A movement is underway to co-name a street in New York City after Jack Kirby, the co-creator of iconic Marvel Comics characters. The proposal aims to honor Kirby’s legacy by designating a section of Essex Street on the Lower East Side, where he was born. Despite his immense influence on the comic book industry, Kirby often did not receive the recognition he deserved during his lifetime.
Roy Schwartz, a pop culture historian and critic, is leading the initiative to commemorate Kirby. In a recent conversation with Sean Carlson on “All Things Considered,” Schwartz highlighted Kirby’s remarkable journey. Born as Jacob Kurtzberg in 1917, Kirby grew up in poverty as the son of immigrant parents. His artistic talent emerged early, leading him to the nascent field of comic books, where he co-created beloved characters such as Captain America, Iron Man, and the X-Men.
The proposed location for the street co-naming is particularly significant. Essex Street is not only where Kirby was born but also a recurring theme in his work. Schwartz explained that the character “The Thing” from the Fantastic Four was inspired by Kirby’s own experiences growing up in the Lower East Side. The character’s name, Benjamin Jacob, pays homage to both Kirby and his father, reflecting the artist’s roots.
Kirby’s connection to the Lower East Side is further emphasized by his creation of Captain America, who hails from the same neighborhood. Schwartz noted, “Captain America grew up impoverished. He was a bullied, small artistic youth. That is Jack Kirby’s life.” This portrayal not only resonates with Kirby’s own childhood but also immortalizes the culture and struggles of the community he represented.
The local community board has already voted in favor of the co-naming, which marks a positive step forward. Schwartz credited support from Karen Green, the curator for comics and cartoon arts at Columbia University Libraries, for inspiring the initiative. “We encountered people who we never thought would know who Jack Kirby was or would care,” Schwartz shared. “Everybody returned back to their 10-year-old selves and filled with excitement.”
While the proposal has garnered enthusiasm, the process to finalize the street co-naming is lengthy. It will require approval from a wider community board, followed by the endorsement of district council members and the City Council. Finally, it will need the signature of the mayor to become official.
If successful, Schwartz hopes that Kirby’s name on a street sign will resonate beyond comic book fans. He stated, “You don’t need to care about comics to realize we live in culture. Jack Kirby is a founding father of modern popular culture and of a beloved American mythology.” He emphasized that Kirby’s artistic innovations and storytelling have inspired generations, making his legacy worthy of recognition.
As the campaign for this tribute continues, it reflects a broader appreciation for Kirby’s contributions to not only comics but also to the cultural landscape. His work has left an indelible mark on both the comic book medium and popular culture as a whole, and placing his name on a street in his hometown would serve as a fitting homage to a creative force whose impact is still felt today.