This year’s southern California convention season is about all things Marvel. And it’s probably the busiest season in recent memory with Disney’s D23 Expo one week apart from San Diego Comic Con. This year marks one of the first years that Marvel takes a major role with their parent company’s convention. While Marvel has been a major staple at SDCC, this year sees the induction of several Marvel legends as Disney Legends carrying on Walt’s Legacy. Disney began with honoring Marvel’s legacy and history before looking forward.
Great montage celebrating Jack Kirby's life and career. #D23Expo pic.twitter.com/PG75ZJxTSy
— Ryan Penagos (@AgentM) July 14, 2017
The Expo kicked off today with the Disney Legends ceremony that featured honorees like Oprah, Ava Duvernay, and Marvel Legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Jack Kirby’s son Neal Kirby was on hand to accept his father’s award along with the top Marvel brass, and of course Stan “the Man” Lee himself.
Jack Kirby's son Neal Kirby accepted the Disney Legend Awardfor Jack. I teared up a bit tbh. #D23Expo pic.twitter.com/mlB7giIIe1
— Ryan Penagos (@AgentM) July 14, 2017
In true Disney fashion, the company staged a musical tribute to Marvel, now a welcome part of the Disney family. If there are figures who can match Walt as American Originals, it’s Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. Each one received a montage before accepting their awards on stage.
Stan Lee always wanted one book as a kid, that book was THE ART OF WALT DISNEY! #D23Expo
— The DisInsider (@TheDisInsider) July 14, 2017
Stan Lee came up to accept his Disney Legend Award. Told amazing stories. Gave much love for Jack Kirby. It was grand. #D23Expo pic.twitter.com/sNd3tpm63v
— Ryan Penagos (@AgentM) July 14, 2017
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby join luminaries like George Lucas, Robin Williams, Oprah, Dick Van Dyke, Annette Funicello, Phil Collins, Lillian Disney, Steve Martin, Betty White, Paige O’Hara, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill. This gesture, an iconic award within the Disney company, cements Marvel as a part of the Disney brand and more importantly, the Disney family adding to Marvel’s credibility as an iconic piece of American History and American culture.
Excited to see what Marvel and Disney have in store? Stay tuned to The Marvel Report for up-to-date coverage of the D23 Expo and the upcoming San Diego Comic Con. Excelsior!