The superheroes of Marvel Comics that almost everyone in today’s date adores were created by not just one man but an entire team of them. Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, John Romita, and many other artists had put in their creative minds to create a franchise so dearly respected by the world. However, oftentimes these creators were indeed forgotten, giving the spotlight to only one.
The documentary on Stan Lee has truly shown the love that both fans and those who work within Marvel have for him. Although, it can also be said that sometimes many of the other creators got shadowed by the fame that Lee had. Jack Kirby’s son even pointed out the same after the documentary attracted a lot of attention.
Also Read: Jack Kirby’s Biggest, Best & Most Important Marvel Creations
Jack Kirby’s Son Speaks Up Against Stan Lee Getting Most Of The Credit
Stan Lee wasn’t the only one who created Marvel superheroes and that is a fact that has loudly been masked by not only the franchise but Lee himself. Neal Kirby, the son of Jack Kirby has come forward with how creative differences were always present within Marvel Comics, and a majority of the credit that should have gone to every other creator as well, went to Lee alone.
“Are we to assume Lee had a hand in creating every Marvel character? Are we to assume it was never the other co-creator that walked into Lee’s office and said ‘Stan, I have a great idea…’”
He pointed out the fact that for a majority of the characters, Lee is credited as a co-creator alongside Jack Kirby. However, that fact got overlooked early on as Lee took it as an opportunity to see himself rise more than the rest of them. He also focused on how the Fantastic Four were created by both of them. Kirby took inspiration from his creation from DC and even named Sue Storm after Neal Kirby’s sister, Susan Kirby.
Fans Support Neal Kirby’s Claims
It has been portrayed for a long time that Marvel’s superheroes were the brainchild of Stan Lee and no one else. Creators like Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and others were all sidelined in an attempt to put Lee on a pedestal. Even with the creation of Spider-Man, it is heavily noted that Lee was the sole creator of the character when in reality, bringing Spider-Man to life had the involvement of both Lee and Ditko.
Marvel never gave Jack Kirby true recognition in their characters, that goes for Steve Ditko etc.
— Let’s Talk Slade (@let_slade1) June 18, 2023
Stan Lee was an incredible guy, but people like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko are the forgotten heroes of the story. How many modern Spidey fans even know Ditko’s name? I saw people who didn’t know Romita when he sadly passed the other day.
— Comrade Connor (@connor4real1) June 18, 2023
Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko were the true auteurs. Stan Lee was just the face I loved him but he was selfish not sharing the limelight with Jack and Steve
— 🦝 🐇 Gregor W 🦦 🦭 🏴🇺🇦 (@ComicAcolyte) June 18, 2023
Let’s be honest, Stan Lee is a legend yes, but it is a great injustice that the “King of Comics”, Jack Kirby isn’t getting as much praise.
That man remains a legend. Even in death. pic.twitter.com/6YUhzAzSAq
— Abicah Soul. Amun Ra. (@Brother_Drum) June 18, 2023
If y’all think this is something new or “out of nowhere” you know nothing about comic history. It’s well documented that Jack “The King” Kirby got fucked over by Marvel and Stan specifically, as well as DC.
Stan Lee was a character and you all need to realize that
— BЯ!NGBΛСКCЯΛВCØЯЕ2⎊23 #WILDSTORMRENAISSANCE ❄️🐀 (@EmoScottPilgrim) June 18, 2023
Stan Lee is just Marvel’s Bob Kane but worse since Stan has created his mythology about him & how people think that everything Marvel came from him
— Nicholas (@NicholasJLevi) June 18, 2023
Fans have also supported Neal Kirby and his fight to give credit to every other artist, especially his father. They admit that while Lee had a lot to contribute, so did other creators and they all did their level best to make these characters who are loved by the public even after years have passed.
Source: Twitter
