Comic-Con’s Past
Kirby at Comic-Con Mark Evanier’s new book, Kirby: King of Comics, (see the excerpt starting on page 24) chronicles Jack Kirby’s career in comics through his art. Highly regarded as one of the top creators in the medium, Kirby was a mainstay at Comic-Con, regarded not only as a special guest but also a friend. Jack was the first “guest of honor” at the first “official” Comic-Con held August 1-3, 1970, in the basement of the U. S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego. He attended every ComicCon from 1970-1993, missing only one year (1981). Kirby was such a fixture at the event that parties were held commemorating his 70th and 75th birthdays (in 1987 and 1992, respectively). Kirby will always have a special place in Comic-Con history and in our hearts. He was there during the first 23 years of the show, always willing to speak on panels, sign for his fans, tell stories about the “early days,” or dance with his beloved wife Roz at the surprise birthday parties thrown for him. To this day, Comic-Con presents a Jack Kirby Tribute panel—hosted by Mark Evanier—featuring writers and artists speaking about Kirby’s influence on comics and their own work. Even though he died in 1994, Kirby’s spirit is still at Comic-Con, each and every year.
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Kirby signs at the 1986 Comic-Con.
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The cover to the 1972 Souvenir Book featuring The Demon, Kamandi and Merlin, Kirby’s latest creations for DC.
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1976 Eternals art, also inked by Stevens.
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Captain America from the 1977 Souvenir Book, inked by Dave Stevens.
Signing for fans at the 1975 Comic-Con. Drawing on stage at the 1970 Comic-Con.
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4 48 Comic-Con Magazine • Winter 2008
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Captain America, Eternals, Doctor Doom, and The Thing © & ™ 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Demon, Kamandi, and Merlin © 2008 DC Comics.