Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Creator Rememberance Day



We are lucky to live in a time where the comics we have available to us are plentiful, amazing and accessible. This shared loved of this medium wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the dedicated and talented men and women of the past that worked to create and deliver to us the comics of our youth, or our parents youth, or their parents youth. This has gotten me thinking: Is there a day where we as a community band together and share our love and memory of the creators or industry pioneers that are no longer with us? A creator "remembrance" day in essence? 

I couldn't find anything like it in my research so I have a proposal. On the second Wednesday of February every year we take to our social media sites, our local comic stores, our places of gathering where we talk and share comics, and take the time to talk about a creator that you have discovered in your comics reading, one who was influential in forming your love for comics, and tell people why they made an impact on your life. I think it’s important to share and keep alive the memory of the people that got us where we are today, and by doing so maybe exposing another comics fan to a creator they aren't familiar with. My remembrance this year goes to:

Jack Kirby. I know most if not all comics fans know about Mr. Kirby & his contributions to the comics industry, but this last year I have been reading more of his work that I ever had before. I have been learning just how important and prolific he was in his life and how comics wouldn't be the same without his work. I have found such joy in reading his works and appreciate comics in a completely new way after being exposed to some of the amazing creations he made.

Who would you want us to remember this year? What effect did they have on your comics reading life? I look forward to hearing your remembrances and sharing your memories of the creators that helped form your love of comics who are no longer with us.

10 comments:

  1. I love this idea, Meyers. Time to start lobbying your Congressman!

    As to my pick? Well, not too long ago Jason Sacks from Comics Bulletin re-introduced me to the works of Steve Gerber, especially his run on Man-Thing, The Defenders, and Omega the Unknown. I knew Gerber existed before that, but spending time really going through his work (with Sacks) for CB's Classic Comics Cavalcade column really opened my mind/heart to his incredible genius and pathos and humor and horror.

    I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention the work of Don McGregor as well. I've had the unique opportunity to talk to Don about his work on Black Panther, Killraven, and Sabre (the latter two will some day see the light of day on CB as well). He is an amazing writer -- fearless, empathetic -- he broke so many taboos and helped bring a new awareness of the basic tenents of humanity to comics.

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    1. Great picks Daniel! Don't forget Howard the Duck for Gerber too! I just started reading this last month. Gerber is really interesting. McGregor is another guy who's work needs to be enjoyed as well, so much interesting and important stuff that he did (and I assume is still doing?)

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  2. Mark Gruenwald

    He was an amazing write, and more importantly, a good person (from everything I've ever read)

    I have read and enjoyed

    the 19832 Hawkeye Limited Series
    the much ignored D.P.7 - my favorite from the New Universe
    He did many Avengers books and his numerous fill in books.

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    1. I have to admit I think I have nearly a full run of DP7 in a long box that I have never read. Im going to make it a point to check it out now.

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    2. That's an awesome run! I really enjoyed the book. It felt like the X-Men if the X-Men didn't have a jet, a mansion, money...lol

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  3. Two thoughts: first, I'd like to move we include comic strip writers and artists as well, in which case my remembrance goes to Walt Kelly. "Pogo" was the first strip I recall my mom explaining to me, and as I got older it was the one I tried hardest to appreciate, since I knew it had been a favorite of hers. Since my parents didn't introduce me to comic books, this is the bit of comic memory I have that I can say is hereditary :)

    And second, just a little reminder that there are a lot of older, ground-breaking creators still with us who may not be part of the public eye so much anymore, but still deserve our thoughts and in some cases our help. Check out The Hero Initiative for more details, but I think a monthly visit to that site to honor some of those individuals would be a nice companion piece.

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    1. Andrea absolutely comics strip writers and artists! All comics creators and important comics industry people. I think its a great reminder about the Hero Initiative, they do great work in helping creators in need, its a great cause and needs as much support as we can give. Thanks!

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  4. This is a great idea, Aaron! I'm in!

    One of my all-time favorite people in comics is Archie Goodwin! Editor of titles like Eerie, Detective, The Long Halloween & Starman. Writer of titles such as Iron Man, Manhunter & Batman & the creator of Luke Cage! And that's just a drop in the bucket! Next Wednesday I'll let everybody know what a legend of comics Archie Goodwin was and still is!

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