Marvel’s Kirby Week and Kirby4Heroes tout the influence of one of comic’s greatest creators

Marvel is in the midst of Kirby Week, a celebration of all things Jack “The King� Kirby (born Jacob Kurtzberg), one of the most influential comic book creators and a founding father of the Marvel Universe.

From Aug. 22-28, comic creators and others (like historian Peter Sanderson) will talk about Kirby’s influence on the medium and their lives. Marvel.com will share analysis and stories from his extensive catalogue — one by Jim Beard, already posted on Marvel.com, talks about the origins of the Incredible Hulk. Neal Kirby, Jack’s son, will team with the site to release several podcasts centering on his recollections.

The week concludes Aug. 28, on what would have been Jack’s 99th birthday. He died in 1994.

Keeping it in the family, granddaughter Jillian Kirby continues to spearhead Kirby4Heroes, a campaign that supports the Hero Initiative — the only federally registered nonprofit organization that helps those in the comic book industry who need medical and financial assistance. Kirby4Heroes has raised over $50,000 since 2012 through donations and industry-involved programs like Wake Up and Draw, in which artists create images to be auctioned, the proceeds of which go to the organization.

“My grandfather Jack’s generosity was legendary in the comic book industry. He always gave encouragement to budding comic book artists asking for advice. He never turned away a fan,� Jillian Kirby wrote in an email to The Times.

“His Thousand Oaks home was famous as a haven for comic book lovers, fans! My grandfather Jack and grandmother Roz were renowned for their hospitality and open-door policy. No one was ever turned away.�

It’s likely a side of the legend about which most of today’s comic book aficionados know little. A World War II vet, Kirby’s lasting legacy to the public is co-creating, with writer-editor Stan Lee, many of Marvel’s major characters, including the Fantastic Four, the X-Men and the Hulk.

Besides the transcendent use of characters into whom he breathed life, his memory is being kept vibrant by comic book shop retailers, who will host Kirby parties to raise money and will present many of the Wake Up and Draw artists in person.

If you can’t get to a comic book store for a soiree, you can donate online to the Hero Initiative or you can check out the Kirby4Heroes Facebook page.

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