New York City just got a whole lot more “Marvel-ous”. In a fantastic tribute to legendary comic artist and creator Jack Kirby, a corner in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, where Kirby grew up, has been renamed Yancy Street/Jack Kirby Way.
On July 9th, the intersection of Delancey and Essex Streets officially became part of the Marvel Universe. This commemorative sign celebrates Kirby, often referred to as the “King” of comics, whose formative years in the Lower East Side profoundly inspired the vibrant world of Marvel.
Kirby, born Jacob Kurtzberg on August 28, 1917, was a prolific storyteller and artist responsible for creating iconic characters, including Captain America, Iron Man, Ant-Man, the Hulk, and the Fantastic Four. He often drew from his own experiences as a New Yorker to build the fictional landscapes and characters of the Marvel Universe. For instance, the beloved character Ben Grimm (The Thing) of the Fantastic Four was a resident of “Yancy Street” in the comics, a clear nod to Kirby’s own neighborhood.
Members of the Kirby family were on hand for the unveiling, sharing touching insights into the deep personal connections within Kirby’s work. His granddaughter, Jillian Kirby, revealed that much of the Fantastic Four was inspired by their family’s history, with Ben Grimm even being named after their great-grandfather, and Sue Storm being named after their Aunt, Sue. She also highlighted the significance of the Boys’ Brotherhood Republic (now the Boys & Girls Republic), an organization Kirby credited with keeping him on the right path, where he honed his skills by editing the newspaper and contributing cartoons.
Another granddaughter, Tracy Kirby, noted how much this honor would have meant to Jack, who remained a New Yorker his entire life. This new street sign isn’t just a landmark; it’s a permanent testament to the enduring legacy of a creative giant whose real-life experiences shaped the imaginations of millions.
