New York City Honors the ‘King of Comics’ with Official Naming of Jack Kirby Way
Manhattan’s Lower East Side now carries a permanent reminder of one of the most influential figures in modern mythology. On Monday, May 11, 2026, city officials and comic book enthusiasts gathered at the corner of Essex and Delancey Streets to unveil “Jack Kirby Way,” a street co-naming that honors the legendary artist and co-creator of some of the world’s most iconic superheroes.
The ceremony was more than a formal city designation. it was a celebration of a man whose imagination defined the visual language of the Marvel Universe. From cosplaying fans dressed as the Fantastic Four to the presence of Kirby’s own descendants, the event marked the official recognition of a creative titan who rose from a crowded tenement building to become the “King of Comics.”
From the Lower East Side to the Marvel Universe
Born Jacob Kurtzberg in 1917 to Jewish immigrant-refugees from Austria, Jack Kirby’s early life was shaped by the density and grit of the Lower East Side. Growing up in an Essex Street tenement and navigating youth gangs during the Great Depression, Kirby drew upon these raw, urban experiences to fuel his dynamic storytelling and explosive art style.
Kirby’s contributions to pop culture are foundational. Alongside collaborators like Stan Lee, Joe Simon, Larry Lieber and Don Heck, he co-created a pantheon of heroes that continue to dominate global cinema and literature. His portfolio includes:
- The Fantastic Four: The team that launched the modern Marvel Age.
- The X-Men, The Hulk, and Thor: Characters that explored themes of isolation, power, and divinity.
- Captain America and Black Panther: Icons of heroism and leadership.
- The Avengers: The cornerstone of the Marvel cinematic and comic narrative.
Beyond these primary creations, Kirby also played a role in the development of other staples like Spider-Man and Daredevil.
The Campaign for Permanent Recognition
While Marvel had previously redubbed the street “Jack Kirby Way” as a temporary promotional event for the film The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the move was not official. This lack of permanence prompted pop culture historian and Jack & Roz Kirby Awards board member Roy Schwartz to spearhead a campaign for a formal designation.
Schwartz argued that Kirby’s influence as a “founding father of popular culture in New York” deserved more than a marketing tie-in. The effort succeeded when the New York City Council made the change permanent in December. During the unveiling, Schwartz emphasized that Kirby isn’t just a pivotal figure in comics, but one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
“He had a once-in-a-generation talent and ability to capture anything in his mind, from abstract cosmic deities and explosive super heroic battles to more relatable, yet powerful, character moments, and breathe life into them on every page,” said Dan Buckley, head of Marvel Comics and Franchise.
A Lasting Legacy in Manhattan
The street renaming coincides with the launch of a new free exhibit titled “The Jack Kirby Way: How a boy from the Lower East Side became the ‘King of Comics.'” The exhibit aims to educate the public on Kirby’s journey from a WWII veteran and local youth to a global cultural icon.
The ceremony featured New York City Council Member Christopher Marte and Kirby’s grandchildren—Tracy, Jeremy, and Jillian Kirby—who joined Schwartz in unveiling the sign. The event underscored the enduring bond between Kirby’s humble beginnings and the cosmic scale of his professional achievements.
Key Takeaways: The Legacy of Jack Kirby
- Official Designation: The corner of Essex and Delancey Streets is now officially co-named “Jack Kirby Way.”
- Cultural Impact: Kirby co-created the core of the Marvel Universe, including Captain America, Black Panther, and the Fantastic Four.
- Local Roots: The naming honors Kirby’s upbringing in a Lower East Side tenement, which influenced his art and storytelling.
- Permanent Honor: The designation was made permanent by the NYC Council in December, following a campaign led by historian Roy Schwartz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jack Kirby called the “King of Comics”?
Kirby earned this title due to his unprecedented influence on the medium. His ability to blend cosmic scale with human emotion, combined with his role in creating the most successful superhero franchise in history, established him as the definitive architect of the modern comic book.
Where is Jack Kirby Way located?
The street is located at the intersection of Essex Street and Delancey Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City—the neighborhood where Kirby was born and raised.
Who spearheaded the effort to name the street?
Roy Schwartz, a pop culture historian and board member of the Jack & Roz Kirby Awards, led the campaign to ensure the street naming was a permanent official act by the city rather than a temporary promotion.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand, the naming of Jack Kirby Way ensures that the man who imagined these worlds is never forgotten in the city that helped shape him. His legacy remains etched not just in the pages of comic books, but now in the very geography of New York City.