Next Friday, the comics world will be celebrating the birthday of one of, if not the, most important figures in comics history, Jack Kirby. While there will be plenty of great articles published, and retrospectives planned, if you happen to be in the New York area, you might want to head up to Clifton Park, NY – a lovely suburb of Albany – for a pretty great birthday celebration.
The Shmaltz Brewery is hosting their yearly Jack Kirby celebration, which features comics industry guests like Ron Marz, Steve Orlando, Andy Lanning, Paul Harding, and Steve Niles, as well as a sampling of Shmatlz’s beers, and a piece of Kirby birthday cake. Last year, I got the piece of cake featuring Captain America’s crotch, so you never know what sort of superhero anatomy you’ll get to consume (in cake form)!
The event costs $20, which goes to the Hero Initiative (our usual charity partner) and Kirby4Heroes, which is a joint project between the Hero Initiative and the Kirby family.
Plus, you’ll get to get some of the limited edition “King Kirby Lager,” something you can clearly lord over your friends for the next year.
Tickets are available here – I hope to see you out there – cheers!
Press Release:
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.
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 and Kirby4Heroes.
Tickets will also be available at the door, the night of the event.
