Steven Senski on old comics, movies, television, books, magazines, music & more; unconnected to defunct chain. Entertainment helps us face reality, not deny it.
1988 MOVIE POLL (Round Two) Day 1 of 4
These films are among the top-grossing movies for 1988. Of them, which is your favorite?
1) YOUNG GUNS
2) COLORS
3) ALIEN NATION
Please keep cartoonist Trina Robbins - who designed Vampirella's iconic costume - in your thoughts. She has been hospitalized with a stroke at age 85. Send her your healing...
So sorry to note the passing of Scottish writer Alan Grant, who distinguished himself on Judge Dredd in the 80s, and parlayed that into writing numerous Batman stories. There he co-created such memorable villains as Anarky and the Ventriloquist. Rest in peace, good sir.
"I've gotten to do what I've wanted to do in life since I was a child. I've been making comics for 45 years, and I didn't have to backstab anyone. I don't have an enemy in the industry or the world. And the fact that I got to 'do' what I love...it's a blessing." - George Pérez
Happy 97th birthday to the utterly astonishing Ramona Fradon! A trailblazer for women in comics, she co-created Metamorpho & had runs on AQUAMAN, PLASTIC MAN, SUPER FRIENDS, and a host of DC horror tales, the latter which she called "a lot of fun." She is living comics history!
For those who grew up on Batman movies and Loki miniseries, it may seem hard to know the feeling of belonging to a small, select club of comic fandom.
When giants like Adams & Pérez leave us, it feels like a death in the family.
These guys felt like friends, and we loved them.
Oh no! Louise Simonson is in the hospital with an irregular heartbeat. Hope they find out what's the cause and you get well soon, Weezie! We love you!
@LouiseSimonson2
Happy 94th birthday to Ramona Fradon, the renowned artist of Aquaman, Metamorpho, Brenda Starr, Plastic Man, and a slew of horror stories for DC where she giggled with editor Joe Orlando on how far they could push the code. Many more, Ramona!
Deeply saddened to learn that John Cassaday has passed at the age of 52. What an incredible loss, what an astonishing talent.
I am unaware of further details, but this sad news comes from Mark Waid.
Happy 96th birthday to the utterly astonishing Ramona Fradon! A trailblazer for women in comics, she co-created Metamorpho & had runs on AQUAMAN, PLASTIC MAN, SUPER FRIENDS, and a host of DC horror tales, the latter which she called "a lot of fun." She is living comics history!
Happy 95th birthday to the utterly astonishing Ramona Fradon! A trailblazer for women in comics, she co-created Metamorpho & had runs on AQUAMAN, PLASTIC MAN, SUPER FRIENDS, and a host of DC horror tales, the latter which she called "a lot of fun." She is living comics history!
A happy 71st birthday to the legendary Chris Claremont. He wanted to be an actor, but when he started writing for Marvel he used his gift for character analysis to make X-MEN an industry leader and a book for the ages. We give thanks today for what you've done for comics, Chris!
A very happy 92nd birthday to the one and only Jazzy Johnny Romita Sr! From romance artist to Spidey penciller to character creator to Art Director, few have done more to establish the look of Marvel Comics over decades than he has. Good health and long life to a legend!
Happy 86th birthday to a living legend, our pal Sal Buscema! There isn't a Marvel character he hasn't drawn, but his lengthy runs on HULK and SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN are landmarks. Unlike many artists, he just got better and better over the years. Have a fantastic day, Silvio!
Happy 68th birthday to the wonderful Paul Smith! Self-taught, he left working with Ralph Bakshi in animation to jump to Marvel, and after only two DOCTOR STRANGE issue was called up to the big leagues to take over X-MEN for an influential year. Have a great day,
@paulsmithdraws
!
Happy 60th birthday to both the Amazing Spider-man and the Mighty Thor, both debuting from Marvel on an incredibly momentous day in 1962. Oh, to go back in time and visit a spinner rack on that June day...
The beloved Marie Severin was born OTD in 1929. She began her work in comics for EC when her brother John needed a colorist, but it was her Marvel time that endeared her to fandom. Her unparalleled gift for whimsy made her the heart and soul of the Bullpen. Marie died in 2018.
Jazzy Johnny Romita, Sr. would have been 94 today. He was working as a romance artist at DC when Stan lured him to Marvel, where he took over SPIDER-MAN from Steve Ditko. He quickly became the fixit guy and eventually Art Director. His impact on Marvel was immeasurable.
Happy birthday to Ron Wilson! He's probably drawn the ever-lovin' blue-eyed Thing about as much as any artist. Ron was one of the first to break the color barrier in comic creators, and he deserves rediscovery. His characters threaten to leap off the page & clobber ya!
Artist Mike Wieringo would have been 60 today. His time on FLASH, ROBIN, his co-creation TELLOS, & SPIDER-MAN made him a star, but his FF issues w/Mark Waid are among the best in their 60-year history. We should be wishing him happy birthday, but he died far too young at only 44.
A very happy birthday to artist Ron Wilson, who's probably drawn the ever-lovin' blue-eyed Thing about as much as any artist. He was one of the first to break the color barrier in comic creators, and he deserves rediscovery. Besides, his characters could smack ya into next week!
So sorry to learn that Barry Windsor-Smith suffered a stroke on May 20th, and has spent the time since either in the ICU or hospitalized therapy. He is home now, and I hope he can make a full recovery.
"My doctor, my wife Carol & I spoke about what I could expect....I found myself rather at peace with the information...I feel stronger by knowing what to do when my body's signals call out to let me know that my journey's end is just around the corner." - George Pérez
A very happy 70th birthday to that masterful inker Terry Austin! He exploded on the scene at the Big Two simultaneously with Byrne's X-MEN and Rogers' DETECTIVE, and his precise, detailed style is obvious at a glance (and he's dabbled in writing & his own art). Have a great day!
Happy 75th birthday, Stainless Steve Englehart! This tweet could simply consist of his historic runs: AVENGERS, DOCTOR STRANGE, CAPTAIN AMERICA, DETECTIVE, GREEN LANTERN, JLA. An Englehart script is smart, original, exciting; he's one of the essential creators of the 70s-80s.
A happy 72nd birthday to the legendary Chris Claremont. He wanted to be an actor, but when he started writing for Marvel he used his gifts for character analysis and dialogue to make X-MEN an industry leader and a book for the ages. Hope your day is wonderful, Chris!
A very happy 66th birthday to artist/writer Alan Davis! The Brit caught attention with CAPTAIN BRITAIN in the UK, his 1985 work on BATMAN & THE OUTSIDERS broke him in the US, he's had outstanding turns on EXCALIBUR, X-MEN, AVENGERS and others, but his FF makes me weep with joy.
Happy 88th birthday to a living legend, our pal Sal Buscema! There isn't a Marvel character he hasn't drawn, but his lengthy runs on HULK, ROM & SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN are landmarks. Unlike many artists, he just got better and better over the years. Have a fantastic day, Silvio!
Artist Paul Ryan would have been 72 today. He was best known for his lengthy, terribly-underrated stint drawing FANTASTIC FOUR during the 1990s, and would jokingly claim his fame was due to giving the Invisible Woman "THAT outfit" with the unique cleavage. He passed away in 2016.
Happy 62nd birthday to David Mazzucchelli! Those old enough to be blown away when BORN AGAIN and YEAR ONE were unveiled knew he was leaving an indelible mark on DD and Batman, and his work ever since has continued that bold, stark brilliance. Have a great day, David!
Len Wein would have turned 73 today. A man who inhaled comics like oxygen, the writer contributed enormous chunks to both the DC and Marvel Universes, and popular culture in turn. He was the first person who made this young fan realize, "Oh, someone writes these things?"
Legend.
The inimitable Marshall Rogers would have been 72 today. Incredibly, people at DC were upset his Batman didn't look like the company style; it forever altered the character. Had brilliant, all-too-brief runs on Silver Surfer, Mister Miracle & Doctor Strange. He died in 2007.
Happy 73rd birthday to Chris Claremont, whose unparalleled run on X-MEN shaped current comics & pop culture in so many ways. From early days in London, or on a kibbutz, or as a method actor, he's utilized every aspect of his life to bring vitality to his work. Have a great one!
Jim Shooter turns 70 today. The former Marvel EIC saw both a creative exodus during his tenure, while many of Marvel's books went on to creative peaks. He also wrote for the company, and his AVENGERS Korvac storyline may be his best-remembered. Co-founded Valiant Comics in 1989.
A very happy 71st birthday to that masterful inker Terry Austin! He exploded on the scene at the Big Two simultaneously with Byrne's X-MEN and Rogers' DETECTIVE, and his precise, detailed style is obvious at a glance (and he's dabbled in writing & his own art). Have a great day!
I don't know why Burgess Meredith is trending, but he's one of the finest actors who has ever lived, and they'll still be marveling at his performances as long as humanity endures.
Which may not be long...
Happy birthday, Weezie!
@LouiseSimonson2
turns 76, and in addition to her POWER PACK, X-FACTOR, NEW MUTANTS, SUPERMAN etc, I'll always be grateful for her brilliant editing ar Warren, overseeing the finest mags the company released since their 60s heyday. Have a wonderful day!
A very happy 73rd birthday to John Ostrander! The man who conceived SUICIDE SQUAD flirted with comics during his early days in Chicago theater, and was a character in SUPERGIRL before he ever started writing for DC. A fave of mine: his bizarre WASTELAND anthology with Del Close.
Happy 72nd birthday to John Byrne, one of the most acclaimed creators of the last 50 years. Whether at Marvel, DC, or working independently, all heads turn at his newest project. He's stayed out of the public eye, and he's not without controversy, but I hope his day is super.
Artist Paul Ryan would have been 73 today. He was best known for his lengthy, terribly-underrated stint drawing FANTASTIC FOUR during the 1990s, and would jokingly claim his fame was due to giving the Invisible Woman "THAT outfit" with the unique cleavage. Paul died in 2016.
Merry
@gerryconway
Day! Happy 69th birthday to a creator who has left a monumental mark on both the Marvel & DC Universes, who's written everything (but DOCTOR STRANGE), and transitioned to a successful TV career. Impossible to capture his achievements in a tweet, so I won't try!
Happy 70th birthday to the great
@gerryconway
, one of the most impactful writers ever at both of the Big Two, with far too many credits to address in a tweet. I'll be celebrating his work on this
#GerryConwayDay
, but feel free to post his favorite projects of yours with that tag!
Happy 71st birthday to the great Roger Stern, who went from humble beginnings as an editor of the "Charlton Bullseye" to become one of the finest writers of the 70s & 80s: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, CAPTAIN AMERICA, HULK, AVENGERS, DOCTOR STRANGE, SUPERMAN. Have a terrific day, Roger!
Sir Christopher Lee was born OTD 100 years ago today. One of the most instantly-recognizable film figures, he would become parts of some of the largest film franchises ever. He died in 2015, beloved.
Joe Kubert was born OTD in 1926 in Poland, his family coming to America when he was an infant. Generations of fans would know War through his art's lens; it's inconceivable to imagine DC without him. Though he died in 2012, Joe influences us still through the Kubert School.
Since Bill Bixby is trending - and running contrary to the fact this is mostly an account about comics - a tribute for those of us olds who now hear the following:
🎶🎶 "People, let me tell you 'bout my BEST friend..." 🎶🎶
Happiest 71st birthday to the legendary
@gerryconway
, among the most influential comic writers of the last half-century, responsible for so much of both Marvel & DC universes. We've missed him from Twitter during his health challenges, and we're so happy to hear from him again!
Frank Frazetta, the undisputed master of fantasy illustration, would have been 93 today. An original canvas of Frazetta's can easily fetch seven figures at auction, and it's difficult to find another fantasy artist who wasn't influenced by him. He died in 2010.
Deeply saddened to report the death of Steve Skeates at the age of 80. The award-winning writer of AQUAMAN, HAWK & THE DOVE, as well as countless horror and humor tales for all the major companies, was a personal favorite and possessed an incredible, blazing imagination.
A very happy 72nd birthday to Glynis Oliver! The British-born artist plied her colors to some of the most pivotal moments in comic book history, doing hundreds of issues, and won a Shazam Award in 1973. It was impossible to collect in the 70s-80s and not encounter her work!
Happy 87th birthday to a living legend, our pal Sal Buscema! There isn't a Marvel character he hasn't drawn, but his lengthy runs on HULK, ROM and SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN are landmarks. Unlike many artists, he just got better & better over the years. Have a fantastic day, Silvio!
8/10/72: SWAMP THING
#1
was published 50 years ago today, becoming an immediate sensation, as well as one of the finest books on the stands. Was the rare DC book written in "Marvel Style," with Bernie Wrightson working from Len Wein's finished script. A landmark of the medium.
Happy 93rd birthday to the legendary Bob Newhart! From brilliant stand-up to million-selling LPs to iconic sitcoms, he's been a pillar of the entertainment industry for decades, and who doesn't love him? All health and happiness!
Happy 74th birthday to Stainless Steve Englehart! He may have started as an art assistant to Neal Adams, but he became one of the most important comic writers of the last 50 years, with pivotal runs on CAPTAIN AMERICA, DETECTIVE, AVENGERS, GREEN LANTERN, DOCTOR STRANGE and more.
"I always tell a writer, including me, if I curse your name when I’m looking at that script, I will be a better artist when I finish that script." - George Pérez
Happy 73rd birthday to a modern legend, Dave Gibbons! After launching his career with spectacular work in the UK like JUDGE DREDD, his WATCHMEN in 1986 was an industry-altering sensation in ways that are still being felt. His GREEN LANTERN is flawless. Have a great day, Dave!
Never ceases to blow my mind that you could have gone down to the drugstore 59 years ago today and purchased AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
#1
, the first appearance of Iron Man, and the first Thing/Hulk throwdown all in one trip.
Happy 92nd birthday to the majestic James Earl Jones. Whether it's his physical presence or only his voice, few in Hollywood history have commanded the screen as well. A look at some of his career highlights:
Happy 72nd birthday to the magnificent Jim Starlin! Whether traversing the cosmos with Thanos et al or chronicling earthbound heroes, he's always taking readers to new and thrilling places. So glad he's recovering from a nasty 2016 accident to his hand, and is drawing again!
A very happy 69th birthday to Keith Giffen! His work on JUSTICE LEAGUE and LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES and his creation of characters like Lobo and Ambush Bug made him one of the most popular artist/writers in 80s-90s comics. Hope this legend has a wonderful day!
Happy 71st birthday to Jim Shooter. The controversial Marvel (later Valiant) EIC saw a creator exodus during his tenure, as many of Marvel's books went on to artistic peaks. He also wrote for the company; his AVENGERS Korvac storyline may be his personal pinnacle. Best wishes!
A very happy 68th birthday to the magnificent
@JMDeMatteis
! Renown for incredible tales of Spider-Man, JLI, Captain America, Doctor Fate and more, I also enjoy his Beatles & Twilight Zone enthusiasms, and he's a model of positive affirmation and energy on Twitter. Enjoy today!
Artist Paul Ryan would have been 73 today. He was best known for his lengthy, terribly-underrated stint drawing FANTASTIC FOUR during the 1990s, and would jokingly claim his fame was due to giving the Invisible Woman "THAT outfit" with the unique cleavage. He passed away in 2016.