The Art of Jack Kirby
About this ebook
In addition to showcasing Kirby's 50+ year career, the book delves into his artistic process, his creative vision, and the impact he had on the comic book industry as a whole. It includes insights from interviews with Kirby, offering a deeper understanding of his artistic philosophy and motivations.
Significance:
"The Art of Jack Kirby" is an essential resource for anyone interested in comics, art, or American popular culture. It is valuable documentation of Kirby's immense talent and lasting influence on the medium. Its limited-edition nature makes it a coveted collector's item, but its informative content and captivating visuals ensure its enduring relevance for newcomers and seasoned Jack Kirby's work fans.
Published by Blue Rose Press in 1992, the book is a pioneering work in comic book publications. It is the first large-format book dedicated to a single American comic book artist, Jack Kirby. What makes it truly unique is that it was also the first attempt to compile a comprehensive bibliography of Kirby's extensive body of work (the Kirby Booklist), encompassing characters he created and offering detailed statistics about his lifetime contributions to the comic book industry. This book not only celebrated Kirby's remarkable artistic legacy but also set a significant precedent for future examinations of comic book creators and their profound impact on the medium.
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About the author
Ray Wyman Jr was the chief researcher and writer of The Art of Jack Kirby, collaborating with Jack and his wife, Roz Kirby, on the topics and subject matter covered in the book. Wyman was a career freelance writer when he met Jack in 1988. Wyman began working on the book in 1990 with the help of Kevin Eastman, who also contributed to its development. Wyman later went on to write stories for the Star Trek franchise and is currently working on a project titled Conversations with Jack, which includes a podcast and book about his experiences working with Jack Kirby.
Catherine Hohlfeld was Wyman's research assistant who researched material for The Art of Jack Kirby and edited portions of the text. Hohlfeld also worked extensively with Ray Wyman to compile the original "Kirby Checklist" and index.
Kevin Eastman wrote the foreword of the book and designed the cover art. Eastman also contributed significant research and editorial insight for major portions of the book. Eastman is best known as the co-creator of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," alongside Peter Laird, a series that first debuted in 1984. Eastman's work on the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" has turned it into a massively popular franchise, encompassing comics, animated series, films, and merchandise. Beyond the Turtles, he has also been involved in various other comic projects, showcasing his talent and passion for the comic book industry.
Suzy Skaar is a photographer known for her black and white photos of Jack Kirby that first appeared on the title page of "The Art of Jack Kirby." She currently works as a photographer and is a photo instructor at Cerritos College, Cypress College, and Long Beach City College.
