Marvel Comics legend Jack Kirby's indelible contributions to the comic book industry and pop culture are being recognized in his hometown. As a new film version of his iconic creation, "Fantastic Four," approaches, New York City has officially renamed two Lower East Side streets "Jack Kirby Way" and "Yancy Street," permanently honoring the comic book titan.
The newly named streets are located at the intersection of Essex Street and Delancey Street, the very neighborhood where Kirby was born and raised. He once resided at 147 Essex Street, a memory that later inspired him to create "Yancy Street" in "Fantastic Four" as the iconic birthplace of Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, solidifying the area's place in comic book lore.
The renaming ceremony was a collaboration between New York City and Marvel, with Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski in attendance. Cebulski shared his sentiments on social media, stating it was "truly an honor to be part of this morning's ceremony, witnessing Delancey Street being named Jack Kirby Way/Yancy Street." He also extended gratitude to all the staff who made the event possible and to Kirby's family who traveled to participate.
Jack Kirby rose to prominence after co-creating Captain America in 1940. Throughout the 1960s, he continued to co-create an unparalleled roster of iconic characters, including Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, the Hulk, the X-Men, and the Avengers, profoundly shaping the Marvel Universe. He passed away in 1994 from heart failure at the age of 76.
Despite Kirby's long-standing reputation as the "King of Comics," his monumental contributions have often been understated in Marvel's official narratives.
In 2023, his son, Neal L. Kirby, publicly criticized Disney's documentary "Remembering Stan Lee," arguing that it overly glorified Stan Lee while failing to adequately acknowledge Kirby's substantial role and creative efforts in character development. This sparked widespread discussion among industry professionals and fans alike. Now, with his hometown of New York honoring him through these street renamings, Kirby's enduring comic book legacy is further cemented within the city's landscape.
via： Marvel.com