12 February 2008
Steve Gerber RIP
Probably the single most important comics writer ever, for me, passed away on Sunday. That would be Steve Gerber, creator of Howard the Duck, Omega the Unknown, Destroyer Duck, the Defenders, the Phantom Zone miniseries(uncollected, but find it and read it) and so much more.
I really don't know what to say except that I am very sad right now, almost like I lost another parent. When I was a little kid it seemed that every other comic I read was by Steve(and drawn by either Gene Colan or Val Mayerik). He influenced my thinking, and my art, probably more than anyone else at that time, including my actual parents. Steve was comics in the 70s. I wonder if he knew he was warping a little kid's mind for good. (Who else would put a character called Dr. Bong in a kid's comic?)
I could say a few words about how Marvel should be ashamed at what they're now doing to Omega and Howard. But screw it.
I loved Steve, and I'll leave it there. He almost made up for not really having a dad; at least I found something to get wisdom from. Without him I would be very different. As would comics, creator's rights, and a hell of a lot else. I thank him for said mindwarping, and wish I could have met him at least once. Gone far too soon. Rest in peace, Steve-O. And thanks.
"To dance the rattlesnake, a little grace is required."--Steve
More tributes here at Steve's blog, courtesy of Mark Evanier.
Also an obit from Tom Spurgeon.
Probably the single most important comics writer ever, for me, passed away on Sunday. That would be Steve Gerber, creator of Howard the Duck, Omega the Unknown, Destroyer Duck, the Defenders, the Phantom Zone miniseries(uncollected, but find it and read it) and so much more.
I really don't know what to say except that I am very sad right now, almost like I lost another parent. When I was a little kid it seemed that every other comic I read was by Steve(and drawn by either Gene Colan or Val Mayerik). He influenced my thinking, and my art, probably more than anyone else at that time, including my actual parents. Steve was comics in the 70s. I wonder if he knew he was warping a little kid's mind for good. (Who else would put a character called Dr. Bong in a kid's comic?)
I could say a few words about how Marvel should be ashamed at what they're now doing to Omega and Howard. But screw it.
I loved Steve, and I'll leave it there. He almost made up for not really having a dad; at least I found something to get wisdom from. Without him I would be very different. As would comics, creator's rights, and a hell of a lot else. I thank him for said mindwarping, and wish I could have met him at least once. Gone far too soon. Rest in peace, Steve-O. And thanks.
"To dance the rattlesnake, a little grace is required."--Steve
More tributes here at Steve's blog, courtesy of Mark Evanier.
Also an obit from Tom Spurgeon.
Labels: cartoonists, comics, death
¶ February 12, 2008
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