After the release of Disney+’s new documentary, Stan Lee, another iconic Marvel creator’s family came forward with a different narrative.
The granddaughter of Jack Kirby (co-creator of the Fantastic Four and the Hulk), Jillian Kirby, tweeted a long heartfelt message on behalf of her father Neal Kirby. The post claimed that Stan Lee received far too much credit for his work and, as a result, pushed other creators to the side. "Are we to assume Lee had a hand in creating every Marvel character? Are we to assume that it was never the other co-creator that walked into Lee's office and said, 'Stan I have a great idea for a character!' According to Lee, it was always his idea. Lee spends a fair amount of time talking about how and why he created the Fantastic Four, with only one fleeting reference to my father."
Neal implied that the beloved Stan Lee could be egotistical at times. He even went as far as to say that he wasn't the most informed person when it came to major elements of comic books. "It should be noted and is generally accepted that Stan Lee had limited knowledge of history, mythology, or science. On the other hand, my father's knowledge of these subjects, to which I and many others can personally attest, was extensive. Einstein summed it up better; 'More the knowledge, lesser the ego. Lesser the knowledge, more the ego.'"
Jack Kirby's Son Sets the Record Straight
Neal Kirby claimed this documentary was the final straw. After decades of seeing Lee being praised by many as the face of Marvel while his father was only really acknowledged to the same degree by comic book historians, he finally had enough. And, he isn’t just defending his late father, he is defending all the writers and artists in the comic book industry who are overshadowed by big-name creators.
Jack Kirby's son wants all creators to be appreciated. He believes that one person shouldn't receive all the spotlight, especially when it comes to an industry where collaboration is key. The passionate post concludes by stating, "It's way past time to at least get this one chapter of literary/art history right. 'Nuff said."
Stan Lee is streaming now on Disney+.
Source: Twitter