Chadwick Boseman: An Obituary

 

   Sad to note the passing of Chadwick Boseman, a fine actor who portrayed the Black Panther on screen, along with other excellent performances as Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson and James Brown (among many others).

   He died Friday at the far-too-young age of 43 after a four-year battle with colon cancer - a battle he apparently waged privately.

   Such a shame - so much talent, and decades of great performances in his future. Bless him and his family, and hold them in your prayers.

Obituary - Denny O'Neil

   Sad to note the passing of writer / editor Denny O'Neil.

   He enjoyed a long and impressive career working for both DC and Marvel while wearing both writer and editor hats - and his long string of accomplishments shows what an impact he had on the industry.

   He helped re-invent Superman. He and Neal Adams breathed new life and purpose into the campy Batman. He guided Wonder Woman through her "New Look" phase. He crafted terrific tales for the Justice League.

   At Marvel, he had a strong run on Amazing Spider-Man and Daredevil.

   His fine work as editor tends to be overlooked, but there's a long line of amazing talent that got into comics thanks to Denny's work.

   But if you had to point at one series that put him on the map, it was his run on Green Lantern (co-starring Green Arrow and often Black Canary) with art by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano.

   It was one of the early attempts to drag DC into the present, featuring stories that focused on the issues of the day: racism, overpopulation, pollution, and drug abuse (to name a few). 

   It was shocking stuff to my young self, and it helped spark a renewed interest in DC's comics, which I had largely abandoned for Marvel's books.

   O'Neil leaves behind a vast amount of excellent work to serve as an inspiration for future creators - and an industry that is much brighter for his efforts!

   

A Titan Passes! Farewell to Stan Lee

   It's heartbreaking to note the passing today of Stan Lee, 95, one of the most important figures in the history of comic books.

   He started in the business when he was a teenager, working as a gopher for his uncle, publisher Martin Goodman, at Timely Comics.

   Through the years his career survived the near destruction of the comics industry and by the late 1950s he was the editor and main writer for the company then known as Atlas Comics.

   He wasn't very proud of his work, as evidenced by his use of a pen name instead of his real name, Stanley Leiber. But with a new, creative approach to comics, he was about the rejuvenate the industry.

   Teaming up with legendary artists like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, they created dynamic new heroes for the company now known as Marvel Comics - the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk, Dr. Strange, the X-Men - and by combining action, humor and soap opera elements, they brought new life and new interest in the comics industry.

   Stan gets a lot of praise for his work as a writer and scripter, but he doesn't alway get enough credit for his work as an editor - he was able to urge the best work of their careers from everyone in the Bullpen, including Kirby, Ditko, John Buscema, Don Heck, George Tuska, Gene Colan, John Romita, Jim Steranko and Gil Kane (and many others) - and hired terrific writers to add to the mythos, including Roy Thomas. 

   But his most important work was as a promoter for comics. He created the attitude at Marvel that we were all part of the club. Stan was the funny, lovable leader of the gang, and we were all welcome. He became the face of the industry, and without his tireless promotion, pushing that product, I suspect comic books might long ago have gone the way of radio dramas.

   It occurs to me that he's probably the only comic book creator that almost anyone on the street could name. 

   At his advanced age and (apparently) failing health, his passing is probably a blessing - but it's a tough loss to bear. Stan was a true inspiration. For me, there are few writers who had as much influence or whose work affected me more. He crafted mythologies and stories that still resonate, and told stories I can almost repeat word-for-word. 

   He was a titan of entertainment, with characters and stories continuing long after he last provided their dialogue. It seems a fitting memorial that he leaves behind a billion dollar industry that produces several movies every year (in addition to TV shows, video games, books and, yes, comic books) based on characters that sprang from his work with talented artists over 50 years ago.

   I was lucky enough to meet him for a short interview in the late '80s and he was exactly what you'd expect: funny, quick, lovable, kind and brimming with energy. That's the Stan I'll remember and cherish. 

   At the end of the interview, I asked the usual question: "Is there anything you'd like to add?" He paused for a moment, leaned forward, smiled, and said, "Excelsior!"

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.

   --------------

   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.

-----------------

    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.

-----------------

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

   

Steve Ditko - the Passing of a Titan

   The death of Steve Ditko at the age of 90 was confirmed today, and it's sad news for any fan of comics.

   A unique figure in comics, Ditko hated the limelight and preferred to let his work speak for him - and it made his point loud and clear.

   He worked virtually his entire life in the industry, working for almost every company and in almost every genre. 

   But it was his work at Marvel Comics with Stan Lee that marked him as one of the industry's all-time greats. After years of creating clever and visually stunning mystery / science fiction / fantasy shorts for Marvel's "monster" comics, Ditko teamed with Lee to create a unique superhero and changed the industry. 

   That character was Spider-Man, and it was perfectly suited to Ditko's quirky, down-to-Earth style. If Jack Kirby's art had the impact of a hammer, Ditko's was all about finesse, combining acrobatic action, lots of humor, clever plot twists and a surprising amount of heart.

   Spider-Man became a phenomenon, and it also became a great showcase for Ditko's writing ability. By issue 25, Ditko was credited with the plot (the first artist to get such a credit), and he continued to mold the character until his sudden departure with issue 38.

   At the same time, he created Dr. Strange (Lee stated at one point that the character was Ditko's idea, though it obviously benefitted from Lee's scripting - and owed a bit to Lee and Kirby's short-lived Dr. Druid). It was an amazing, surreal and psychedelic creation by an artist rooted firmly in the real world.

   And then, at the height of his success, Ditko left Marvel for reasons no one seems to understand (though there are lots of theories, of course). But he never stopped working.

   At Charlton, he worked on heroes such as Captain Atom, Blue Beetle and the Question. At DC he created Hawk and Dove and the Creeper. He drew adventures for Thunder Agents and horror tales for Warren and on and on.

   He created another distinctive creation, Mr. A, an unusual hero who preached an Ayn Rand-inspired philosophy, focusing on good vs. evil with no gray area allowed in between.

   I still think his finest work was Shade, the Changing Man for DC - but before it could catch on, it was washed away (along with his Odd Man) in the DC Implosion.

   He even returned to Marvel to draw the adventures of ROM and Machine Man (among many others), but refused to draw Spider-Man or Dr. Strange again.

   As he continued into his senior years, Ditko mostly worked on self-published projects - but while he apparently refused to take part in the modern movies based on his characters, he was adamant that he should be considered the co-creator on those heroes, and was quick to pipe up with a reporter neglected to provide proper credit.

   Everyone has their own "Mount Rushmore" of great artists who should be honored, and Ditko is on mine, next to Kirby, Will Eisner, and whoever the fourth artist might be (I'm still debating on that one - Wood? Kane? Toth? Kubert? Anderson? It's a tough call.)

   For his staggering body of work, for his amazing artistic skill - a completely unique and stunning style - and for his contributions to raising the level of storytelling in comics, Ditko deserves to be honored as one of the industry's all-time greats. 

   We may never see his like again.


   

   

Farewell to Margot

   Sad to hear today of the passing of actress Margot Kidder, 69, who had a distinguished career as an actor in movies and television, but is best known to comics fans as Lois Lane, paired with Christopher Reeve in four Superman films in the '70s and '80s.

   She was an excellent choice for the role, playing Lois as a tough, no-nonsense reporter who knew what she wanted and had the determination to overcome any obstacle. (I wasn't crazy about the "Lois can't spell" gag.)

   With her unique, sandy voice and an undeniable sex appeal (and great chemistry with Reeve), she was a lot of fun to watch, and she brought an original approach to the character.

   Sad to realize that we've now lost both stars of that classic film - and they were among the youngest actors in the cast! 

   Margot gave us lots of terrific performances along the way - sad to lose her far too soon.

In Memory of Len Wein

   Sad to note the passing today of Len Wein, one of the giants of the modern age of comics.

   A former fan turned pro, he was influential as a writer, editor and creator for both Marvel and DC Comics.

   How influential? Well, as a co-creator he invented Wolverine (during Wein's great run on The Incredible Hulk), Swamp Thing, the Human Target and the New X-Men (including Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler and Thunderbird). 

   As a writer he breathed fresh life into some classic characters, turning in terrific stories on the Phantom Stranger, Batman, Thor, the Justice League, the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Marvel Team-Up, Green Lantern, Blue Beetle and Star Trek.

   As an editor he guided the classic Watchmen and Camelot 3000 mini-series, and worked a stint as Editor-in-Chief at Marvel.

   Best of all, he was one of those rare writers who always turned in excellent work - you knew if he was involved, you were holding an entertaining comic.

   I only met him briefly back in the late '80s, and he struck me as both smart and kind, willing to share his time to talk to the fans - and I think, right up to the end, he was a fan, too.

Farewell to Adam West

   Sad news today, as we hear of the passing of actor Adam West, 88, who achieved lasting fame as Batman in the beloved ABC-TV show in the 1960s.

   One of the keys to the success of any show or movie is finding the rights actor to play the part, and on the Batman TV show, they hit the jackpot, with perfect casting for the show's lead, for the ongoing characters, and a long list of guest villains - but the most important was the Caped Crusader.

   It was an odd role - a "campy" take on the hero, very different from most shows of its kind, but it worked - young viewers could enjoy it for the jokes and the action, the vivid colors and crazy props - and adults could enjoy it for its tongue-in-cheek humor, its fast pacing and artistic camera work. 

   Put simply: the show was a lot of fun - and West managed to walk that delicate line between playing it straight, being an action hero, and delivering laughs.

   It was a role that made West a star - but it was also a curse, because he would struggle for years to step out from the shadow of Batman. His own sense of humor saved him, as he embraced fandom and his legacy. He built a lasting career poking fun at his own image, and the fans loved him for it.

   Of course, many fans loathe the campy '60s Batman (there was a time in the '70s when I agreed) - for the still-felt impact on comics as being for children, and the whole "Zap! Pow! Comics!" shorthand still being used by the media.

   But it did bring comics into the mainstream, and demonstrated that comics characters could be popular with the general public, although it would only be sporadic success until the "modern era" of superhero films.

    But as a kid, and later as an adult, I loved West's portrayal. It was such a thrill to see this comic book character brought to life on TV. When I saw the feature film at our local theater in the late '60s, the crowd cheered loudly when Batman first appeared on the screen - we loved him!

   We still do. There have been many fine actors who've put on the costume, but to most of us, they're just the latest guy in line - there's really just one Batman.

   As the actor once said, his portrayal of Batman was: "Pure West."

Carrie Fisher

   It's heartbreaking to say goodbye to Carrie Fisher, who passed away today, several days after suffering a heart attack on a flight into Los Angeles.

   Best remembered as Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars movies, she had a tremendous career, acting in numerous movies, writing several (great) books, and working as a script doctor on high-profile films many times over.

   She was funny, sexy and very smart - an intoxicating combination.

   Not many actresses could carry the weight of being the only woman on one of the biggest movies of all time - but she cemented her role as a tough, smart and big-hearted woman capable of leading a band of heroes and an army of rebels.

   As she proved in The Force Awakens, she still had plenty of grit and love to share (and reportedly her scenes have a been shot already for the next Star Wars movie), but her loss leaves an ache in the hearts of fans around the world.

 

 

Remembering Darwyn Cooke

   Comic fans everywhere were rocked today by the news of Darwyn Cooke's passing.

   It's a terrible shock, given that Cooke was only 54 years old - and only the day before it was revealed that he had been fighting cancer.

   Cooke was a rare artist who had a unique style all his own - one that evoked the joy and energy of the Silver Age of comics. His style seemed to contain some on the minimalism of Alex Toth, the raw energy of Jack Kirby, and a dynamic style of Steve Rude - all rolled into a distinctive and fresh package.

   His work in comics is not vast, but it's certainly important - he redrafted Catwoman into her modern look, he revitalized the Wild West in Jonah Hex, he gave the entire industry a much-needed shot of optimism with his reimagining of the Silver Age in DC's New Frontier, and he gave his own steely edge to hardboiled fiction with his adaptation of the Parker stories.

   He also crafted a number of covers - mostly for DC - that will hopefully one day be collected for fans to read and enjoy.

   In a just world, he would have had decades more to tell his stories and share his vision - but we can take some comfort that he leaves behind so much great work that we can enjoy - and treasure.

Murphy Anderson: In Memory

   Very sad to note today the passing of one of the titans of the Silver Age (and beyond): Murphy Anderson, who rose to fame as an artist and inker on such titles as Hawkman, the Atomic Knights, Superman and virtually every title in DC's line.

   As I've mentioned before, he was one of the best (and probably THE best) of the Silver Age DC artists (and the best inker, too). 

   I met him a couple of times over the years, and he was always kind and generous with his time - you had the sense that he was a big comics fan, too!

   I interviewed him briefly in Chicago in the late '80s and saw him on panels over the years at other cons. I once asked a group he was with at one panel - Roy Thomas, Julius Schwartz and Murphy - what their favorite work / project had been. Julie said, "Well, most of us don't have a single favorite." Roy said, "I do: Conan." Murphy said, "The Buck Rogers comic strip." Julie seemed a bit miffed, but the audience laughed.

   I also got a chance to talk to Murphy one-on-one at a con several years back. I got him to autograph an issue of Strange Adventures he had drawn, and I asked him about the last panel on the last page - it included his signature and the notation "-30-" - something all old-school journalists know. I asked if that was the origin, and he smiled and said, "Yes, it's a throwback to my old days in journalism class." (In the pre-computer days, typing "-30-" on a script signified the end of a story.) 

   He was a charming, kind man - a true gentleman. I loved his work and admired him greatly.

In Memory: Nick Cardy

   Very sad to note the passing of artist Nick Cardy, who had a long and glorious career in comics - most notably with DC Comics.

   I've always been a big fan of his clean, dynamic style, and like most young fans I fell in love with his version of just about every heroine he ever drew - especially Wonder Girl in the Teen Titans.

   His female characters were sexy, with a wholesome, "girl next door" quality.

   But I liked him for more than just his incredible art. I was lucky enough to meet him and talk to him a few times at comics conventions, and each time he was a true delight.

   I have to admit that I don't approach many artists or writers at conventions because I always feel like I'm bothering them. What am I going to say? "You're great, I love your work!" Surely they've heard it a million times before.

   But Nick was different. A warm, wonderful guy, he was very approachable and very friendly. At one con I found a copy of Bat Lash, a western he had drawn (and in some cases, written). At the end of one day, as the con was about to close, I found him sitting in the Artist's Alley, gathering up his work. I asked if he had a moment, and he apologized, saying he didn't have time to take on any more commissioned drawings. I said, "Oh, I just wanted to see if you could autograph this comic" and handed him the issue. His face lit up, and he said, "This is one of my favorite issues!" He launched into a wonderful story about working on the series, and he happily signed my copy.

   A few years later a friend and I were talking to him in Artist's Row, and he kept us laughing with his stories about the industry. After a while, he said, "You guys don't want to stand here and listen to me talk." My friend and I smiled at each other and said, "We're happy to stand here as long as we're not bothering you!" He laughed and told us another story.

   I don't pretend that I knew him - but I know he was a wonderful guy, a tremendous artist who left his mark on the industry, and set a standard that few can ever hope to match.

   I miss him already.