It’s been a long time since Jack “King” Kirby set the comic book world on its ear by leaving the “House of Ideas,” a house he had helped build, to go to work for the “Distinguished Competition” across Manhattan.

Continuing where he had left off in Thor (sorta), Kirby created a whole other universe within the DCU called the Fourth World, which included books Mister Miracle, The New Gods, Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen … and The Forever People.

An aspect of that world is returning in June to DC’s New 52 with Infinity Man and the Forever People by Keith Giffen and Dan DiDio. Dynamic Forces caught up with Giffen, an artist/writer of cosmic wonders, and got the skinny on the new book.

Dynamic Forces: Tell us how this Kirby-centric book is rearing its head in the New 52. How did you become involved?

Keith Giffen: Dan asked. It's how I get involved in most books. Actually, I'd been riding Dan about doing something together again because OMAC was so much fun. Be careful what you wish for.

DF: Is there a certain awe in handling characters stemming from Kirby's Fourth World?

Keith Giffen: Umm … no. I'm in awe of Kirby as talent and really appreciate the Fourth World stuff, but handling the characters ... not so much. Besides, it was always Kirby's intention (or so I've read) that the Fourth World books be passed on to others.

DF: Tell us the backstory of the Forever People and how they connect to the legend of the New Gods. Are these the same characters as was in Kirby's Forever People?

Keith Giffen: Kinda sorta. Dan's got a fun take on their personalities and motives so, while it is Forever People ... it's not. Did that make ANY sense at all?

DF: Umm … no. Anyhoo … What can you tell us, if anything, about the mysterious Infinity Man?

Keith Giffen: He makes a pretty mean martini? To be honest, I'm not the guy to ask. Part of the fun of books like this is the spontaneity. I guess I'll learn about Infinity Man along with the readers.

DF: Will we be seeing any other Kirby creations in these pages?

Keith Giffen: That would be nice. I can't see how we wouldn't be seeing as the FP are part of the New Gods canon. I mean, we've already got Bat Cow lined up so ...

DF: And the big-bads?

Keith Giffen: They're there. Mantis, Dr. Bedlam, Dr. Scuba …Yes, I did say Dr. Scuba. You wanna make something of it?

DF: We hear you will be doing the art with Scott Koblish. What does he bring to the book?

Keith Giffen: Peace of mind. Scott knows how to ink my stuff. Having that "what will the inks be like" worry removed from a book is invaluable. That, plus he adds a nice bit of flair to my scratchy-ass crap. And he's a pretty awesome penciler, too. Check out his Deadpool and get an eyeful.

DF: Keith, is there any project current or future you would care to discuss?

Keith Giffen: Justice League 3000's still out there and about to get even stranger. Hell, Howard Porter's artwork alone is worth the cover price. Then there's this weekly book I keep hearing about, Futures End, which gives me the opportunity to look bad compared to Jurgens, Lemire and Azarello. Tune in and watch me squirm.

Dynamic Forces would like to thank Keith Giffen for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. Infinity Man and the Forever People hits stores June 11th!

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