Disney Redux – Jack Kirby and the 1971 Disneyland Convention

Jack KIRBY provided the pencil art for the cover of the Disneyland Convention held April 9th, 10th & 11th in 1971. The art features Kirby’s “Super-Escape Artist” Mr. Miracle and his assistant Oberon being held by Grumpy, from the Disney animated feature “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Thanks to Greg THEAKSTON for gifting a copy of the program to the Museum.

At the convention, Kirby sold a portfolio of eight of his New Gods character designs. The images were printed in grayscale on 8 1/2″” by 11″ paper, and held in an unmarked envelope. Photos taken by Vincent DAVIS from the Disneyland Convention were featured in the July 1971 issue of Richard KYLE’s Graphic Story World newsletter. Thanks to Alex JAY for gifting a copy of the newsletter to the Museum.

1971 July – Graphic Story World 2 page 6

The page is captioned on the next page: “ON THE LEFT: Top row: Jack Kirby; Forrest J. Ackerman. Second row: Jim Steranko; Jerry O’Hara (convention organizer); Bill Stout, Mike Royer (in stripes), Bob Foster, Larry Kenyon (in white obscuring Jim Steranko, who is displaying his art). Bottom row: Janet Royer, Mike Royer, Mark Evanier; Milton Gray; Mark Kausler; Carmine Infantino. =photography by Vincent Davis.” If you have any photos, memories or further information regarding Kirby’s attendance at the 1971 Disneyland Convention, please contact me and I’ll try to include them in this piece. (Added 3 October 2009) I’ve added a scan of a photocopy of what appears to be Kirby’s original art (with paste up) for the booklet. Note the art around the edges that was cut due to the bleed of the printing. Also note that “Mister Miracle” was removed and “Jack Kirby” was added before printing.

3 thoughts on “Disney Redux – Jack Kirby and the 1971 Disneyland Convention

  1. Jerry O'Hara

    If you would like any more information on the convention and Jack Kirby’s presence back in 1971 feel free to email me. -Jerry O’Hara

    Reply
  2. Robert Beerbohm

    I was at this show. My friend Steve Johnson and I were just coming out of high school. Drove 1800 miles out from Nebraska in my 65 Chevy Impala with U-Haul Trailer full of comics as was the trunk, the back seat, a over-head U-Haul carrier as well. Historical mention: Jerry O’Hara’s partner organizer for this show was David T. Alexander. As far as I can remember, this was the only time a comicon was at this hotel. Comic fans evidently trashed the place per opine of the hotel management. I beg to differ, one’s mileage may vary widely. It was a fun affair. The getting there was an adventure in & of itself as there were no interstate freeways then as of yet…..

    Reply

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