Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will introduce a new character in the titular role while also honoring Chadwick Boseman's iconic legacy. The movie also likely celebrates Black Panther as an icon onto itself, and it's an opportunity for fans to revisit the superhero's storied past. Black Panther counts as just one of Jack Kirby's best comic book characters.
Kirby created many comic book characters in his career for both Marvel and DC Comics, including arguably the most influential heroes and villains ever, like Captain America and Darkseid. His creations from the Golden Age into the Bronze Age of comics shaped the superhero genre and now they mold movies, television, and other media.
The Celestials
While the Eternals now enjoy a higher profile among fans thanks to their appearance in the MCU, their cosmic creators arguably represent Kirby's more important contribution. The Celestials achieved instant icon status thanks to their unique design, and they've since become integral parts of the greater Marvel Universe.
The Celestials, among the most powerful cosmic beings in Marvel Comics, play a crucial role in the evolution of superpowered characters in the universe, including possibly mutants as revealed in the epic crossover A.X.E. Judgment Day.
The Incredible Hulk
Kirby co-created many iconic superheroes with writer Stan Lee, including The Incredible Hulk. Comic book fans know the Hulk debuted in 1962 and formed a foundational pillar in the nascent Marvel Universe. Hulk reflected a classic Kirby trope with a powerful monster embodying an innocent humanity.
The Hulk went on to help form the Avengers in 1963, and he became a cultural icon thanks to his role in the MCU as well as the 1978 The Incredible Hulk television series.
Thor
Kirby borrowed from one of his favorite subjects, Norse mythology, to bring Thor into the Marvel Universe. He crafted a superheroic Thor in Journey Into Mystery #83 in 1962. Thor combined the mythic figure from Norse legend with the very human and modern Dr. Donald Blake, though this aspect diminished over time.
Kirby also created or co-created Thor's iconic ing cast. That includes Jane Foster and Loki, easily among the best Marvel Comics supervillains and a major figure in the MCU.
The X-Men
Kirby co-created the X-Men with Stan Lee in 1963 and instantly minted several iconic Marvel Comics characters. He designed Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, Angel, Iceman, and Professor X. He also co-created their greatest villains, with Magneto appearing in the first issue and the Scarlet Witch coming in X-Men #4.
Though the X-Men's major success came years later with new characters like Wolverine and Storm, Kirby helped lay the foundation for decades of comics, movies, TV shows, and more.
Silver Surfer
Kirby created the Silver Surfer on a whim for "The Galactus Trilogy," among the best Fantastic Four comic book storylines (and greatest comics period). He thought a powerful entity like Galactus required a herald, leading him to include the Silver Surfer, though Stan Lee hadn't written this into the script.
The Silver Surfer's iconic design led to his becoming a fan favorite and a major player in the Marvel Universe. He likely appears in the MCU in the near future, with the Fantastic Four making their debut in 2024.
Darkseid
Kirby helped found the Marvel Universe in the 1960s. In the 1970s, he left for DC Comics over artistic differences with Lee. That led Kirby to create the Fourth World and dozens of iconic characters. Darkseid arguably ranks the highest among them. He certainly counts among the best DC Comics villains.
Though the New Gods comic failed, leading Kirby to go back to Marvel, this powerful god-like being eventually became a major character in DC comic books, TV shows, and now movies.
Doctor Doom
Kirby co-created another iconic villain in Doctor Doom. The powerful villain first appeared in Fantastic Four #5 and quickly became the burgeoning Marvel Universe's elite big bad, appearing in numerous Fantastic Four comics and factoring in several iconic storylines, including Secret Wars.
Doctor Doom's ambition, power, and complex but compelling rivalry with Reed Richards keep him at the forefront in Marvel Comics several decades after his debut. He always plays a major role in Fantastic Four movies and animated series and certainly will when they make their MCU debut.
Fantastic Four
Kirby co-created Marvel's first family, including Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Human Torch, and The Thing, along with Lee. They remain major icons in comics and other media and kicked off the Marvel Universe in 1961. Their instant success helped revitalize the superhero genre and make it what it is today.
Kirby remained on the title for 102 issues, a record run in Marvel Comics unbroken until Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley exceeded it on Ultimate Spider-Man in the early 2000s.
Black Panther
Kirby co-created Black Panther along with Lee in the seminal issue Fantastic Four #52. While some debate exists over which man actually came up with the character, no debate exists over Black Panther's importance. T'Challa debuted in 1966 as the first Black superhero in mainstream American superhero comic books.
Black Panther's arrival heralded more iconic characters like The Falcon and John Stewart in DC Comics. This opened the door to greater diversity in comics, if only gradually, and the character's monumental importance was reflected in the character's success in the movies.
Captain America
Captain America counts among the first superheroes ever. Kirby co-created him along with legendary creator Joe Simon in 1941. Captain America Comics #1 debuted with the hero punching Nazi leader Adolf Hitler on the cover several months before the United States entered World War II. Captain America remains an icon over 80 years later.
The character predates the Marvel Universe, first appearing in what was then Timely Comics, but he remains in some ways the standard. The template Kirby created with Steve Rogers provided a roap for later Marvel characters and the character formally ed the Marvel Universe in Avengers #4 in 1964.
