The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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One of the most prolific and influential comic-book creators, Jack Kirby is deservedly known as "the king of comics." Kirby, born Jacob Kurtzberg, grew up on New York's tough Lower East Side. The brawls and colorful characters of his youth influenced his work, from the explosive fight scenes to the numerous kid-gangs he created (Newsboy Legion, Boy Commandos, among others). In 1940, Kirby teamed with Joe Simon, and they created scores of comic books, including the first romance comic. In March 1941, their most famous creation, Captain America, debuted in Captain America Adventures. Over the next 20 years, Kirby virtually created the visual language of super-hero comics. His panels were crammed with dynamic action and visual excitement. Perhaps Kirby's best work was in the 1960s when he and writer-editor Stan Lee transformed faltering Atlas Comics into pop culture powerhouse Marvel Comics, with characters such as the Fantastic Four and the X-Men.
Harvey, Robert C. The Art of the Comic Book. Jackson, Mississippi, University Press of Mississippi, 1996.
Theakston, Greg. The Complete Jack Kirby: 1940-1941. New York, Pure Imagination Publishing, 1997.