Son of DC and Marvel Comics Legend Condemns Usage of Captain America Symbols in the Capitol Protests


Captain America is known as one of Marvel Comics' most iconic and beloved characters. The comics were created by Jack Kirby in 1941, along with his partner Joe Simon. Some of the iconic Marvel characters were seen wearing Captain America's highly recognizable symbols during the protests and riots in the Capitol Building last January 6, Kirby's son spoke up regarding the "disgusting and disgraceful" use of his father's work.

CNN Anchor Jake Tapper shared a message from Jack Kirby's son, Neal on Twitter. The tweet says, "Neal Kirby, the son of Captain America co-creator Jack Kirby, was distressed to see some of the January 6 terrorists/rioters wearing shirts with versions of his dad's creation corrupted by the image of the outgoing president."

In Neal's message, he stated that the incident was, "an insurrection inspired and fomented by our own president," adding that it would be "the event that haunts me forever."

Neal also wrote, "Captain America is the absolute antithesis of Donald Trump, Where Captain America is selfless, Trump is self-serving. Where Captain America fights for our country and democracy, Trump fights for personal power and autocracy. Where Captain America stands with the common man, Trump stands with the powerful and the privileged. The creators of Captain America and WWII veterans would be absolutely sickened by these images. These images are an insult to both their memories."

Aside from Captain America, some of the people participating in the incident also wore the skull icon of The Punisher, which is another well-known character from Marvel. The Punisher has been recently embraced by activists, which can be considered against the intentions of writer Garth Ennis and other people involved in the creation of the character.

Jack Kirby was widely known for co-creating some of Marvel Comics' characters, with Captain America as one of the examples. Alongside Stan Lee, Jack also co-created X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, and Doctor Doom.

Aside from Marvel, Kirby was influential in DC Comics as well. He is known for creating the New Gods, a lineup of characters that consisted of characters like Mister Miracle, Orion, Big Barda, Granny Goodness, and Darkseid. Kirby passed away at the age of 76 on February 6, 1994.

Related: The Mandalorian Star Gina Carano Gets Called Out for 'Supporting' Capitol Protests

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