Jack Kirby Would Have Been 98 Today, And Here's How You Can Celebrate

Jack Kirby, co-creator of much of the Marvel Universe and creator of, among other things, the Fourth World characters, Kamandi and dozens more for DC Comics, would have turned 98 years old today.

In honor of The King's birthday, comic book retailers, fans, nonprofits and more are holding birthday parties for Kirby, which you can find out about using the #Kirby4Heroes hashtag on social media.

Many of the events benefit the Hero Initiative, a nonprofit organiation that helps aging comic book creators with healthcare and quality of life issues. Kirby's family and estate work with Hero regularly.

Kirby co-created The X-Men, Captain America, almost all of the Avengers, Groot, The Fantastic Four and more. He is generally credited along with Stan Lee on almost every Marvel Studios film. His dynamic art continues to be an inspiration years later, having helped shape the future of comics. His style is instantly recognizable to many comic book fans, especially the visual styles of characters Kirby created

Fans in upstate New York can attend a birthday party for Jack, operated in conjunction with and featuring custom beer by Schmaltz Brewery. You can see the details below.

A Birthday Party for the King of Comics, Jack Kirby, will be held at Shmaltz Brewery, 6 Fairchild Square, Clifton Park, NY on Friday, August 28th from 5 to 9 p.m. Sponsored by Shmaltz Brewery, Excellent Adventures Comics, and Comic Depot, the event will feature Shmaltz's "King Kirby Ale," honoring Jack Kirby's vast legacy in comics.

"King Kirby Ale" is a special bottling of Shmaltz's Slingshot Lager, featuring Jack Kirby himself on the label in art by comics stalwarts Lee Moder and Paul Harding. Limited Edition cases will be on sale at Shmaltz the night of the event, with a percentage of proceeds going to the comic-oriented charity Hero Initiative, which is also sponsored by the Kirby4heroes campaign.

The Kirby Birthday Party features an impressive list of comic creators, who will be on hand to sign and sketch. Guests include Steve Niles, Andy Lanning, Ron Marz, Lee Moder, Paul Harding, Tom Raney, Joe Staton, Mark McKenna, Steve Orlando, and many more.

The ticket cost of $20 include five samples of Shmaltz beers, a complimentary glass, a piece of Kirby birthday cake, and a chance at door prizes. There will also be a silent auction of special comic items donated by creators. Ticket and auction proceeds benefit comic charities Hero Initiative , which is also supported by the Kirby4Heroes Campaign.

Tickets will also be available at the door, the night of the event.