Jack Kirby’s name may not be as instantly recognisable as some of the heroes he co-created, but his impact on the comic book industry is undeniable. Decades after his passing, the legendary artist’s creations continue to shape the Marvel and DC universes, fueling billion-dollar franchises and defining the visual language of comic books. Now, his legacy takes centre stage in Kirbyvision, a documentary directed by Ricki Stern (Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work) that aims to tell the full story of Kirby’s life, work, and creative genius.
From co-creating Captain America with Joe Simon to defining Marvel’s Silver Age alongside Stan Lee, his work introduced characters that have since become household names with The Fantastic Four, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Black Panther… the list goes on. His signature dynamic style, featuring explosive action and bold, exaggerated movement, has influenced generations of artists and continues to shape the look of superhero films today. Thor: Ragnarok, for instance, borrowed heavily from Kirby’s cosmic designs, bringing his signature aesthetic to life in ways that honoured his original artwork.
“Jack was not only one of the great comic book artists of all time, but a true visionary genius,” Stern said in a Variety piece. “In this new feature length documentary, we actively campaign for the recognition he finally deserves as a leading artist and storyteller of the 20th Century.”
Despite Kirby’s unparalleled contributions, mainstream recognition has often eluded him. His creative disputes with Marvel and DC, as well as the long-standing controversy over proper crediting, have made him a figure of both admiration and debate. His estate previously voiced frustration with how 2023’s Stan Lee documentary on Disney+ portrayed his role in shaping Marvel, arguing that his contributions were downplayed. Now, with Kirbyvision, the focus shifts directly to his achievements, ensuring that his influence is properly acknowledged. The documentary promises an in-depth look at his career, from his early days working on Captain America to his reinvention of DC Comics with the Fourth World saga, which introduced characters like Darkseid, Mister Miracle, and Orion.
Producers Dan Braun, Josh Braun, Mike Cecchini, Ron Fogelman, and Chris Longo have assembled a team dedicated to preserving and showcasing Kirby’s story. The film is being produced in collaboration with Kirby’s estate, granting filmmakers access to “personal documents, home movies, and creative materials” that have largely remained “widely unseen by the public”. Lisa and Barbara Kirby, along with the Jack Kirby Museum and Research Center, are actively involved, ensuring that the documentary remains true to his legacy.
With so much of his work serving as the foundation for today’s biggest superhero franchises, Kirbyvision arrives at a time when honoring his impact feels more necessary than ever.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
Kevin Low
