200,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿 

Black Friday Sale on Now! Save up to 25% off Books, Toys, Board Games, & Puzzles! ✨

Jack Kirby

The Epic Life of the King of Comics
By Tom Scioli
0.0 (0 reviews)
4.24 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 748 ratings, 145 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Jack Kirby by Tom Scioli is a vibrant and comprehensive graphic biography that delves into the life and legacy of the legendary comic book artist and writer, Jack Kirby. The book explores Kirby's pivotal contributions to the comic book industry, his imaginative creations, and the challenges he faced throughout his career. It offers an insightful look at the man behind iconic characters and the influence he had on popular culture.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$4400
Elsewhere:
$4800
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this engaging biography if you're fascinated by the life and creativity behind some of the most iconic comic book characters. This book offers a compelling exploration of the innovative mind that gave birth to legends, making it perfect for fans of comic history and art.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

"The graphic novel biography of Jack Kirby, the legendary "King of Comics" who co-created Captain America, Iron Man, Black Panther, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and many more superhero favorites, from groundbreaking Eisner-nominated comics creator Tom Scioli"--

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Jack Kirby is the graphic novel biography of the legendary "King of Comics" who co-created iconic characters such as Captain America, Iron Man, Black Panther, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and many more superhero favourites. This work comes from the groundbreaking, Eisner-nominated comics creator Tom Scioli.

Told in vivid graphic novel form by Scioli, this long-overdue biography celebrates the legend who played a crucial role in shaping the superhero genre. Readers will be captivated by how Scioli details Kirby's life with the same passion and energy Kirby brought to his own work. As Library Journal remarks, "An essential text for fans of the medium."

Now available in paperback, this sweeping, full-colour comic book biography narrates the complete life story of Jack Kirby. Scioli brings visual vibrancy to Kirby’s journey—from growing up in New York during the Great Depression, discovering a love for science fiction and cartoons, to his time on the frontlines in World War II, where he infused real-action experiences into his comic pages. Readers will follow his groundbreaking collaborations at Marvel with Stan Lee, alongside whom he redefined comics as a pivotal part of pop culture.

Kirby’s story is not without its challenges. Just as every great superhero faces a villain, Kirby struggled to receive the recognition and compensation he deserved. Scioli deftly captures Kirby’s career moves from Marvel to DC and back again, illustrating how Kirby and later his family worked tirelessly to preserve his artistic legacy.

Drawn from a remarkable imagination and a life as thrilling as his comic tales, Kirby's creations have inspired generations of creatives in comics and beyond. Now, readers can delve into the life and legacy of a comics titan through the medium that made him legendary.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Jack Kirby by Tom Scioli receives praise for capturing the epic nature of Kirby's life and adventures, likening them to the grandeur of his comic creations. Scioli's unique style and deep respect for Kirby offer insightful and enjoyable storytelling, making the book a fitting tribute. Critics appreciate how Scioli's work, described as a masterful and vintage portrayal, effectively illuminates Kirby's significant contributions to the world of comics.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781984862266

Publisher: Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 12 September 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Ten Speed Press

Illustration: Fully Illustrated

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 178.0mm

Height: 254.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 208

Collections

Arts & Culture Biography & Memoir Graphic Novels Non-Fiction Penguin Books Photography Books Tom Scioli

About the Author

Tom Scioli is an Eisner-nominated writer and artist who specializes in comics and graphic novels. He's the author of the non-fiction graphic biography, Jack Kirby- The Epic Life of the King of Comics as well as several science-fiction and superhero originals like American Barbarian, The Myth of 8-Opus, and Godland. He has also reinvented established series with Fantastic Four- Grand Design, Super Powers, Transformers vs G.I. Joe, and a cyberpunk reimagining of Go-Bots. He is known for his singular drawing style, kinetic page layouts, and imaginative writing, and is one of a small number of auteur cartoonists who writes, draws, colors, and hand-letters his comics. He's also the host of the pop culture-centered Total Recall Show and a frequent contributor to the Cartoonist Kayfabe podcast.

Also by Tom Scioli

View all
  • I Am Stan
    The first graphic novel biography of the legendary Stan Lee, co-creator of many of Marvel's beloved superheroes, from Eisner-nominated comics creator Tom Scioli. Everyone knows Stan Lee. His work at the creative helm of Marvel Comics resulted in the creation of many of the superheroes we know and love today, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, and more....
    By Tom Scioli
    Paperback
    $4400
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Fantastic Four: Grand Design
    See the FF on the big screen in Fantastic Four: First Steps, in theatres July 25th, 2025! Critically acclaimed cartoonist Tom Scioli retells the entire classic saga of the Fantastic Four in his unique style! The best-selling Grand Design format continues with Marvel's First Family! Critically acclaimed cartoonist Tom Scioli re-examines the FF's early days in the "sole-authorship" tradition made...
    By Tom Scioli
    Paperback
    $3800
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Jack Kirby
    Told in vivid graphic novel form by a groundbreaking Eisner-nominated comics creator, the long-overdue biography of the legend who co-created Captain America, Iron Man, Black Panther, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and many more superhero favourites. Jack Kirby is a fast-paced celebration of an underheralded legend within the comic-book industry. - Kirkus Reviews Named one of the best books of...
    By Tom Scioli
    Hardback
    Sold Out

Browse lists from our team

The Latest at Book Hero

View all

More from Biography & Memoir

View all
  • New Release
    One Helluva Ride
    "This book is about where I came from, what I fought against, and what I chose formyself. Fame can blur the truth; this is my attempt to bring it back into focus." A legendary actor and Hollywood Icon whose five-decade career spans film, television,and producing, Michael Douglas has won two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, fiveGolden Globes, a Primetime Emmy,...
    By Michael Douglas
    Paperback
    $3200
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    A Life in Lyrics
    Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest showmen of the twentieth century. With his unparalleled voice and searing on-stage energy, he was a great pretender, a killer queen and a champion of the world. But behind the glamour lived a musician and lyricist talented beyond measure, and the creative force behind one of the most culturally significant and musically diverse...
    By Freddie Mercury
    Hardback
    $5000
    Elsewhere:
    $6500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Nothing to Lose
    New Release
    Nothing to Lose
    There's no one as dangerous as someone who believes they have nothing to lose. Eight years ago, Nix Adams started posting videos on Facebook while she was freshly out of jail, in order to show her kids that she was sober and on the path back to them. It was after her youngest child, Alaska, died suddenly of a virus...
    By Nix Adams
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?
    Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?
    The book we've all been waiting for, national treasure Judi Dench opens her almost inexhaustible collection of memories from life and acting. Join Judi as she lifts the curtain on cherished memories and hilarious anecdotes from seven decades of performing with some of the greatest names in theatre. Step behind the camera as she reprises her most famous roles, such...
    By Judi Dench
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Drive
    New Release
    Dylan's Pick Dylan's Pick
    Drive
    A thrilling, candid and uncompromising memoir covering over twenty-years at the pinnacle of Formula 1, Drive sees Christian Horner, one of the sport’s biggest characters, take readers into the heart of Red Bull Racing as he reflects on his extraordinary career. For over twenty years Christian Horner built and ran Red Bull Racing, transforming a rookie team acquired for £1 into one...
    By Christian Horner
    Paperback
    $3999
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Book cover for 'Swan Song: Diana, my sister' by Charles Spencer, featuring a black-and-white portrait of Diana with white and gold text on a gray background.
    On Sale
    18% off
    New Release
    Swan Song
    Beautiful. Beloved. Hunted. The extraordinary life and death of Diana, as told by her brother, Charles – available to pre-order now. ‘When asked, ‘What was it like, growing up with Diana?’, my first thought is always, But I don’t know what it was like not to grow up with her…’ In September 1997, Charles Spencer stood in Westminster Abbey before...
    By Charles Spencer
    Hardback
    $4500
    Elsewhere:
    $6500
    (3)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Fictional Selves
    From the beloved actor and star of Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet and Sex and the City comes a candid and deeply personal memoir. In this highly anticipated memoir, the beloved actor and star of Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, Sex and the City and more shares his utterly original account of his offbeat journey in Hollywood, his battles with fear and...
    By Kyle MacLachlan
    Hardback
    $4799
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    The Steps
    The long-awaited memoir from a true Hollywood icon. We know Sylvester Stallone as one of the most revered actors, writers, and directors of all time, yet his life story is every bit as dramatic, intense, and inspiring as his greatest creations on screen. Bringing together a no-holds-barred account of a fascinating life with messages of hope, positivity, and resilience, in...
    By Sylvester Stallone
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    12% off
    New Release
    Shirl's Pick Shirl's Pick
    Home Again
    Join rock-legend, former Shihad frontman and lead singer of The Adults, Jon Toogood in this unflinching and no-holds-barred memoir Home Again.This is more than a rock story. Toogood looks back on a 37-year career that helped define New Zealand rock music, and the personal cost that came with it. From a music-obsessed childhood in Wellington to the deafening roar of international stages, this...
    By Jon Toogood
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    24% off
    Dogs, Boys and Other Things I've Cried About
    From the social media superstar behind @SimonSits, Isabel Klee--known for her heartwarming tales of dog rescue--comes an utterly winning memoir about a twentysomething woman's search for true love in New York City and the dogs who helped her find it. A Jersey girl by birth, Isabel Klee had always wanted to live in New York City. At age 20, she...
    By Isabel Klee
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    12% off
    Lizzy's Pick Lizzy's Pick
    Famesick
    Chronicling the tumultuous decade between the premiere of Girls to her 2021 shotgun wedding (minus the baby, because she has no uterus), Lena Dunham takes us through her journey with her trademark mix of humor, unsparing honesty, and keen eye for detail. We peek behind the scenes - of her work, her family, her relationships, and her battle to reclaim her body...
    By Lena Dunham
    Paperback
    $2900
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    25% off
    This Angry Pen of Mine
    This Angry Pen of Mine by Layne Staley invites you to dive into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice behind Alice in Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more. Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the...
    By Layne Staley
    Hardback
    $5500
    Elsewhere:
    $8999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 200,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.