If you know comics art, you know that Jack Kirby was the King. Dynamic, boisterous, and always exciting, Kirby’s art practically leapt off the page even when portraying quiet moments. That’s not even getting into the seemingly unlimited creativity he had. Let others parse the exact credits; it’s no stretch to say there would be no Marvel Universe without Kirby. These days, it’s hard to say there would be a DC Universe without him, too.
His legacy lives on with the Jack Kirby Museum & Research Center, dedicated to Kirby and his impact on art. Though that foundation is on the East Coast, the Museum is teaming with the Corey Helford Gallery in downtown Los Angeles for an exhibit that will focus on that confluence of his influence. Kirbyvision: A Tribute to Jack Kirby sounds amazing, showcasing rare Kirby art and pieces by modern artists inspired by “The King of Comics.”
AND IT’S FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
Read that last sentence again.
Running from June 29 to August 3, the exhibit will have three parts. In the main gallery, over 70 artists will share work done as tribute to Kirby, including new works by Anthony Sunter of Kai & Sunny, Atta Boy, Bruce Simon, Camilla d’Errico, David Mack, Eric Joyner, Jasmine Becket-Griffith, Jason Shawn Alexander, Lamour Supreme, Luke Chueh, Martin Meunier, Michael Avon Oeming, Paul Frank, Patrick McDonnell, Richard Ahnert, Stephen Bissette, Simone Legno of Tokidoki, Skinner, The London Police, Tim Seeley, and many more.
Deeper in the gallery, “…a full-size replica of a 1940s newsstand, complete with comic books, will allow visitors to experience what purchasing comics was like during the medium’s infancy. Four-foot-wide displays will feature 3-D comic pages that can be viewed with 3-D glasses.” Because of course Kirby was in on the 3-D craze of the 1950s, though most of the time his panels didn’t need that added gimmick to immerse readers in his worlds.
The third segment, Kirbyvision: An Exhibition, is curated and designed by the Jack Kirby Museum. It will feature a thematic walk-through spotlighting the King’s birthing the Marvel Age of Comics in the 1960s. Visitors will experience it all, with over 40 rare original pieces of art, some never displayed publicly before.
There’s power here; a few years back Cal State Northridge had a Kirby exhibit and it’s one thing to have read the comics, it’s another to see the actual art up close. Familiar panels and pin-ups take on new energy.
“Tying today’s contemporary artists with Jack Kirby’s creative output illustrates how influential his vision was and continues to be,” says Tom Kraft, President of the Jack Kirby Museum. “Putting together this selection of amazing Kirby original comic art has been an absolute privilege, and it couldn’t have happened without the contribution of the private collectors who generously allowed this work to be displayed.”
Kirbyvision opens June 29 with a reception from 7:00 pm to 11:oo pm. The gallery gets it. In addition to being free, they emphasize: “All are welcome at the opening—cosplay and pets are encouraged.”
Where do you actually go? Here, fellow Kirby-heads:
COREY HELFORD GALLERY
571 S. Anderson St. Los Angeles, CA 90033
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
(310) 287-2340
Fanboy Planet is an Amazon affiliate. Purchases made through links on this and other pages may generate a commission for this site.
