Comic Book Creator (2024)

A celebration of quintessential 1970s writer/editor Denny O'Neil is the centerpiece of CBC #35, featuring an in-depth look at his life, work, and legacy, focusing on the era of relevant comics - from the fabled Green Lantern/Green Arrow series to the mod, mini-skirted Wonder Woman -  that brought comics into the modern age. Plus, Bob Levin examines the roller-coaster life and chaotic career of George Caragonne, from his start as Jim Shooter protege at kiddie Star Comics to becoming the drug-fueled helmsman of Penthouse Comix, plunging off a Times Square hotel to his death at age 29. Also, part one of a career-spanning interview with Arnold Drake, co-creator of The Doom Patrol and Deadman. Plus we visit with Jack Butterworth (Warren horror mag writer and comics historian), chat with alternative cartoonist Tim Hensley, and of course, the great Fred Hembeck's latest "Dateline" feature is here too!

The life, art, and legacy of Tom Palmer is celebrated with a retrospective and career-spanning interview with the late inker extraordinaire, plus tributes from an array of comics pros, compiled by Greg Biga. We also chat with great cartoonist Lee Marrs, from her start assisting on Little Orphan Annie, to hilarious work for DC's Plop!, to breaking into the underground with Pudge, Girl Blimp, as well as forging her own path in the comics scene. In addition, we begin a multi-part look at the life and career of Dan DiDio, one-time co-publisher of DC Comics and current Frank Miller Presents publisher, talking with him about his eclectic writing work for television and rise as renowned comics scribe. Plus there's part two of our in-depth talk with the late writer Arnold Drake about his storied comics career, that includes co-writing perhaps the first graphic novel, It Rhymes with Lust [1950], and his foray at Marvel Comics, where he created Guardians of the Galaxy. Also, we spotlight the fascinating public service comics produced by the students of the Center For Cartoon Studies, and more!

Steve Englehart is spotlighted in a comprehensive, career-spanning interview, with emphasis on his glorious '70s work as top comics writer. Plus, with the help of former DC Comics' romance editor Barbara Friedlander, we redeem the once sullied name of her mentor, the late, great DC editor Jack Miller, whose career was bought to an ignominious end by company management while he suffered a fatal malady. Also, Dan Didio shares about his entry as DC exec to become the company's co-publisher in the second portion of Greg Biga's interview with the writer extraordinaire. We also conclude our 100th birthday celebration for Arnold Drake with the final portion of an amazing conversation with the brilliant late scribe, examining his creation of The Doom Patrol and work on The X-Men!