Way back in 2008, we were doing daily short video posts, called iFanboy Minis. This one was my absolute favorite, for a couple reasons. On the one hand, I got to talk about Tales to Astonish by Ronin Ro, a prose story of the early days of comics, mostly focusing on the career of Jack Kirby, and his ups and downs in the industry.
Then I had some trouble starting the boat.
I’ve said it over and over again, but in my mind no one is more important to the history of comic books than Jack Kirby, both as a fount of imagination, having more staying power than anyone thought possible, and also as a cautionary tale about how to remember it’s always a business, and must be taken with seriousness and caution. His ideas are still keeping comics breathing and keeping comic shops in business. He passed in 1994 at age 76, but he would have been 94 yesterday, and all comics fans should take a moment to reflect and appreciate the King.
Make sure to check out some of the links below for more on Jack.
My favorite mini as well! Happy belated, King Kirby!
Just added that to my Amazon wish list. Sounds very cool!
Last week, my shop had Mark Evanier’s KIRBY: KING OF COMICS for $12. The manager speculated that all of Borders’ returns are starting to circulate and drive prices into the basement. Be on the lookout!
BUY THAT BOOK!
That book has been on the remainder pile of a lot of bookstores i’ve been in for over a year. Most recently i saw it at Barnes and Noble for around that price.
Those returns are called “remainders” new product that you can’t sell as new anymore.
Really great book though. You should definitely add it to your collection.
that comment came off way snarkier than i meant it too. Haven’t had my gallon of coffee yet.
Tone is never conveyed how you think it is over the internets. I read no snark in the comment at all, but it may be because it’s you. If it’d been someone else (I can think of a couple) I may have read it differently, but due to your general lack of snark I picked up none.
Woah, thanks for reminding me about that book!
@diebenny–yeah well i’m crosseyed, have fangs and my tongue is sticking out so i have to be careful. The solution is more smileys!
I can beat that price! I got KING OF COMICS for only $9.99 at my Barnes and Noble. I was like: SOLD!
I grabbed it for less han $10 at a BN, Great stuff!
Our local book shop had it during it’s closing down sale…everything for 75% off or more…£4.50 for the book was not to be scoffed at =)
The King!
My Cap-lovin’ son shares the same B-day as Kirby. Its a party every Aug 28th as it should be.
Marvel was going to celebrate Kirby’s birthday but they felt that since it was HIS birthday and not THEIR birthday they didn’t get him some cake.
In all seriousness it’s nice to see so many people love Jack Kirby today. Gonna be reading that KING OF COMICS book later today.
“Marvel was going to celebrate Kirby’s birthday but they felt that since it was HIS birthday and not THEIR birthday they didn’t get him some cake.” I laughed at this, but felt bad for doing so.
Awesome, I haven’t seen this before. Some good ‘ol Josh funny.
I really miss the mini’s 🙁
Maybe I’m making too much of a deal but….I don’t think Marvel (or DC either) on their website acknowledged it was Jack Kirby’s birthday. That just seems unfair.
DC did.
http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2011/08/28/“there-is-no-denying-the-genius-of-jack-kirby-”-–-dan-didio/
@conor Ah I stand corrected.
Although technically that’s on DC’s BLOG and not their actual site. But at least they mentioned it. I can’t find any tribute on Marvel anywhere.
The blog is on the website.
@conor Well again, at least DC mentioned it.
I miss the mini’s