepts

In addition to individual characters, Jack Kirby has developed entire alternate universes with original conceptions. One of the most iconic is undoubtedly the Fourth World (Quarto Mondo), introduced in the comic series "New Gods". This universe filled with cosmic powers, gods and new mythologies, revolutionized the way superhero stories could be told. Kirby also presented the concept of so-called "Celestials" in his work on "Eternals," which provided a systematic and ambitious explanation of the divine origin of superheroes.

Paragraph 4: Jack Kirby's Legacy in the American Comics Industry

Jack Kirby's influence on the American comic landscape is still evident today. Many artists and writers who have since become pioneers have claimed to have been inspired by his imagination and creative daring. His avant-garde ideas have laid the groundwork for the creation of countless extraordinary stories and characters, imprinting his indelible impact on the comic industry.

Conclusion:

Jack Kirby was a revolutionary of the comic industry, thanks to his extraordinary imagination and the lasting impact of him. With characters like Hulk, Thor and the X-Men, he has created a visual universe that continues to inspire and captivate both readers and comic creators. His legacy as one of the industry's greatest artists and storytellers will forever remain etched in the pages of American comics.
 

27.8.23

Jack Kirby

 


It's useless! There is no sheet large enough to hold all the characters created by Jack Kirby.

25.8.23

Jack


JACK "KING" KIRBY
The Master

 

16.8.23

Silver Surfer


"Stan Lee, in the book “Son of Origins of Marvel Comics” (1975), credits Kirby with having created the surfer. According to Lee, Kirby penciled the first chapter of the story after an informal meeting, in which the the two agreed that the Fantastic Four's next foe should be a gigantic godlike being “capable of destroying entire planets.” A rather generic concept to develop.

What is most interesting about Lee's memory is the recollection of his surprise when Kirby hands him the pages of the first chapter of the trilogy and sees a figure flying on a surfboard. Kirby explains to him that a being as powerful as Galactus must have a herald, a vanguard that precedes him and paves his way.

This confirms that Lee had no input into the initial design of the character."
...


 

11.8.23

Namor

 


Title: From the Deep Seas to Comic Book Icon: The Evolution of Jack Kirby's Sub-Mariner

Introduction:
In the vast universe of Marvel Comics, few characters have as unique and fascinating an origin as the Sub-Mariner. Created by a true legend of sequential art, Jack Kirby, the Sub-Mariner has captivated readers since his first appearance in 1939. In this article, we will explore how Kirby developed the character into one of the most iconic and complex figures of the world of comics.

A tragic origin:
The origin of the Sub-Mariner was steeped in tragedy from his first steps in Marvel. As told by Kirby, Prince Namor was the hybrid son of an Atlantean princess and a human sailor. As a child, Namor found his mother dead, killed by a submarine, and this tragedy profoundly affected his future.

An anti-hero at war:
In the 1940s, during World War II, Namor appeared in several adventures drawn by Jack Kirby. During this time, the Sub-Mariner embodied an anti-hero, a rebellious spirit always in conflict with the world of humans. Her anger and resentment of him enabled her to take on enemies like the Nazi Dashboard, filling the pages of comics with epic submarine battles.

The return to the origins:
After a long absence from the comic book pages, the Sub-Mariner returned in 1962 thanks to the pen and drawings of Jack Kirby. In this new incarnation, Kirby rewrote the character's origin, reiterating his hybrid nature and his sense of belonging to two different worlds. This emotional undertone helped make the Sub-Mariner an even more interesting and complex character.

A comic icon:
Under Kirby's leadership, the Sub-Mariner became an icon of Marvel comics throughout the 1960s and 70s. His controversial character and relative sense of justice captured the attention of readers, who loved the character's moral ambiguity. Namor frequently found himself in conflict with both the world of superheroes, such as the Avengers, and surface heroes, including the Fantastic Four.

Kirby Returns:
After a long time away from the Sub-Mariner, Jack Kirby returned to write and design the character in a new series in 1975. This return to basics gave Kirby further opportunities to develop the character's complexity and depth. With epic storylines and breathtaking visuals, Kirby once again confirmed his status as the master of comics and made the Sub-Mariner even more fascinating.

Conclusions:
Jack Kirby's creation of the Sub-Mariner was a turning point in the history of Marvel comics. Through his artistic and narrative brilliance, Kirby has transformed Prince Namor into a complex, fascinating and at the same time controversial character. The Sub-Mariner remains an undisputed icon of comics, thanks to the innovation brought by Kirby in shaping his existence and to his tragic roots of a hybrid being, torn between two worlds in eternal conflict.


7.8.23

Jack Kirby


Jack Kirby, a man whose passion for drawing changed the way stories are told through the art of comics forever. His creativity and innovative spirit have influenced generations of artists and continue to inspire new generations. May his memory live long, carrying on his legacy of art and imagination.

 

30.7.23

The Human Torch


The Human Torch (Jonathan "Johnny" Storm) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is a founding member of the Fantastic Four. He is writer Stan Lee's and artist Jack Kirby's reinvention of a similar, previous character, the android Human Torch of the same name and powers who was created in 1939 by writer-artist Carl Burgos for Marvel Comics' predecessor company, Timely Comics.


 

25.7.23

T'Challa


Black Panther's real name is T'Challa, and he is depicted as the king and protector of the fictional African nation of Wakanda. Along with possessing enhanced abilities achieved through ancient Wakandan rituals of drinking the essence of the heart-shaped herb, T'Challa also relies on his proficiency in science, expertise in his nation's traditions, rigorous physical training, hand-to-hand combat skills, and access to wealth and advanced Wakandan technology to combat his enemies.


 

22.7.23

Black Panther


Black Panther is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist-coplotter Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966) in the Silver Age of Comic Books


 

17.7.23

Union Jack


Union Jack is the name of three fictional superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Roy Thomas and Frank Robbins, the first Union Jack first appeared in Invaders #7 (July 1976)


 

10.7.23

Sub-Mariner


Namor, also known as the Sub-Mariner, is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-artist Bill Everett for comic book packager Funnies Inc., the character first appeared in Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1 (uncirculated). Namor first appeared publicly in Marvel Comics #1 (cover-dated October 1939).It was the first comic book from Timely Comics, the 1930s–1940s predecessor of Marvel Comics. During that period, known to historians and fans as the Golden Age of Comic Books, the Sub-Mariner was one of Timely's top three characters, along with Captain America and the original Human Torch. Moreover, Namor has also been described as the first comic book antihero.


 

Black Bolt and Medusa


Black Bolt is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #45 (December 1965), Black Bolt is the ruler of Attilan, and a member of the Inhumans, a reclusive race of genetically altered superhumans.


 

2.7.23

Medusa


Medusa is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #36 (1965).

Her name and aspects of the character are derived from Greek mythology, as her hair has prehensile attributes like that of the mythological Medusa's hair. The character has psychokinetic control over her hair, a power she obtained through Terrigenesis -- she can extend her hair to double its normal length, using it to pick locks, lift objects, and contain objects and people.


 


 

28.6.23

Triton


Triton is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #45 (December 1965). He belongs to the subspecies of humans called inhumans, who are born with superhuman abilities.


 

14.6.23

Giant-Man


Ant-Man and Pym's subsequent iteration, Giant-Man, introduced in No. 49 (November 1963), starred in 10- to 13-page and later 18-page adventures, with the rest of Tales to Astonish devoted to the anthological science fiction and fantasy stories the comic normally ran.


 

11.6.23

Tales to Astonish


Tales to Astonish is the name of two American comic book series, and a one- shot comic, all published by Marvel Comics.

Following his one-shot anthological story in No. 27 (January 1962), scientist  Henry Pym returned donning a cybernetic helmet and red costume, and using size-changing technology to debut as the insect-sized hero Ant-Man in No. 35 (September 1962).The series was plotted by Lee and scripted by Lieber, with penciling first by Kirby and later by Heck and others. The Wasp was introduced 
as Ant-Man's costar in issue No. 44.


 

9.6.23

Omac (Buddy Blank)


OMAC (Buddy Blank) is a superhero appearing in media published by DC Comics.He was created by Jack Kirby towards the end of his contract with the publisher following the cancellation of his New Gods series; it was reportedly developed strictly due to Kirby needing to fill his contractual quota of 15 pages a week.


 

 

7.6.23

Omac


Set in the near future ("The World That's Coming"),OMAC is a corporate nobody named Buddy Blank who is changed via a "computer-hormonal operation done by remote control" by an A.I. satellite called "Brother Eye" into the super-powered One-Man Army Corps (OMAC).


 

28.5.23

Morgaine le Fey



Morgaine le Fey is a supervillainess appearing in DC Comics, based on Morgan le Fay, the mythical sorceress and half-sister of King Arthur. She debuted in The Demon vol. 1 #1 (September 1972), and was created by Jack Kirby.

 

23.5.23

Demon


Etrigan first appeared in The Demon #1 (September 1972) and was created by Jack Kirby. He created him at the behest of DC, who saw it as likely to be more commercially successful than the Fourth World and thus cancelled New Gods and Forever People to facilitate his working on the new title. According to Mark Evanier, Kirby had no interest in horror comics, but created Etrigan in response to a demand from DC for a horror character. Kirby was annoyed that the first issue sold so well that DC required him to do sixteen issues and abandon the Fourth World titles before he was done with them.