mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
4.0
Exhausting but awesome. This reads like an autobiography, though there is a warning/reminder at the beginning that it is not. As well as a notice that this book was not authorized by anyone. Not a pretty story, this book shows someone who worked hard and left a large creative mark and otherwise got taken advantage of to a crazy degree. And it makes Stan Lee in particular look pretty bad. And now I want to read more about Jack Kirby.
standardman's review against another edition
4.0
Read this on the King’s birthday and it’s a lovely overview of the man’s story, contributions and of how he often was mistreated by the medium he breathed so much life into.
My only nitpicks would be the odd chibi way Jack himself isn’t drawn - especially weird when he’s next to characters draw realistically - and the way the book essentially skims his life events, often one even per panel.
My only nitpicks would be the odd chibi way Jack himself isn’t drawn - especially weird when he’s next to characters draw realistically - and the way the book essentially skims his life events, often one even per panel.
elturko64's review against another edition
5.0
wow what a story. The book takes you on a journey through Kirby's life from beginning to end. Scioli's writing and art in this book is incredible. There were times I felt like Jack Kirby was actually talking to me through the book. It's heartbreaking, hilarious, inspiring, and epic. An essential read for comic book fans.
delladahlia's review against another edition
5.0
The King has now been given the voice he has deserved since the beginning of his reign.
Also I am now crying. Again. In front of people. So thanks for that, Scioli!!
Also I am now crying. Again. In front of people. So thanks for that, Scioli!!
art_cart_ron's review against another edition
5.0
Unfortunately, we have to start with the artwork. It does what it needs to do to keep the narrative clear, but I have not the slightest idea why Tom Scioli chose to make a biography where the subject is rendered like he's from South Park, and everyone else looks normal. It takes you right out of the story - and I didn't like that.
Now that issue is out of the way - I'm still going to rate it 5 Stars.
Jack Kirby's work has reached more people, and impacted more lives, than the Beatles and Jesus put together. Maybe that overstates things (by a tiny bit). But if Scioli can illustrate the man like a bobble-head for 200pgs of gripping narrative, I'm going to take that liberty with my own narrative for a second or two.
I tagged the book horror, because - my god, Kirby created a body of work beyond compare, and the parasites kept taking from him, ripping him off, taking his credit, and tossing him onto the street after he made them a fortune. Stan Lee was among the worst of these parasites, if not the worst.
Read this if you care about American comics at all. It really is that simple.
Now that issue is out of the way - I'm still going to rate it 5 Stars.
Jack Kirby's work has reached more people, and impacted more lives, than the Beatles and Jesus put together. Maybe that overstates things (by a tiny bit). But if Scioli can illustrate the man like a bobble-head for 200pgs of gripping narrative, I'm going to take that liberty with my own narrative for a second or two.
I tagged the book horror, because - my god, Kirby created a body of work beyond compare, and the parasites kept taking from him, ripping him off, taking his credit, and tossing him onto the street after he made them a fortune. Stan Lee was among the worst of these parasites, if not the worst.
Read this if you care about American comics at all. It really is that simple.
mlindner's review against another edition
4.0
Man, if this take is even remotely accurate regarding Stan Lee then he was a real self-aggrandizing, idea stealing, asshole. At best.
COCC
COCC
birdmanseven's review against another edition
4.0
This was really well done. It's clearly biased towards Kirby, so sometimes you have to take it with a grain of salt, but overall it's a fun way to read about comic book history. I really enjoyed the art too.
We talk Jack Kirby in this episode of Comic Book Coffee Break: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu61J1yAbvI&t=1s
We talk Jack Kirby in this episode of Comic Book Coffee Break: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu61J1yAbvI&t=1s
n8duke's review against another edition
3.0
Jack Kirby's life was insane. And (assuming everything in this was accurate) was absolutely ripped off. And this book sure made Stan Lee out to be an asshole. Yikes.
shieldbearer's review
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
a must-read for any comics fan.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Blood, Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Hate crime, Murder, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Chronic illness, Medical content, and Mental illness
The book covers Kirby's experiences in World War II and some of his encounters with German officers, hence the warnings I have included, but it is not in the majority of the book. I have put it all under "major" as this is a comic book and all the depictions are visual. The medical content shows no medical procedures but it does show a medical setting and Kirby's later in life medical issues are mentioned briefly. Mental illness refers to Kirby's PTSD / trauma after his experiences in the war, which is also touched on briefly but given a moderate not a minor as it is visually depicted.
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