Jack Kirby, a name that resonates with comic book fans worldwide, has been honored by his hometown of New York City in a truly special way. In recognition of his immeasurable contributions to the world of Marvel Comics, the city renamed a portion of Delancey Street and Essex Street on the Lower East Side to ‘Jack Kirby Way’ and ‘Yancy Street.’ These streets, located near the very corner where Kirby was born, hold special significance for the legendary creator.
For those unfamiliar, Kirby was not only the genius behind iconic Marvel characters such as Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and the Avengers, but he also shaped the very neighborhood where he grew up.
Yancy Street, a fictional New York street in Marvel’s universe, became the home of Ben Grimm, AKA The Thing. It’s a piece of Marvel history that ties directly to Kirby’s roots.
The honor was made official at a ceremony attended by Kirby’s family and Marvel staff, including Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief, C.B. Cebulski. He took to social media to express his gratitude for being part of such an important moment. ‘Honored to have been a part of this morning’s ceremony honoring Jack Kirby by renaming Delancey St… Jack Kirby Way/Yancy St,’ he shared on Instagram. ‘Thanks to everyone at Marvel who helped make this happen, to the city of New York for working with us on the project, and to the Kirby family who flew in to be a part of this special day.’
Jack Kirby’s legacy in the comic world is undeniable. From co-creating Captain America in the 1940s to his pioneering work in the 1960s, Kirby’s influence helped define the Marvel Universe. Many of today’s most beloved superheroes, including Hulk, Silver Surfer, and the X-Men, owe their existence to his creative genius. His passing in 1994 marked the end of an era, but his work continues to live on in the pages of comic books and on the big screen.
Despite the immense recognition Kirby has received over the years, his son Neal has been vocal about the need to address some lingering controversies surrounding his father’s role in the creation of Marvel’s characters. Neal criticized Disney’s Stan Lee documentary for overshadowing Kirby’s contributions, which has sparked a renewed conversation about the true origin stories of Marvel’s superheroes. As Neal Kirby stated, ‘It’s not any big secret that there has always been controversy over the parts that were played in the creation and success of Marvel’s characters.’
Even as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand, with The Fantastic Four set to join Phase 6 of the MCU this July, Jack Kirby’s legacy will always remain foundational to the stories we love. And now, thanks to New York City, Kirby’s name will forever be immortalized on the streets he once walked.