A movement is underway to co-name a street in New York City after Jack Kirby, the legendary co-creator of iconic Marvel Comics characters. The proposed site is Essex Street on the Lower East Side, where Kirby was born in 1917. This initiative aims to honor Kirby’s immense contributions to the comic book industry, despite his legacy often being overshadowed during his lifetime.
Kirby, born Jacob Kurtzberg, faced a challenging childhood as the son of immigrants in a modest tenement at 147 Essex St.. He demonstrated remarkable artistic talent from a young age, eventually finding his place in the burgeoning world of comic books. His work includes co-creating celebrated characters such as Captain America, Iron Man, the Avengers, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four. Despite his pivotal role, Kirby often did not receive the recognition afforded to his collaborator, Stan Lee, who served as both editor-in-chief and a family member.
The location proposed for the co-naming holds significant meaning, as it is the very block where Kirby spent his formative years. The Lower East Side was a recurring theme in Kirby’s work, shaping many of his characters and narratives. For instance, the character known as the Thing from the Fantastic Four reflects Kirby’s own upbringing, even sharing aspects of his father’s name. The area also serves as the fictional origin for Captain America, who embodies Kirby’s experiences growing up in a poor neighborhood.
A recent conversation between pop culture historian Roy Schwartz and “All Things Considered” host Sean Carlson highlighted the campaign’s progress. Schwartz noted the enthusiastic support from the community board, where members voted in favor of the co-naming. He credits Karen Green, curator for comics and cartoon arts at Columbia University Libraries, for inspiring him to champion this effort. The initiative has sparked excitement among locals, many of whom were previously unaware of Kirby’s influence.
The next stages involve securing approval from additional community boards, district council members, the City Council, and ultimately a signature from the mayor. While there is still a considerable path ahead, the momentum is encouraging, with no significant opposition reported thus far.
Schwartz expressed hope that the co-naming would inspire a broader recognition of Kirby’s impact on popular culture. He emphasized that one need not be a comic book enthusiast to appreciate Kirby’s contributions. “Jack Kirby is a founding father of modern popular culture and of a beloved American mythology,” he stated. “His groundbreaking artistic innovation and moralistic storytelling have brought joy to generations.”
If successful, the co-naming of Essex Street could serve as a vital reminder of Kirby’s legacy, celebrating a figure who helped shape not just the comic book landscape but also modern visual culture.
