Happy birthday to the King.
Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure park is celebrating Jack Kirby’s birthday with a new plaque, honoring the legendary artist’s unparalleled creative achievements. Born in New York on August 28, 1917, Kirby is a Disney Legend and responsible for some of pop culture’s most iconic characters — including Captain America, Black Panther, Iron Man, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, and more.
Avengers Campus unveiled the plaque on Kirby’s 109th birthday, paying tribute to his decades of vision and storytelling. The plaque also features a quote from the artist himself: “If you look at my characters, you will find me. No matter what kind of character you create or assume, a little of yourself must remain there.”
Editor-in-Chief Stephen Wacker was on hand for the unveiling, joined by members of the Kirby family as well as Brent Davies (Vice President, Disney California Adventure Park) and Brent Strong (Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering). The private ceremony concluded with a special appearance by one of Kirby’s most beloved creations — The Thing, A.K.A. Ben Grimm.
“Jack Kirby’s work continues to remind us that heroes can come from anywhere,” Davies told the crowd.
The plaque now lives near the entrance to Avengers Campus, welcoming guests to an immersive world that draws direct inspiration from Kirby’s pages. Eagle-eyed visitors should also be on the lookout for examples of “Kirby Krackle” throughout the area, the pioneering art effect Kirby used to depict cosmic energy.
