The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a cinematic behemoth since Iron Man's debut in 2008, has finally delivered a long-awaited tribute: a faithful representation of the artistic vision of Jack Kirby, one of the founding fathers of the Marvel Universe. This tribute comes in the form of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a film steeped in Kirby's distinctive style.
This latest offering not only captures the essence of Kirby's artwork and storytelling but also incorporates numerous nods to the legacy of the man often referred to as the "King of Comics." Even the Fantastic Four's home reality, designated Earth-828, subtly acknowledges Kirby's birthday, August 28th. The film's concluding words are a direct quote from Kirby himself, and the character of Rachel Rozman, portrayed by Natasha Lyonne, serves as a tribute to Kirby's wife, Roz. The overall effect is a film that evokes a sense of wonder and scale rarely seen in recent MCU productions, capturing a style and verve that has often been absent.
The Undeniable Influence of "The King"
It's not that the MCU has entirely ignored Kirby's contributions. Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger offers a glimpse of Kirby's art translated to the screen. However, these instances have been infrequent.
Kirby's influence on the world of comics is undeniable. His bombastic, energetic, and uniquely stylish art captivated audiences from a young age. Even after his death in 1994, his impact resonated throughout the comic book community.
In an ideal scenario, Kirby would have enjoyed a presence within the MCU comparable to that of Stan Lee, his co-creator on the Fantastic Four and often considered the public face of Marvel Comics. Lee's cameos in nearly every Marvel film until his death in 2018 were seen as a fitting tribute.
A Complex Legacy
Kirby and Lee shared a long and fruitful creative partnership, co-creating not only the Fantastic Four but also the X-Men, the Avengers, and many other iconic characters. Kirby also co-created Captain America with writer Joe Simon.
However, their relationship became strained in later years. Kirby felt that Lee received excessive credit for ideas that originated with him. He wasn't alone in this sentiment. Other artists of the era accused Lee of taking undue credit for their contributions, including stories and plotlines they had developed independently.
These disputes led to conflicts between Marvel and numerous artists, resulting in lawsuits, revisions of credits, and ongoing debates about authorship. Kirby himself filed a lawsuit, which Marvel ultimately settled.
While definitively resolving these historical disputes is challenging, it's time for the MCU to fully embrace Kirby's legacy as a visionary talent. His work revolutionised the visual language of comics and established the aesthetic foundation of the early Marvel Universe.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps - A Step in the Right Direction
The Fantastic Four: First Steps excels in this regard. It embraces Kirby's eccentric and epic science-fiction designs, particularly in its depiction of Galactus and Ben Grimm/The Thing. The Thing, with his cheerful yet irascible demeanour, mirrors Kirby's own sense of humour and steadfast defence of what is right. The character's identity is also intertwined with Kirby's Jewish heritage (his birth name was Jacob Kurtzberg).
After numerous missed opportunities to fully embody Kirby's work, and to offer a more substantial tribute than a mere name in the credits, The Fantastic Four finally captures the essence of his art and stories. Given the Fantastic Four's special place in Kirby's heart, this feels particularly fitting.
Hope for the Future
This film offers renewed hope for the future of the MCU. While upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are anticipated to be entertaining, there's a sense that the franchise can reinvigorate itself by embracing the true legacy of Marvel Comics and the filmmaking possibilities inherent in superhero movies.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now in cinemas, marking the beginning of Marvel Phase 6.
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