New Awards to Honor Jack Kirby’s Legacy

ComicArtFans.com (CAF), the estate of Jack Kirby as represented by the Rosalind Kirby Family Trust, and the Jack Kirby Museum & Research Center have launched the Jack & Roz Kirby Awards, annual prizes “recognizing innovation, excellence, and humanity in narrative communication,” per a release. The inaugural awards show will take place at the Original Art Expo, to be held February 20-22, 2026 in Orlando, Fla.

Created by CAF CEO Kasra Ghanbari, the Kirbys are dedicated to the legacy and work of comic artist Jack Kurtzberg, better known as Jack Kirby, and his wife, Roz. Kirby was the primary architect of the Marvel Comics Universe. Kirby also made significant contributions to DC Comics, animation, the nascent independent comic book publishing industry, and comic book creator rights. 

At launch, the Kirbys will consist of six award categories: New Voices, Independent Spirit, Innovator, Visionary, Storyteller, and Teacher.

Details about the voting committee members, awards statue, and more are forthcoming in November.

The Kirbys are the first outcome of a partnership between CAF, the Kirby Estate, and the Jack Kirby Museum, who together will produce other fundraising, award, and promotional events. The partnership will be overseen by a three-person committee consisting of Tracy Kirby from the Kirby Estate, Tom Kraft from the Kirby Museum, and Ghanbari. 

"We are extremely excited to partner with CAF to help envision and create these awards, which we feel will truly honor Jack and Roz’s legacy while celebrating the passion and future of comic art in remarkable artists today," said Kirby.