Superman is going to live forever. They'll be reading Superman in the next century when you and I are gone. I felt, in that respect, I was doing the same thing. I wanted to be known. I wasn't going to sell a comic that was going to die quickly.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the desire for artistic legacy and immortality through one's work.
Jack Kirby expresses his ambition to create lasting art similar to Superman, emphasizing the aspiration for recognition and the belief that his creations should have enduring significance. He acknowledges that while his work may eventually be forgotten, he strives to create something that will resonate long after he is gone, thus aspiring to leave a lasting impact in the world of comics and storytelling.
In practice
In a speech about creativity, one might reference this quote to inspire artists to think about the lasting impact of their work.
I taught myself how to draw, and I soon found out it was what I really wanted to do. I didn't think I was going to create any great masterpieces like Rembrandt or Gauguin. I thought comics was a common form of art, and strictly American in my estimation, because America was the home of the common man - and show me the common man that can't do a comic. So comics is an American form of art that anyone can do with a pencil and paper.
Kid ... Comics will break your heart.
It's not in the draftsmanship, it's in the man. Like I say, a tool is dead. A brush is a dead object. It's in the man. If you want to do it, you do it.
I've never done anything half-heartedly; it's a disservice to me and the audience if I do it half-heartedly.
If you think a man draws the type of hands that you want to draw, steal ‘em. Take those hands.
Through music I either tame my demons or unleash them and allow them to be what they are. I don't want the music to be about provocation, I want the music to bring you to a place where you feel at home
It's a shame how a lot of actors use theater as a stepping stone to film and television work; I think it shouldn't be treated that way. Maybe it's narcissism or something. I think we should always go back to it. I try and do a play a year, and I think that's really helped me.
I try to remember that the job - as well as the plight, and the unexpected joy - of the artist is to embrace uncertainty, to be sharpened and honed by it.
Surrealism comes from the reality of Latin America.
Beauty is perfect in its imperfections, so you just have to go with the imperfections.
I didn't know Kurt Cobain or Amy Winehouse, but I was affected by both of their deaths because I admired their work so much and mourned their youth and work they would never produce.
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