When did Jack Kirby quit Marvel?

When Did Jack Kirby Quit Marvel?

Jack "The King" Kirby is one of the most renowned comic book creators of all time, credited with creating or co-creating some of the most iconic Marvel Comics characters. But when did he quit Marvel, and what were the reasons behind his departure? In this article, we’ll explore Kirby’s tenure at Marvel, his departure, and what followed.

The Marvel Years (1961-1970)

Kirby began his association with Marvel in 1961, shortly after the company’s rebirth as Marvel Comics. He worked on numerous titles, including the Fantastic Four, Hulk, Thor, and Captain America, making significant contributions to each series. His collaboration with writer Stan Lee on Fantastic Four was particularly noteworthy, as it resulted in the creation of many Marvel’s iconic characters and storylines.

Reasons for Departure

Creative Differences

As the years went by, creative differences began to arise between Kirby and Lee. Kirby, a natural storyteller and conceptualist, wanted to have more control over the storylines and characters he created, whereas Lee was more interested in maintaining his role as a writer and editor. These differences eventually led to tension and disagreement, ultimately causing Kirby’s departure from Marvel.

Royalties and Payment Disputes

Marvel Comics’ payment and royalty practices were also a significant point of contention for Kirby. He believed he was owed more in terms of creator rights and financial compensation, particularly considering the enormous popularity of his characters and stories. Disagreements over these issues only fueled the creative differences, making it clear that it was time for Kirby to leave Marvel.

DC Comics: The New Horizon (1970)

In 1970, Jack Kirby quit Marvel and joined rival comic book publisher, DC Comics. There, he replicated some of his favorite Marvel characters and stories, albeit with distinct DC twists. Kirby’s first project at DC was the New Gods, which debuted in 1971 and quickly gained a cult following. This new era marked the beginning of Kirby’s four-decade long collaboration with DC Comics, where he created numerous iconic titles and characters.

Key Events in Kirby’s DC Tenure

• 1970: Kirby joins DC Comics after leaving Marvel.

• 1971: Kirby’s New Gods debuts, a direct competitor to Marvel’s Fantastic Four.

• 1974: Kirby co-created The Forever People and Mister Miracle with writer Denny O’Neil.

• 1980s: Kirby becomes a prolific artist at DC, creating many new characters and series, including The Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth, Terra (a superhero team-up), and Fourth World, a universe spanning many characters and stories.

• 1990s-2000s: Kirby continues to work at DC, creating new series, adaptations, and revivals, including Captain America: The Lost Generation, WildC.A.T.S, and Avengelyne.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jack Kirby quit Marvel Comics in 1970, following a decade-long association and numerous creative conflicts with Stan Lee. Kirby joined DC Comics, where he created many iconic titles, characters, and storylines. His DC tenure, spanning over four decades, saw the development of several legendary series, and he became a driving force in the comic book industry, earning the title "King of Comics". From Fantastic Four to the Fourth World, Kirby’s contributions to the world of comics continue to inspire new generations of creators and fans.