Lord of Light (1967) – "Pavilions of Joy" Science Fiction Land (1978) - Argo (2013)
Artist: Jack Kirby (All)
12 Comments - 465 Views - 4 Likes
Artwork Details
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DescriptionThis incredible Jack Kirby illustration, loaded with the kind of style only "King" Kirby could provide, has a very interesting story connected with it.Originally conceived as production pieces for a proposed film, based on a Roger Zelazny Science Fiction novel LORD OF LIGHT (1967) (concerning a high-tech prophet’s campaign against a future elite, modeled falsely on Hindu gods), the commissioned art was stored away when producer Barry Ira Geller lost his funding. The art shows the “Pavilions of Joy” a lavish spacey-spiritual world developed to sell the idea of the theme park SCIENCE FICTION LAND (written into the screenplay) – a world-bettering Utopian technology and cultural hub, to help connect and empower people. Sadly funding and land deals for the theme park fell through, and various corrupt characters were indicted… and soon after EPCOT opened up (1982)… the Kirby Universe is now essentially owned by Disney, which of course purchased Marvel Comics… IT’S AN AMAZING STORY… but it doesn’t end there… The Lord of Light screenplay and Kirby art, was later picked up by the CIA for use in a daring covert rescue mission of six Americans held in Iran (1979). CIA operative Tony Mendez teamed up with his friend and veteran Hollywood makeup artist John Chambers (Planet of the Apes). A fake film production company was created, with offices set up in Hollywood, and permission to film scenes in Iran was obtained, all as a ruse to spirit the Americans out. The Ben Affleck film, ARGO (winner of Best Film at the 2013 Academy Awards), is based on these true events, and this piece of art played a pivotal role in that astounding and successful mission. The epic scale of the art is phenomenal when viewed in person. You can see the design of the god-like character GALACTUS filtering through the art. A truly historic piece of art and story! Ink on paper - 22.25" x 17" Incidentally, this piece of art had spent 20 years in the collection of star artist and DC Comics co-publisher Jim Lee, before it joined my collection in 2013. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Paul Roach 
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 8/12/2021
It's a wonderful backstory to the work, and one that never grows old. This is Kirby at his most epic, and it's great to see the full scale of his vision here. Great page!
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 8/12/2021
Would the Iranians have recognized Kirby comics and his art style during the previous regime? Kirby's vision over two pages wide is an overwhelming experience with just taking in the scale itself. This is one of the more impressive pieces of the project. If actually built as envisioned, the theme park or movie set would have been bigger and grander than any wonders of the world. If any comic art was going to save the world, let it be by the hand of the greatest ever.
Glynn Crain
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 8/12/2021
Fantastic! Awesome! Epic! Congrats on such a wonderful Kirby illustration!
Mark Levy
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 8/12/2021
Congratulations - a great piece of Kirby and world history!
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 8/12/2021
A truly epic pick up! Such grandness! Love it!!
Joe Murray
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 8/15/2021
The Lord of Light Kirby pieces are all stunning, this being an excellent example, many congrats!!
Rob R
Member Since 2019
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 8/22/2021
Wow. One of the most memorable Kirby pieces.
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