Kirby: King of Comics

Kirby: King of Comics is a 2008 biography of Jack Kirby written by Mark Evanier. The book won various award including a 2009 Eisner Award for Best Comics-Related Book.^[1] It was published by the art book publisher Abrams Books, it is extensively illustrated with Kirby's artwork, including original art comic pages with production notes in blue ink and was re-released in 2017.^[2][3]

Kirby: King of Comics

Author	Mark Evanier
Country	United States
Language	English
Subject	Biography of Jack Kirby
Published	2008 (Abrams Books)
Pages	224
ISBN	978-0-8109-9447-8

Release

Kirby: King of Comics was published in 2008 by Abrams Books.^[4] After the books release Mark Evanier attended various conventions to promote it. At the Jack Kirby panel at the 2008 WonderCon, Evanier teased that a sequel was in development and that it would be a "proper biography".^[5] He also attended the event "Live at Kirby Plaza" in London at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in order to promote the book.^[6]

In 2017 to celebrate Jack Kirby's 100th birthday,^[a] Abrams Books issued a reprint of the book with new content added.^[3]

Development

 

Jack Kirby, the subject of the biography

Mark Evanier had been known to be working on the book for a while prior to its release. In 2004, Evanier had written about 250,000 words. Upon its completion he described the book as "the first and only book on Jack 'the King' Kirby".^[4] The book contains original artwork made by Kirby that Evanier obtained while working for him.^[6][4]

The book features an introduction written by English writer Neil Gaiman.^[7]

Reception

Kirby: King of Comics was met with positive reviews from critics.^[8][4] In 2009 the book won an Eisner Award for "Best Comics-Related Book".^[9][10][1] Also in 2009 the book won two Harvey Awards one for "Best Biographical, Historical, or Journalistic Presentation" along with a special award for "Excellence in Presentation".^[11][12]

Notes

1. Kirby died in 1994

References

1. . San Diego Comic-Con International. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
2. Evanie, Mark (August 1, 2017). "Kirby: King of Comics (Anniversary Edition)|Paperback". Barnes & Noble. from the original on February 28, 2024. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
3. Dueben, Alex (August 28, 2017). "Celebrating the 100-Year Legacy of Kirby: King of Comics". Comic Book Resources. from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
4. Faber, Michael (May 2, 2008). "The marvel of comics". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. from the original on February 28, 2024. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
5. C. B. R. Staff (February 23, 2008). "WonderCon: Kirby – King of Comics". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
6. Hunt, James (April 17, 2008). "Live at Kirby Plaza". Comic Book Resources. from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
7. Bianculli, David (May 21, 2008). "Biography Details the 'King of Comics'". NPR. from the original on February 29, 2024. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
8. Gravett, Paul (June 12, 2008). "Kirby: king of comics, by Mark Evanier; Superheroes!, by Roz Kaveney". The Independent. from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
9. Melrose, Kevin (October 11, 2009). "Winners of the 2009 Harvey Awards". Comic Book Resources. from the original on February 17, 2022. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
10. Staff, C. B. R. (April 7, 2009). "2009 Eisner Award Nominees Announced". Comic Book Resources. from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
11. "Previous Winners". Harvey Awards. from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
12. Winstead, Nick (October 12, 2009). "The Harvey Awards 2009! And the Winners Are..." ComicBook.com. from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved February 29, 2024.