Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Sad News: R.I.P. Dave Stevens

The news hitting the Internet is that comic artist Dave Stevens has passed away yesterday after a long battle with Leukemia. He was 52.

Usually, I would leave the kind words about the deceased to other, more eloquent writers. And, in this case, there are plenty to go around: Mark Evanier, Heidi MacDonald (who I copped the picture to the left from) , and Valerie D'Orazio.  But this time, I'll think I'll make an exception.

Those of you who who do not follow comics might know of a movie from a few years ago called The Rocketeer. This was adapted from a comic book created by Dave Stevens.

The Rocketeer was a great concept. It was a classic Golden Age book that came out thirty years too late.

And, in my opinion, Dave Stevens was one of the best comics artists of all time. The best way I can explain his style is Norman Rockwell by way of Alberto Vargas. His art was beautiful. His characters were realistic looking but with a glow to them.

And he could draw a gorgeous woman too. It is through his artwork that I first found out about pin-up model Betty Page. I'm sure I'm not the only teenage boy who did.

He was an underrated artist and by all accounts a very nice guy to boot. He will be missed.

 



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