Jack Kirby limited edition beer benefits comic creators
Comic book readers who also happen to be beer drinkers may want to take a day trip to the Shmaltz Brewery in Clifton Park, New York at the end of the month.
The brewery will be celebrating what would have been the legendary Jack Kirby’s 97th birthday by releasing “King Kirby Ale” as part of a benefit for the Hero Initiative, a nonprofit organization that helps comic creators in need, on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 4-8 p.m. The limited edition brews will be available in pale and dark styles, and cases will be on sale the night of the event. Kirby is pictured on the label, designed by Paul Harding, surrounded by his trademark “Kirby krackle,” though his usual cigar seems to have been replaced by a pencil.
Known as “The King” to his fans, Kirby co-created some of the greatest characters in comics, including the Fantastic Four, X-Men, Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, New Gods, and countless more for Marvel and DC Comics, and is still one of the most influential and respected artists in the industry. He passed away at the age of 76 in 1994.
For $20, those who attend the event at the Shmaltz Brewery (6 Fairchild Square, Clifton Park, NY) will receive a piece of birthday cake, five Shmaltz beer samples in a complimentary glass, the chance to win door prizes, and the opportunity to mingle with guests that include Harding, Ron Marz, Tom Raney, Fred Van Lente, and Crystal Skillman and have comics and sketches signed.
Tickets can be purchased online here.
Learn more about the Hero Initiative, the Kirby4Heroes campaign, and other related events on Aug. 28 by watching the video below:
