SARATOGA SPRINGS — The late Jack Kirby fathered several comic book heroes, with his name forever associated with the likes of Captain America, Hulk, Thor and many more.



With pen, paper and a prowess for storytelling that would later earn him the nickname, “the William Blake of comics.” From his desk, Kirby penned storylines that pitted his protagonists against impossible odds, saving the day often by being at the right place, and at the right time.
In Saratoga’s Comic Depot, Kirby’s characters are represented by all sorts, depicted by action figures, as statuettes, on posters, in film and, of course, in a monthly comic book. But, through a twist of compassion and imagination, local comic book artists have personified the heroic spirit Kirby instilled in his characters; and, subsequently into his fans.
Tragedy struck the Comic Depot community last November when the store owner, Darren Carrara died unexpectedly from a heart attack at age 39. He left behind a wife, his two children, and a throng of loyal customers and comic book fans from the store he ran for 13 years.
“He was a phenomenal person.” said Chris Kaminski, manager of Comic Depot, of Darren Carrara. “He could make everyone feel important. He was somebody who, while you were talking to him, he was really listening. He was on point about being attentive to everybody.”
“I started working for this company, officially, I think it’s been three
Kaminski helped organize a fundraiser to help the Carrara family. One that, naturally, involves comic book art. More than a dozen artists submitted artwork, from pencil sketches to paintings depicting Batman, Superman, Star Wars and more.
“Being in this business, we’re friends with lots of the local [artists]. Darren just had this ability to become friends with everybody. People have donated tons of artwork, and there would be even more if we waiting this out even more.”
Artist Jeff Bonesteel said he was compelled to donate his Batman piece to the auction, recognizing that the moment was for him to be at the “right place at the right time.” When Kaminski asked Bonesteel if he wanted to donate towards the cause, he said, “Hell, yeah. I want to donate. That would be awesome.”
“We used to hang out in here, even back when the store was in the mall,” Bonesteel said, about Carrera. “He was an awesome dude. … I don’t know. Still trying to get used to it.”