The City of New York honored Jack “The King” Kirby on July 9 when Delancey Street was renamed Yancy Street/Jack Kirby Way.
The commemorative street sign celebrated the co-creator of the Fantastic Four in the neighborhood that Kirby grew up in, which became the inspiration for his fictional Yancy Street.
Kirby’s granddaughter Jillian Kirby said, “Grandpa Jack saw himself in the Thing, Ben Grimm being named after our great-grandfather… [The Fantastic Four] is so grounded in the Kirby family. Sue Storm [was also] named after our aunt Sue.”
After unveiling the sign, granddaughter Tracy Kirby noted, “This would be a great honor for [Jack]… he was a New Yorker to the end.”
Kirby and Stan Lee’s Fantastic Four will once again hit the silver screen on July 25, taking place in what appears to be a 1960’s version of New York City.
Stay tuned to Conskipper for all of your Jack Kirby and Fantastic Four news.
