Collecting the original comic book artwork of Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
The original comic book artwork of Jack Kirby is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Known as the “King of Comics,” Kirby was one of the most influential and prolific comic book artists of the 20th century, co-creating some of the most iconic characters in the history of comic books. Collecting Kirby’s original artwork is not only a great way to own a piece of comic book history, but it’s also a wise investment, as the value of Kirby’s artwork has been steadily increasing over the years.
Original Comic Art
When it comes to collecting Kirby’s original artwork, there are several things to look for to ensure that you’re getting a genuine piece. The first thing to consider is the provenance, or the history of ownership, of the artwork. Ideally, you want to purchase a piece of artwork that has a clear and documented history of ownership, including proof of authenticity from a reputable dealer or appraiser.
Another thing to look for is the condition of the artwork. Original comic book artwork can be quite fragile, and some pieces may have suffered damage over the years. Look for artwork that has been well-maintained and preserved, with minimal signs of wear and tear. Some collectors prefer artwork that has not been restored, as this can affect the value of the piece.
The type of artwork is also an important consideration. Kirby’s original comic book artwork can take several forms, including penciled pages, inked pages, and covers. Each of these types of artwork has its own unique qualities and value. Penciled pages are the most common type of Kirby artwork, and they typically feature detailed pencil drawings of the characters and backgrounds. Inked pages are pencil pages that have been inked over, adding depth and definition to the artwork. Covers, which are the front and back covers of the comic book, are the most valuable type of Kirby artwork, as they are the most visible and recognizable pieces of artwork from a given issue.
Once you’ve found a piece of Kirby’s original artwork that meets your criteria, the next step is to determine its value. The value of Kirby’s artwork can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of artwork, the rarity of the piece, and the historical significance of the artwork. Some of the most valuable and sought-after pages of Kirby’s artwork include the following:
- Fantastic Four #1 Page 1
The first page of Kirby’s artwork from the very first issue of Fantastic Four is considered one of the most important pages in comic book history. This page features the first appearance of the Fantastic Four and sets the tone for the entire series. The page is highly sought after by collectors and has sold for upwards of $700,000 at auction.
- Captain America #1 Cover
The cover of Captain America #1 is one of the most iconic images in comic book history. Kirby’s dynamic and patriotic depiction of Captain America punching Hitler in the face has become a symbol of American heroism and resilience. The cover is highly valuable and has sold for millions of dollars at auction.
- X-Men #1 Cover
The cover of X-Men #1 is another highly sought-after piece of Kirby’s artwork. The cover features a colorful and action-packed scene of the X-Men battling Magneto, one of their most dangerous foes. The cover is highly valuable and has sold for upwards of $350,000 at auction.
- New Gods #1 Pages
Kirby’s New Gods series is considered one of his most innovative and ambitious works. The series introduced a whole new cast of characters and a sprawling cosmic mythology that has inspired countless comic book creators since its debut. The original artwork from New Gods #1 is highly sought after and has sold for tens of thousands of dollars per page.
- Thor #126 Pages
Kirby’s work on Thor Kirby’s work on Thor is considered some of his most iconic and influential. The series introduced readers to the mystical and mythological world of Asgard, as well as the thunder god himself, Thor. Pages from Thor #126, which features the first appearance of Hercules in the series, are highly valuable and have sold for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
In addition to these highly sought-after pages of artwork, there are many other pieces of Kirby’s original artwork that are also highly valuable and collectible. As Kirby worked on dozens of different series throughout his long and illustrious career, there is a wealth of material for collectors to choose from.
When it comes to collecting Kirby’s original artwork, it’s important to do your research and work with reputable dealers and appraisers. This will help ensure that you’re getting a genuine piece of artwork that has been well-maintained and preserved. It’s also important to have a good understanding of the market for Kirby’s artwork, including which pieces are the most valuable and sought-after.
Kirby's art value
As with any collectible, the value of Kirby’s artwork can fluctuate over time. However, Kirby’s status as a true pioneer and innovator in the world of comic books ensures that his artwork will remain highly sought after for years to come. Collecting Kirby’s original artwork is not only a great way to own a piece of comic book history, but it’s also a wise investment that can potentially yield significant returns.
In addition to the financial benefits of collecting Kirby’s artwork, there is also a deeper sense of connection to the world of comic books and the history of the medium. Kirby’s artwork represents a true golden age in the history of comic books, when artists and writers were pushing the boundaries of what was possible and creating new and exciting characters and stories that captivated readers around the world.
As a collector, owning a piece of Kirby’s artwork is like owning a piece of that history. It’s a way to connect with the past and to celebrate the incredible legacy of one of the greatest comic book artists of all time.
