Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics by Tom ScioliMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics is a biography of Jack Kirby by Tom Scioli.
When I was a kid, I first discovered Jack Kirby through Who's Who in the DC Universe. Most of the entries I found myself rereading were creations of his, like the OMAC and the New Gods. As reprints became more accessible, I discovered this Kirby guy created most of the Marvel Universe! Anyway, I've been on a Kirby kick lately so I snapped this up.
Scioli takes us on a journey through Kirby's life from start to finish, starting with his parents coming to America, through his rough childhood and beyond! Kirby's stints at the various companies are detailed, as is his tour of duty during World War II. Upon his return, Kirby eventually ends up at Marvel Comics during its darkest hour and the rest is history.
I knew a lot of snippets but great whacks of the book were new to me. For instance, I didn't know Simon and Kirby sold their company to Charlton when it looked like they were going under. I was aware he worked at the Eisner shop and Harvey but didn't know all the details. I also didn't realize the magnitude of how much of a huckster shitheel Stan Lee was. How many millions (or billions) did Jack get screwed out of over the years?
The way Marvel treated Kirby during his time at the company was fucking shameful. DC didn't really know what to do with the goose that laid the golden egg either. Super hero comics probably wouldn't exist in their current form without The King but you'd never know it the way the Big Two treated him for most of his life.
This was clearly a labor of love by Tom Scioli. The presentation is gorgeous and his colored-pencil art give the book a unique look and feel, although it's still evocative of The King at times. There are some sad moments, particularly during Kirby's twilight years when he could barely hold a pencil.
Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics is a fitting tribute to the King. Five out of five Kirby dots.
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