10 Marvel Movie Characters You May Not Have Known Jack Kirby Drew!

Today would have been Jack Kirby’s 98th birthday. If you aren’t familiar with his career, I assure you that he is referred to as the King of Comics for good reason. His mind and drawings have been responsible for some of the most iconic characters in comic book history. Properties such as The Fantastic Four, Captain America, Thor, X-Men, The Avengers, and many more have since transcended the paper medium and made their way to the big screen. With their success has brought an opportunity for lesser-known comic book properties to be developed for television and movie theatre screens and yes, as you might have guessed, Kirby is responsible for many of them too.

Let’s take a look at some characters you might not have known Jack drew:

Groot

Before he was a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy he was The Monster from Planet X! He also said more than just “I am Groot.” He didn’t become a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy until the 2008 comic book series.

Ant-Man

While many didn’t know of Ant-Man until this summer’s movie, Kirby drew Hank Pym in his Ant-Man costume back in 1959.

Doctor Doom

Ok, for some of you this may be obvious, but The Fantastic Four had another movie out this Summer so he gets a spot on the list. That and he’s one of the greatest villains in comics!

Black Panther

Marvel broke the colour barrier in comics when they introduced their first black superhero, Black Panther! He is king of the great nation of Wakanda, a brilliant scientist, and a warrior of great skill. Marvel has confirmed that the Black Panther will be part of their Phase Three slate of films.

Baron Strucker

Baron Strucker made his first appearance on the big screen played by Thomas Kretschmann in 2014 during the mid-credits scene of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Kirby first drew him in 1964.

Bucky

As we roll into Captain America: Civil War, Bucky’s (well, the Winter Solder’s) role will continue to grow. Kirby created the character back in 1941!

Peggy Carter

Peggy Carter first appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger. The character then gained much more popularity when she got her own show, Agent Carter. Kirby sketched her first adventure with Captain America in the 77th issues of Tales of Suspense.

Red Skull

Another character who appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger. This iconic villain first sketched by The King in Captain America #7.

Arnim Zola

We saw this villain adapted for film in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Arnim Zola was one of Kirby’s last contributions to the Captain America mythos.

Baron Zemo

Alright, some of you might not have heard of this character yet but you will when Daniel Brühl portrays him in Captain America: Civil War.

So, what are your favorite Kirby comics and characters? Let us know in the comments below!