When it comes to the most influential people in comics, the ones who’ve had the greatest impact, Jack Kirby is among those at the top of that list. His impact on comics and the journey he took through life are the subject of the upcoming documentary, Kirbyvision.
The Jack Kirby documentary is in development from filmmaker Ricki Stern (Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work). Dan Braun and Josh Braun (The Andy Warhol Diaries) will produce under their Submarine Deluxe banner with Mike Cecchini, Ron Fogelman, and Chris Longo.
A creative dynamo given human form, for many Kirby defined with his work the very idea of what comic books should be.
In his art and stories, the obvious brash doses of daring design and explosive action were infused with something more unexpected in the eras in which he worked: an equally bold excitement for the cerebral, philosophical and spiritual. Whether working with partners such as Joe Simon (with whom he co-created Captain America, the Fighting American, Boys Ranch, and many would say the romance comics genre) and Stan Lee (co-creating the Fantastic Four, Thor, and the Silver Surfer, among others), or on his own (DC’s “Fourth World” titles such The New Gods, Mister Miracle, The Forever People, or his creator-owned Captain Victory and Silver Star), Kirby worked as much in metaphor as he did in pencil.
The number of creators and fans he influenced will never be known.
The documentary will follow Kirby’s life from the Great Depression to his service in World War II to his time as a comic luminary making groundbreaking work in superhero comics and other genres.
“Jack was not only one of the great comic book artists of all time, but a true visionary genius,” Stern said. “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.”
The Estate of Jack Kirby is cooperating with the documentary, represented by the Rosalind Kirby Family Trust. They will give the documentary crew access to personal documents, home movies, and creative materials.
“We are thrilled to work with such a dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable team of filmmakers,” the late creator’s daughter, Lisa Kirby, said. “The legacy of Jack Kirby is in good hands, as Ricki, Dan, Josh, Ron, Mike, Chris and their team share the same creative energy that helped my father create boundless universes of characters that continue to inspire us and shape our imaginations.”
