In Memory: Russ Heath, Marie Severin & Gary Friedrich

   It's been a rough week for comics fans, as the industry lost three titans whose work was such a big part of the Silver Age of comics - and their work stretched long after that, as well.

   Last week we lost artist Russ Heath, one of the finest craftsmen in the history of the industry. 

   Best known for his artwork on DC's war comics (especially The Haunted Tank), Heath's work was amazing for its realistic depiction of people, machinery and environments.

   I first discovered his work in the amazing Sea Devils comic, which followed the adventures of a team of undersea explorers who kept running into strange mythological monsters.

   His covers were stunning works of art, standing out from the crowd. Sadly, his work was also swiped by a certain famous artist (he who should not be named) who made a killing copying Heath's work and selling it for huge sums at art galleries. 

   Heath was always magnanimous about that theft, which says a lot about what a terrific guy he was - but he deserved better.

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   This week we lost the woman who managed to win a spot in the (virtually) all-male Marvel Bullpen. 

   Marie Severin started as a colorist at EC Comics but eventually found her way to Marvel, sometimes working with her brother John (who had lured her into the business). 

   Best known for her comical work, such as for the classic Not Brand Echh series, Marie also turned in terrific work (to name just a few) on Dr. Strange, Sub-Mariner, the Hulk and Kull the Conqueror (her work on that series with her brother John inking was one of the high points in Marvel's considerable sword-and-sorcery output).

   Blessed with a tremendous sense of humor and a kind spirit, Marie was a favorite of the fans - and of all those who love comics.

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    I first encountered Gary Friedrich in the late 1960s in the pages of Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos - which must have been a odd fit for the young writer during that time, since the Vietnam War (and the anti-war movement) was raging.

   But his stories we terrific and he went on to a solid career through the '60s and '70s, creating the modern-day (Johnny Blaze) Ghost Rider, the Son of Satan and crafting hundreds of stories for most of Marvel's line, including X-Men, the Hulk, Daredevil and Nick Fury.

   While he never reached the top tier of writers, his work was always entertaining and often compelling. He helped make Marvel the powerhouse it is today, and created its most lasting supernatural character.

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    It's a sad farewell to these wonderful creators - all three of them were a cherished part of my early years of reading comics!