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RIP: Dick Giordano 1932-2010

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  • RIP: Dick Giordano 1932-2010

    RIP: Dick Giordano 1932-2010





    Comics lost a giant with the passing this morning of Dick Giordano, a former Executive Editor at DC and an influential inker who helped shape the look of Bronze Age comics and usher in a new era of talent.

    Giordano’s career included work at Charlton, Dc and Continuity Associates, the studio run by Neal Adams. As Adams’ inker on such much admired works as Batman and Green Lantern/Green Arrow, Giordano’s techniques influenced a generation of inkers, including Terry Austin, Bob Layton, Al Milgrom, Joe Rubinstein, and Bob Wiacek, essentially setting the tone for the entire Bronze Age of comics.


    Giordano was equally important as an editor. At Charlton, he helped create and revamp their line of characters. That feat got him a job at DC. During his first stint there, from 1967-1970, he helped usher in a more modern era of comics storytelling with books such as Bat Lash and Manhunter, and helping to bring in the first wave of new talent to DC Comics since the Golden Age. After leaving to go to Continuity, he came back to DC in 1981 and continued at VP/Executive Editor from 1983 until 1993, where he oversaw such epochal events as the maturation of the Direct Market, limited rights for creators, the publication of Watchmen and Dark Knight and the establishment of the Vertigo line. While Giordano was not the originator of these changes, along with Jenette Kahn and Joe Orlando, he helped usher in the first truly modern era of comics.

    He was much admired as a a line editor — one who supports and advises without heavy-handedness.

    Giordano retired from DC in 1993, partly due to hearing loss that made working in an executive capacity difficult. However, he continued to draw and ink and was a familiar figure at conventions, and an important mentor and confidante for some of comics’ most important creators of the period. In recent years, he had suffered from leukemia and was hospitalized last week.

    Bob Layton sent out the following message this morning:

    Dear Friends & Colleagues,

    It is my sorrowful duty to announce that legendary artist/editor/entrepreneur Dick Giordano passed away today.

    Few could ever hope to match what he accomplished in his chosen profession, or to excel while maintaining great humor, compassion for his peers and an unwavering love for the art form.


    His unique vision changed the comic industry forever and all of those who work in the business continue to share in the benefits of his sizable contributions.


    I have been honored to call him a business partner, mentor and dear friend throughout the majority of my lifetime. We will not see his like again.

    Regretfully,


    Bob Layton

    While tributes are pouring in, DC’s current management team released the following statement:

    “Dick Giordano has left a lasting legacy as a comic book artist and as a DC Comics executive,” said Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment. “I join the industry in recognizing his tremendous contribution to DC Comics and send my sympathy to his family and friends.” “

    When I was just trying to break into comics back in 1986, I received a lot of form rejection letters, including a very gracious one from Dick at DC Comics. On the DC letterhead, he took the time to pen an additional personal note which I still cherish today. “Looking good–keep working at it.” Those few words kept this often dejected young artist hanging in there as it took many many more submissions before I finally broke into comics,” said Jim Lee, Co-Publisher, DC Comics

    “Thank you, Dick, for your words of encouragement, all the years of amazing art and editorial leadership at DC. And finally, for showing us artists how a great inker gets it done.”

    “Dick Giordano was an inspiration for me when I first joined DC Comics,” said Dan DiDio, Co-Publisher, DC Comics. “He was an innovator and an industry leader as both a creator and a creative executive. He was truly one of the greats in the business.”

    Marv Wolfman wrote

    Dick Giordano passed away. For those of us who came into the industry between ‘67-70, Dick was more than the great inker people know him as. As an editor, he was an encouraging force who brought in new people and helped nurture them. He is 100% responsible for my existence in DC. On top of that he was simply a great guy. He’ll be missed.

  • #2
    This is indeed a major loss. RIP Dick, thanks for sharing your gift with us all.
    http://photobucket.com/cards_for_trade_or_sale
    and my personal auto collection
    http://photobucket.com/tiger_tiger_cards_PC
    Autograph cards WANTS: Mike Vernon, Larry Kwong, Bob Cole
    Wants: GU All star net cards, 72, 76 Future Trends autos.

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