Comments on: Dave Stevens 1955-2008 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/ The News Blog of Comics Culture Sun, 8 Nov 2009 08:09:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.2 by: Rich Minnick http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-3196347 Sat, 02 May 2009 01:27:03 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-3196347 Rest in peace....You have left the world a great thing...The Rocketeer...will live forever..... Rest in peace….You have left the world a great thing…The Rocketeer…will live forever…..

]]> by: Dave Stevens 1955 - 2008 « Marvel Noise http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2697843 Sat, 06 Dec 2008 21:53:43 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2697843 [...] The Beat. Mark Evanier. Wednesday’s Haul. [...] […] The Beat. Mark Evanier. Wednesday’s Haul. […]

]]> by: Yipyop http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2697731 Sat, 06 Dec 2008 15:55:53 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2697731 [...] Already this year the comic book world lost two of its legends: Steve Gerber in February (Howard the Duck, Omega the Unknown) and now Dave Stevens (The Rocketeer). Dave drew the best Bettie Page in my opinion. And where would we be without Ookla the Mok? Posted in Uncategorized at March 12th, 2008. Trackback URI: trackback [...] […] Already this year the comic book world lost two of its legends: Steve Gerber in February (Howard the Duck, Omega the Unknown) and now Dave Stevens (The Rocketeer). Dave drew the best Bettie Page in my opinion. And where would we be without Ookla the Mok? Posted in Uncategorized at March 12th, 2008. Trackback URI: trackback […]

]]> by: Albert Roth http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2663089 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:39:48 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2663089 I was sitting around at work today, and decided to check out Stevens art to see if there was anything new. As fans we all knew that Dave's art was a little slow in coming, and of course we all knew the reasons why and completely understood. It just wouldn't be his art without the painstaking amount of detail and time that went into every piece. My first introduction to his art was in the back of Pacific Presents (Starslayer, Groo, etc) and I completely fell in love with it. Gradually I began acquiring pieces of his art and began to amass quite a collection ( I still have every piece). One eveing my wife and I were planning on the artwork for our family room. Her comment to me was lets put up some comic art, cause I know how much your into it. One by one (and at that time there weren't many pieces) I began to show her some of my pieces. I had quite a few of his "posters" and one special lithograph. It was the rocketeer with Betty tied up thrown over his shoulder. (to this day I wish I had gotten Betty's boudair). Imagine my surprise when my wife's only words were "I love it." My family room began to become decorated with Stevens art, with that one print as the centerpiece. Rocketeer, his famous gun drawn, Betty thrown over his shoulders, hands and feet bound, gag on her mouth, and the infamous rear for all to see. My wife (who by the way doesn't like comics at all) loved it. That year I made it to a comic con, where he was sitting at a table by himself, and we spoke briefly as I kept pushing comics in front of him for him to sign. He was a gentleman beyond compare. I guess I should have know something was up when earlier this year we both decided to start taking down the Stevens art and replacing it with some more traditional pieces. Time to move on I guess, or was it Mr. Stevens telling me it is time to move on. The man we all loved, even those that never met him, will be missed. May you forever rest in peace. I was sitting around at work today, and decided to check out Stevens art to see if there was anything new. As fans we all knew that Dave’s art was a little slow in coming, and of course we all knew the reasons why and completely understood. It just wouldn’t be his art without the painstaking amount of detail and time that went into every piece.

My first introduction to his art was in the back of Pacific Presents (Starslayer, Groo, etc) and I completely fell in love with it. Gradually I began acquiring pieces of his art and began to amass quite a collection ( I still have every piece). One eveing my wife and I were planning on the artwork for our family room. Her comment to me was lets put up some comic art, cause I know how much your into it. One by one (and at that time there weren’t many pieces) I began to show her some of my pieces. I had quite a few of his “posters” and one special lithograph. It was the rocketeer with Betty tied up thrown over his shoulder. (to this day I wish I had gotten Betty’s boudair). Imagine my surprise when my wife’s only words were “I love it.” My family room began to become decorated with Stevens art, with that one print as the centerpiece. Rocketeer, his famous gun drawn, Betty thrown over his shoulders, hands and feet bound, gag on her mouth, and the infamous rear for all to see. My wife (who by the way doesn’t like comics at all) loved it.

That year I made it to a comic con, where he was sitting at a table by himself, and we spoke briefly as I kept pushing comics in front of him for him to sign. He was a gentleman beyond compare.

I guess I should have know something was up when earlier this year we both decided to start taking down the Stevens art and replacing it with some more traditional pieces. Time to move on I guess, or was it Mr. Stevens telling me it is time to move on.

The man we all loved, even those that never met him, will be missed.
May you forever rest in peace.

]]> by: George A. Evans http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2122030 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:58:03 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2122030 I, also, used to Manage a Store for Comics & Comix in the late 1970's and into the mid 1980's. During this period of time I also had the pleasure of meeting Dave Stevens. Although our meeting was a very brief one, he left a lasting favorable impression upon me. He was one of the finest comic artists that I ever had the pleasure to meet. I realize that a period of time has passed since his death was announced and my posting this message. It has been nearly 22 1/2 years since Comics & Comix and I parted company and my life's path has gone into an entirely different direction. On a number of occaisions, I find myelf wandering into Outer Limits Comic Shop in Murfreesboro TN. I look at the titles that are now being published and I might find a version of a Rocketeer type comic, however it is not draw by Dave Stevens. I see a book titled "The Spirit", however down deep it is not drawn by Will Eisner. I look to see if I can find that great Jack Kirby look that I miss from the late 1950's to early 1960's. What I refer to is the Jack Kirby pencilled and Roz Kirby inked Green Arrow strips from Adventure Comics and from Worlds Finest. I also miss seeing art work by Joe Staton, Like the pencil and inked drawing that he did for me of the Huntress and the Dark Albatross together again. As I sign off from this message, I still have to put in two shameless plugs as I miss seeing more of Steve Moncuse's early Fish Police from our time together at Comics & Comix in Berkeley. Finally I have to say that I still miss seeing some of the early art work Steve Wozniak and his Areba Kola from late 1976 to February 1977 from the Columbus Street Branch of Comics & Comix in San Francisco. I, also, used to Manage a Store for Comics & Comix in the late 1970’s and into the mid 1980’s. During this period of time I also had the pleasure of meeting Dave Stevens.
Although our meeting was a very brief one, he left a lasting favorable impression upon me.
He was one of the finest comic artists that I ever had the pleasure to meet.
I realize that a period of time has passed since his death was announced and my posting this message.
It has been nearly 22 1/2 years since Comics & Comix and I parted company and my life’s path has gone into an entirely different direction.
On a number of occaisions, I find myelf wandering into Outer Limits Comic Shop in Murfreesboro TN.
I look at the titles that are now being published and I might find a version of a Rocketeer type comic, however it is not draw by Dave Stevens.
I see a book titled “The Spirit”, however down deep it is not drawn by Will Eisner. I look to see if I can find that great Jack Kirby look that I miss from the late 1950’s to early 1960’s. What I refer to is the Jack Kirby pencilled and Roz Kirby inked Green Arrow strips from Adventure Comics and from Worlds Finest.
I also miss seeing art work by Joe Staton, Like the pencil and inked drawing that he did for me of the Huntress and the Dark Albatross together again.
As I sign off from this message, I still have to put in two shameless plugs as I miss seeing more of Steve Moncuse’s early Fish Police from our time together at Comics & Comix in Berkeley. Finally I have to say that I still miss seeing some of the early art work Steve Wozniak and his Areba Kola from late 1976 to February 1977 from the Columbus Street Branch of Comics & Comix in San Francisco.

]]> by: George A. Evans http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2122031 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:58:02 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2122031 I, also, used to Manage a Store for Comics & Comix in the late 1970's and into the mid 1980's. During this period of time I also had the pleasure of meeting Dave Stevens. Although our meeting was a very brief one, he left a lasting favorable impression upon me. He was one of the finest comic artists that I ever had the pleasure to meet. I realize that a period of time has passed since his death was announced and my posting this message. It has been nearly 22 1/2 years since Comics & Comix and I parted company and my life's path has gone into an entirely different direction. On a number of occaisions, I find myelf wandering into Outer Limits Comic Shop in Murfreesboro TN. I look at the titles that are now being published and I might find a version of a Rocketeer type comic, however it is not draw by Dave Stevens. I see a book titled "The Spirit", however down deep it is not drawn by Will Eisner. I look to see if I can find that great Jack Kirby look that I miss from the late 1950's to early 1960's. What I refer to is the Jack Kirby pencilled and Roz Kirby inked Green Arrow strips from Adventure Comics and from Worlds Finest. I also miss seeing art work by Joe Staton, Like the pencil and inked drawing that he did for me of the Huntress and the Dark Albatross together again. As I sign off from this message, I still have to put in two shameless plugs as I miss seeing more of Steve Moncuse's early Fish Police from our time together at Comics & Comix in Berkeley. Finally I have to say that I still miss seeing some of the early art work Steve Wozniak and his Areba Kola from late 1976 to February 1977 from the Columbus Street Branch of Comics & Comix in San Francisco. I, also, used to Manage a Store for Comics & Comix in the late 1970’s and into the mid 1980’s. During this period of time I also had the pleasure of meeting Dave Stevens.
Although our meeting was a very brief one, he left a lasting favorable impression upon me.
He was one of the finest comic artists that I ever had the pleasure to meet.
I realize that a period of time has passed since his death was announced and my posting this message.
It has been nearly 22 1/2 years since Comics & Comix and I parted company and my life’s path has gone into an entirely different direction.
On a number of occaisions, I find myelf wandering into Outer Limits Comic Shop in Murfreesboro TN.
I look at the titles that are now being published and I might find a version of a Rocketeer type comic, however it is not draw by Dave Stevens.
I see a book titled “The Spirit”, however down deep it is not drawn by Will Eisner. I look to see if I can find that great Jack Kirby look that I miss from the late 1950’s to early 1960’s. What I refer to is the Jack Kirby pencilled and Roz Kirby inked Green Arrow strips from Adventure Comics and from Worlds Finest.
I also miss seeing art work by Joe Staton, Like the pencil and inked drawing that he did for me of the Huntress and the Dark Albatross together again.
As I sign off from this message, I still have to put in two shameless plugs as I miss seeing more of Steve Moncuse’s early Fish Police from our time together at Comics & Comix in Berkeley. Finally I have to say that I still miss seeing some of the early art work Steve Wozniak and his Areba Kola from late 1976 to February 1977 from the Columbus Street Branch of Comics & Comix in San Francisco.

]]> by: George A. Evans http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2122029 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:57:41 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2122029 I, also, used to Manage a Store for Comics & Comix in the late 1970's and into the mid 1980's. During this period of time I also had the pleasure of meeting Dave Stevens. Although our meeting was a very brief one, he left a lasting favorable impression upon me. He was one of the finest comic artists that I ever had the pleasure to meet. I realize that a period of time has passed since his death was announced and my posting this message. It has been nearly 22 1/2 years since Comics & Comix and I parted company and my life's path has gone into an entirely different direction. On a number of occaisions, I find myelf wandering into Outer Limits Comic Shop in Murfreesboro TN. I look at the titles that are now being published and I might find a version of a Rocketeer type comic, however it is not draw by Dave Stevens. I see a book titled "The Spirit", however down deep it is not drawn by Will Eisner. I look to see if I can find that great Jack Kirby look that I miss from the late 1950's to early 1960's. What I refer to is the Jack Kirby pencilled and Roz Kirby inked Green Arrow strips from Adventure Comics and from Worlds Finest. I also miss seeing art work by Joe Staton, Like the pencil and inked drawing that he did for me of the Huntress and the Dark Albatross together again. As I sign off from this message, I still have to put in two shameless plugs as I miss seeing more of Steve Moncuse's early Fish Police from our time together at Comics & Comix in Berkeley. Finally I have to say that I still miss seeing some of the early art work Steve Wozniak and his Areba Kola from late 1976 to February 1977 from the Columbus Street Branch of Comics & Comix in San Francisco. I, also, used to Manage a Store for Comics & Comix in the late 1970’s and into the mid 1980’s. During this period of time I also had the pleasure of meeting Dave Stevens.
Although our meeting was a very brief one, he left a lasting favorable impression upon me.
He was one of the finest comic artists that I ever had the pleasure to meet.
I realize that a period of time has passed since his death was announced and my posting this message.
It has been nearly 22 1/2 years since Comics & Comix and I parted company and my life’s path has gone into an entirely different direction.
On a number of occaisions, I find myelf wandering into Outer Limits Comic Shop in Murfreesboro TN.
I look at the titles that are now being published and I might find a version of a Rocketeer type comic, however it is not draw by Dave Stevens.
I see a book titled “The Spirit”, however down deep it is not drawn by Will Eisner. I look to see if I can find that great Jack Kirby look that I miss from the late 1950’s to early 1960’s. What I refer to is the Jack Kirby pencilled and Roz Kirby inked Green Arrow strips from Adventure Comics and from Worlds Finest.
I also miss seeing art work by Joe Staton, Like the pencil and inked drawing that he did for me of the Huntress and the Dark Albatross together again.
As I sign off from this message, I still have to put in two shameless plugs as I miss seeing more of Steve Moncuse’s early Fish Police from our time together at Comics & Comix in Berkeley. Finally I have to say that I still miss seeing some of the early art work Steve Wozniak and his Areba Kola from late 1976 to February 1977 from the Columbus Street Branch of Comics & Comix in San Francisco.

]]> by: George A. Evans http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2122028 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:57:31 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-2122028 I, also, used to Manage a Store for Comics & Comix in the late 1970's and into the mid 1980's. During this period of time I also had the pleasure of meeting Dave Stevens. Although our meeting was a very brief one, he left a lasting favorable impression upon me. He was one of the finest comic artists that I ever had the pleasure to meet. I realize that a period of time has passed since his death was announced and my posting this message. It has been nearly 22 1/2 years since Comics & Comix and I parted company and my life's path has gone into an entirely different direction. On a number of occaisions, I find myelf wandering into Outer Limits Comic Shop in Murfreesboro TN. I look at the titles that are now being published and I might find a version of a Rocketeer type comic, however it is not draw by Dave Stevens. I see a book titled "The Spirit", however down deep it is not drawn by Will Eisner. I look to see if I can find that great Jack Kirby look that I miss from the late 1950's to early 1960's. What I refer to is the Jack Kirby pencilled and Roz Kirby inked Green Arrow strips from Adventure Comics and from Worlds Finest. I also miss seeing art work by Joe Staton, Like the pencil and inked drawing that he did for me of the Huntress and the Dark Albatross together again. As I sign off from this message, I still have to put in two shameless plugs as I miss seeing more of Steve Moncuse's early Fish Police from our time together at Comics & Comix in Berkeley. Finally I have to say that I still miss seeing some of the early art work Steve Wozniak and his Areba Kola from late 1976 to February 1977 from the Columbus Street Branch of Comics & Comix in San Francisco. I, also, used to Manage a Store for Comics & Comix in the late 1970’s and into the mid 1980’s. During this period of time I also had the pleasure of meeting Dave Stevens.
Although our meeting was a very brief one, he left a lasting favorable impression upon me.
He was one of the finest comic artists that I ever had the pleasure to meet.
I realize that a period of time has passed since his death was announced and my posting this message.
It has been nearly 22 1/2 years since Comics & Comix and I parted company and my life’s path has gone into an entirely different direction.
On a number of occaisions, I find myelf wandering into Outer Limits Comic Shop in Murfreesboro TN.
I look at the titles that are now being published and I might find a version of a Rocketeer type comic, however it is not draw by Dave Stevens.
I see a book titled “The Spirit”, however down deep it is not drawn by Will Eisner. I look to see if I can find that great Jack Kirby look that I miss from the late 1950’s to early 1960’s. What I refer to is the Jack Kirby pencilled and Roz Kirby inked Green Arrow strips from Adventure Comics and from Worlds Finest.
I also miss seeing art work by Joe Staton, Like the pencil and inked drawing that he did for me of the Huntress and the Dark Albatross together again.
As I sign off from this message, I still have to put in two shameless plugs as I miss seeing more of Steve Moncuse’s early Fish Police from our time together at Comics & Comix in Berkeley. Finally I have to say that I still miss seeing some of the early art work Steve Wozniak and his Areba Kola from late 1976 to February 1977 from the Columbus Street Branch of Comics & Comix in San Francisco.

]]> by: Ebay WOW figurine http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1941767 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:44:27 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1941767 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170239949554&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123 Above is a link to one one Dave's most awesome creations. His WOW figurine is now for sale on ebay. Unpainted and is in amazing condition. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170239949554&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123

Above is a link to one one Dave’s most awesome creations. His WOW figurine is now for sale on ebay. Unpainted and is in amazing condition.

]]> by: Blog@Newsarama » Remembering Dave Stevens http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1611745 Thu, 22 May 2008 17:00:52 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1611745 [...] A lot of comics folks have posted their thoughts and memories of Dave Stevens and his comic work over the last couple of days. Heidi MacDonald remembers him over at The Beat: I have so many memories of Dave. Cat Yronwode once told me that Dave was unique among cartoonists because he wore clothes that fit him, which sounds like a sorry compliment, but Dave did stand out among the cartoonists of that time for paying a lot of attention to his appearance — Cliff Secord, the hero of the Rocketeer, was obviously based visually on Dave. It didn’t come off as vanity, but wanting to give an appearance that went with the art. It was part of his esthetic. Once he gave me a ride to a Golden Apple party in what I called “Old Betsy” his beloved vintage Ford. (I had no car when I first moved to LA and was always dependent on the kindness of friends.) Arriving in such a vehicle with a dashing, handsome man like Dave was the kind of thing that a girl writes about in her diary that night. [...] […] A lot of comics folks have posted their thoughts and memories of Dave Stevens and his comic work over the last couple of days. Heidi MacDonald remembers him over at The Beat: I have so many memories of Dave. Cat Yronwode once told me that Dave was unique among cartoonists because he wore clothes that fit him, which sounds like a sorry compliment, but Dave did stand out among the cartoonists of that time for paying a lot of attention to his appearance — Cliff Secord, the hero of the Rocketeer, was obviously based visually on Dave. It didn’t come off as vanity, but wanting to give an appearance that went with the art. It was part of his esthetic. Once he gave me a ride to a Golden Apple party in what I called “Old Betsy” his beloved vintage Ford. (I had no car when I first moved to LA and was always dependent on the kindness of friends.) Arriving in such a vehicle with a dashing, handsome man like Dave was the kind of thing that a girl writes about in her diary that night. […]

]]> by: Her http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1117517 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:44:48 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1117517 I can’t believe it. I know it’s true, but I can’t (do not want to) believe it. I can’t believe it. I know it’s true, but I can’t (do not want to) believe it.

]]> by: Malcolm Bourne http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1091240 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:46:39 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1091240 As Heidi knows I found out about when she did, and the news even if not unexpected hit like a blow to the gut. Dave's the first of what I think of as my generation/group of comics friends to be taken from us, one of the friends i have made through my involvement in this wonderful hobby and interest. Knowing I won't be seeing him around SDCC again - even though I have known that for a while, really - makes the world a sadder place. His humility and privacy contrasted so much with the bursting energy and sexuality of his art. Dave, if you're reading this i hope heaven is a studio full of pretty models for you to draw! As Heidi knows I found out about when she did, and the news even if not unexpected hit like a blow to the gut. Dave’s the first of what I think of as my generation/group of comics friends to be taken from us, one of the friends i have made through my involvement in this wonderful hobby and interest. Knowing I won’t be seeing him around SDCC again - even though I have known that for a while, really - makes the world a sadder place. His humility and privacy contrasted so much with the bursting energy and sexuality of his art. Dave, if you’re reading this i hope heaven is a studio full of pretty models for you to draw!

]]> by: FP http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1075116 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:25:52 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1075116 I have been lucky enough to meet Dave in person during the Lucca Convention in Italy, circa 1986. Dave did a sketch of Betty for me and a friend took a picture of the scene. One of the greatest, kindest Artists. Thanks again Dave I have been lucky enough to meet Dave in person during the Lucca Convention in Italy, circa 1986. Dave did a sketch of Betty for me and a friend took a picture of the scene. One of the greatest, kindest Artists. Thanks again Dave

]]> by: Dave Stevens 1955-2008 | PastePotPete http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1071026 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:21:54 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1071026 [...] Dave Stevens 1955-2008 The Beat Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:54:08 GMT [...] […] Dave Stevens 1955-2008 The Beat Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:54:08 GMT […]

]]> by: R. S. Field http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1067753 Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:16:13 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1067753 I am 55 and not really a comic enthusiast, but I was thinking today about how much I dug Joe Kubert as a kid and was googling him. That made me think of Rocketeer and Dave Stevens. Rocketeer was the first (and last) comic book series that I had gotten into. I thought the movie, like the comic, was great. also, I had seen the story boards for Raiders as well. Weird coincidence that his name came into my head...and just really sorry to hear this news. a terrific artist. I am 55 and not really a comic enthusiast, but I was thinking today about how much I dug Joe Kubert as a kid and was googling him. That made me think of Rocketeer and Dave Stevens. Rocketeer was the first (and last) comic book series that I had gotten into. I thought the movie, like the comic, was great. also, I had seen the story boards for Raiders as well. Weird coincidence that his name came into my head…and just really sorry to hear this news. a terrific artist.

]]> by: Dean Leto http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1061177 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:37:05 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1061177 I used to manage a store for Comics and Comix back in the late seventies and so. We were lucky enough to be one of the first to have Dave Stevens do a signing. He was fun, gracious and patient. But what made Dave special to me. was that when I ran into him at a con about 5 years ago, he remembered both the signing and my name... and the chest of a female fan that he signed. RIP you were one of the greats and you will be remembered I used to manage a store for Comics and Comix back in the late seventies and so. We were lucky enough to be one of the first to have Dave Stevens do a signing. He was fun, gracious and patient. But what made Dave special to me. was that when I ran into him at a con about 5 years ago, he remembered both the signing and my name… and the chest of a female fan that he signed.

RIP you were one of the greats and you will be remembered

]]> by: Dean Leto http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1061176 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:36:48 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1061176 I used to manage a store for Comics and Comix back in the late seventies and so. We were lucky enough to be one of the first to have Dave Stevens do a signing. He was fun, gracious and patient. But what made Dave special to me. was that when I ran into him at a con about 5 years ago, he remembered both the signing and my name... and the chest of a female fan that he signed. RIP you were one of the greats I used to manage a store for Comics and Comix back in the late seventies and so. We were lucky enough to be one of the first to have Dave Stevens do a signing. He was fun, gracious and patient. But what made Dave special to me. was that when I ran into him at a con about 5 years ago, he remembered both the signing and my name… and the chest of a female fan that he signed.

RIP you were one of the greats

]]> by: A tribute to Dave Stevens « STORM THE BARRICADE http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1058598 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:49:00 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1058598 [...] He was an incredible artist, notoriously critical of his own work, and probably most remembered for The Rocketeer and his “good girl” pinup art, particularly Bettie Page. Many others have said much nicer things already (Heidi MacDonald, Mark Evanier, Gilbert Hernandez), so I just wanted to add how much The Rocketeer meant to me. I would’ve been a teenager when the film version of The Rocketeer came out. Released only a few years after The Last Crusade, it felt in many ways like a continuation of one of my major childhood obsessions: Indiana Jones (the other being Star Wars.. Lucas owned my childhood). The film sparked an enduring interest in the 1930s and Art Deco that led me to another great obsession, although this time in adulthood: Raymond Chandler. [...] […] He was an incredible artist, notoriously critical of his own work, and probably most remembered for The Rocketeer and his “good girl” pinup art, particularly Bettie Page. Many others have said much nicer things already (Heidi MacDonald, Mark Evanier, Gilbert Hernandez), so I just wanted to add how much The Rocketeer meant to me. I would’ve been a teenager when the film version of The Rocketeer came out. Released only a few years after The Last Crusade, it felt in many ways like a continuation of one of my major childhood obsessions: Indiana Jones (the other being Star Wars.. Lucas owned my childhood). The film sparked an enduring interest in the 1930s and Art Deco that led me to another great obsession, although this time in adulthood: Raymond Chandler. […]

]]> by: FRIDAY ACE: “Sun and Columbus Edition” - Week of 3/9/08 « Justice ACE http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1057601 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:14:05 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1057601 [...] I wish I could say more to do this justice and I feel like a bit of a prat for not being able to come up with something fitting to remember him by even though I never met him. You can go over to The Beat for some more fitting words than anything I could attempt to come up with right now. Rest in peace, Dave. [...] […] I wish I could say more to do this justice and I feel like a bit of a prat for not being able to come up with something fitting to remember him by even though I never met him. You can go over to The Beat for some more fitting words than anything I could attempt to come up with right now. Rest in peace, Dave. […]

]]> by: Cliff Galbraith http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1054257 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:42:44 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1054257 A brilliant talent. A great draftsman and a helluva guy. A brilliant talent. A great draftsman and a helluva guy.

]]> by: J. David Spurlock http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1054010 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:37:12 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1054010 It is a very, very sad day. I thought the world of Dave Stevens. Besides creating the Rocketeer, Dave ochestrated the Bettie Page comeback and looked after her quite a bit. He was very supportive of my Space Cowboy strip and there was talk about him doing a Space Cowboy cover. I told him he had let Adam Hughes runaway with his King of Cheesecake crown by slowing down so, in the last decade. I knew he suffered from Leukemia for years but we wouldn't talk about it. Though we discussed various book projects: Art books, Rocketeer collections, etc., the only times we really worked together were when, on rare occasion, I'd represent him as a booking agent for some personal appearance like the Creation convention in Pasadena a few years ago. I look back warmly on many great times we shared--frequently in social occasions with other Art Pack types including his idols Jim Steranko and Carmine Infantino, and contemporaries MW Kaluta, Bill Stout, Bob Burden...and even decades back to the Doug Wildey days (I remember Doug saying Dave had single-handedly brought cheesecake back to comics)! There were usually a few great looking women with us too. I still have a sketch Dave did on one such occasion in Atlanta. Great times with a brilliant artist. I was proud to call him friend and I will always remember him. - Love, -- J. David Spurlock It is a very, very sad day.
I thought the world of Dave Stevens. Besides creating the Rocketeer, Dave
ochestrated the Bettie Page comeback and looked after her quite a bit. He was
very supportive of my Space Cowboy strip and there was talk about him doing a
Space Cowboy cover. I told him he had let Adam Hughes runaway with his King of Cheesecake crown by slowing down so, in the last decade. I knew he suffered from Leukemia for years but we wouldn’t talk about it.
Though we discussed various book projects: Art books, Rocketeer collections,
etc., the only times we really worked together were when, on rare occasion, I’d
represent him as a booking agent for some personal appearance like the Creation convention in Pasadena a few years ago. I look back warmly on many great times we shared–frequently in social occasions with other Art Pack types including his idols Jim Steranko and Carmine Infantino, and contemporaries MW Kaluta, Bill Stout, Bob Burden…and even decades back to the Doug Wildey days (I remember Doug saying Dave had single-handedly brought cheesecake back to comics)! There were usually a few great looking women with us too. I still have a sketch Dave did on one such occasion in Atlanta. Great times with a brilliant artist. I was proud to call him friend and I will always remember him.
-
Love,
–
J. David Spurlock

]]> by: TChav http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1054005 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:36:18 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1054005 His work was always so beautiful. I remember swiping his method of drawing vegetation for an art class assignment because it was so well done. As a youngster pouring over those short bursts of excellence in Pacific Presents, I was always in awe. When I finally made it to Comic-Con, I saw the one and only Dave Stevens there but was too hesitant to say hi and thank you. I did buy a sketchbook later on when he was away from his booth but I resolved to come back and tell him how much I have always enjoyed his work. When I did go by, it was Sunday and he looked how I felt, completely drained and exhausted, so rather than bug him I walked on. His work was always so beautiful. I remember swiping his method of drawing vegetation for an art class assignment because it was so well done. As a youngster pouring over those short bursts of excellence in Pacific Presents, I was always in awe. When I finally made it to Comic-Con, I saw the one and only Dave Stevens there but was too hesitant to say hi and thank you. I did buy a sketchbook later on when he was away from his booth but I resolved to come back and tell him how much I have always enjoyed his work. When I did go by, it was Sunday and he looked how I felt, completely drained and exhausted, so rather than bug him I walked on.

]]> by: Jerry Harrell http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1053610 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:23:23 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1053610 What a terrible loss for all of us who loved and admired his work. In his introduction to the first Rocketeer compilation, Harlan Ellison wrote, "For all the hopeful attempts at doing a period comic book...only The Rocketeer captures the feel of those days. The Rocketeer brings the richness of those wild times when we believed a man could fly, if only he had a rocket pack." Farewell Mr. Stevens, and thanks for everything. What a terrible loss for all of us who loved and admired his work.

In his introduction to the first Rocketeer compilation, Harlan Ellison wrote, “For all the hopeful attempts at doing a period comic book…only The Rocketeer captures the feel of those days. The Rocketeer brings the richness of those wild times when we believed a man could fly, if only he had a rocket pack.”

Farewell Mr. Stevens, and thanks for everything.

]]> by: Jewel Shepard http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1051429 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:24:31 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1051429 Heartbroken. I never knew what the word meant before... now, I know. Heartbroken. I never knew what the word meant before… now, I know.

]]> by: Cary Coatney http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1051280 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:16:49 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1051280 What Dave did in actively seeking out Bettie Page after many years in seclusion just to tell her that there is a entire generation who appreciated her work and then after made sure that she recieved some type of stipend for future royalties on merchandise he created in her image was truly humanitarian on his part. Now there are fashion models everywhere who emulate Bettie Page's image and brought her back to the public eye. I'm sure that excellent movie that was released last year, The Notorious Bettie Page would not have been made if it wasn't for Stevens' efforts. ~ Coat What Dave did in actively seeking out Bettie Page after many years in seclusion just to tell her that there is a entire generation who appreciated her work and then after made sure that she recieved some type of stipend for future royalties on merchandise he created in her image was truly humanitarian on his part.

Now there are fashion models everywhere who emulate Bettie Page’s image and brought her back to the public eye.

I’m sure that excellent movie that was released last year, The Notorious Bettie Page would not have been made if it wasn’t for Stevens’ efforts.

~

Coat

]]> by: RocketeerZ http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1051069 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:15:59 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1051069 I am a long time HUGE fan of Dave and the Rocketeer (which should come to no surprise on anyone looking at my email address, nick name and title of my blog. I postred the following yesterday: <b>Today I found out (on comicbookresources.com) that Rocketeer creator/artist/writer Dave Stevens passed away after a long battle with Luekemia. Dave was 53. Obviously, I was a HUGE Dave Stevens fan. The Rocketeer is not only a great comic and fun movie for me. It's a part of my identity... something that I identified with strongly. There are an entre mess of people who know me as "Rocky" or "Rocket". It's been my nickname (and my email address) for over fifteen years. Dave Stevens is actually more known for his modern renditions of Betty Page then he is The Rocketeer. It was due to Dave's love of Betty and amazing artwork of her (and her use in the pages of the Rocketeer as Cliff Secord's girlfriend) that brought Betty out of seclusion and back into the public eye. Dave's unreal talent was unmistakenable. His comic book covers and lithograhps are the stuff of dreams. His ttention to detail and the beauty he brought out in his artwork is instantly reconizable. I got the chance to meet Dave at the 1998 DragonCon in Atlanta. Dave was there doing signings but NOT doing sketches. After talking with him for a while, Dave pulled me aside and told me (hushed) that if I left one of the white boards I was using for sketches with him, he might have a present for me by the end of the con... but it had to be a secret, because he did NOT want to get into doing a mound of sketches. The next day, I was walking in Artists Alley when I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Dave. He motioned with his head for me to follow him. We went to his table and he handed me a brown paper bag. "Our secret right?" he said. "Absoultely." I responded. "What do I o-" "Get the hell out of here, you don't owe me anything." he cut me off. "The least I can do for a guy walking around with a name tag that says 'RocketeerZ' huh?" I chatted with Dave a little more and even got to sit behind the table with him for a few minutes. The friends I was with at the Con have teased me ever since that dave must have needed to take out a restraining order on me to get me away from there. The sketch he did was a simple Rocketeer helmet. He had personalized it for me and signed it. I freaking love it. It most likely only took him a couple of minutes... but the fact he took the time to do it meant the world to me. I've heard a lot of things about Dave over the years, (especially from his ex-wife horror scream queen Brinke Stevens) but I will always rememeber him as a great and personable guy who created something that touched me and a guy that gave me the single greatest comic-book related item I own. Rest In Peace Dave. The world is a little darker without you.</b> I am a long time HUGE fan of Dave and the Rocketeer (which should come to no surprise on anyone looking at my email address, nick name and title of my blog. I postred the following yesterday:

Today I found out (on comicbookresources.com) that Rocketeer creator/artist/writer Dave Stevens passed away after a long battle with Luekemia. Dave was 53.

Obviously, I was a HUGE Dave Stevens fan. The Rocketeer is not only a great comic and fun movie for me. It’s a part of my identity… something that I identified with strongly. There are an entre mess of people who know me as “Rocky” or “Rocket”. It’s been my nickname (and my email address) for over fifteen years.

Dave Stevens is actually more known for his modern renditions of Betty Page then he is The Rocketeer. It was due to Dave’s love of Betty and amazing artwork of her (and her use in the pages of the Rocketeer as Cliff Secord’s girlfriend) that brought Betty out of seclusion and back into the public eye.

Dave’s unreal talent was unmistakenable. His comic book covers and lithograhps are the stuff of dreams. His ttention to detail and the beauty he brought out in his artwork is instantly reconizable.

I got the chance to meet Dave at the 1998 DragonCon in Atlanta. Dave was there doing signings but NOT doing sketches. After talking with him for a while, Dave pulled me aside and told me (hushed) that if I left one of the white boards I was using for sketches with him, he might have a present for me by the end of the con… but it had to be a secret, because he did NOT want to get into doing a mound of sketches.

The next day, I was walking in Artists Alley when I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Dave. He motioned with his head for me to follow him. We went to his table and he handed me a brown paper bag.

“Our secret right?” he said.

“Absoultely.” I responded. “What do I o-”

“Get the hell out of here, you don’t owe me anything.” he cut me off. “The least I can do for a guy walking around with a name tag that says ‘RocketeerZ’ huh?”

I chatted with Dave a little more and even got to sit behind the table with him for a few minutes. The friends I was with at the Con have teased me ever since that dave must have needed to take out a restraining order on me to get me away from there.

The sketch he did was a simple Rocketeer helmet. He had personalized it for me and signed it. I freaking love it.

It most likely only took him a couple of minutes… but the fact he took the time to do it meant the world to me.

I’ve heard a lot of things about Dave over the years, (especially from his ex-wife horror scream queen Brinke Stevens) but I will always rememeber him as a great and personable guy who created something that touched me and a guy that gave me the single greatest comic-book related item I own.

Rest In Peace Dave. The world is a little darker without you.

]]> by: William R. Lund http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1051046 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:07:31 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1051046 As one of the many founding members of the San Diego Comic Con, I knew Dave during those earlier days, and when I worked for Pacific Comics. Unfortunately, after moving away from San Diego I frequented the convention less than I ever had intended. In attending last year's con, it was my intention to do some catching up with old friends. Sadly, I was told by Scott Shaw! that Dave was unable to attend, although he was one the Special Guests, because of his battle with leukemia. And then Mark Evanier, Jackie Estrada, Bill &#38; Steve Schanes, Brinke (Charlene Brinkman) Stevens, and so many others also gave me the news. And I had good intentions of meeting up with him, if it all possible, but my work (I'm an actor...primarily on stage) took me out of state. Everyone, whether they knew him personally or just knew him through his work, will have their own memories of Dave...and that is no more evident than on this blog site. I know Dave would have just smiled, trying to downplay all this fuss we're making over him. Like his good friends, Jack Kirby and Russ Manning, I believe he will be remebered for many years to come...and well deserved those remembrances shall be. Goodbye, Dave. It was a pleasure to have known you, to have watched your talents improve over the years (no matter how often you would worry about how the smallest of details would be perceived by readers), and to have called you Friend. As one of the many founding members of the San Diego Comic Con, I knew Dave during those earlier days, and when I worked for Pacific Comics. Unfortunately, after moving away from San Diego I frequented the convention less than I ever had intended. In attending last year’s con, it was my intention to do some catching up with old friends. Sadly, I was told by Scott Shaw! that Dave was unable to attend, although he was one the Special Guests, because of his battle with leukemia. And then Mark Evanier, Jackie Estrada, Bill & Steve Schanes, Brinke (Charlene Brinkman) Stevens, and so many others also gave me the news. And I had good intentions of meeting up with him, if it all possible, but my work (I’m an actor…primarily on stage) took me out of state.
Everyone, whether they knew him personally or just knew him through his work, will have their own memories of Dave…and that is no more evident than on this blog site. I know Dave would have just smiled, trying to downplay all this fuss we’re making over him. Like his good friends, Jack Kirby and Russ Manning, I believe he will be remebered for many years to come…and well deserved those remembrances shall be.
Goodbye, Dave. It was a pleasure to have known you, to have watched your talents improve over the years (no matter how often you would worry about how the smallest of details would be perceived by readers), and to have called you Friend.

]]> by: Paul1963 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1050843 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:45:19 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1050843 Damn. Didn't know him, never met him, but after reading various remembrances of him, I wish I had. Damn.
Didn’t know him, never met him, but after reading various remembrances of him, I wish I had.

]]> by: Rodger http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1050829 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:40:32 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1050829 What a loss. First time I ever saw Dave Stevens, he was watching videos of Jonny Quest at a trade show in Chicago. I am truly thankful I got to meet and talk to Dave a number of times at cons. When he signed the jam page in my hardcover History of the DC Universe he told me about the crazy FedEx trip the original piece took and how P.O.ed he felt when the powers that be at DC covered up his Chop-Chop drawing due to PC pressure. I met The Right Stuff author Tom Wolfe in the mid-80's and gave him a copy of the Rocketeer graphic novel and when I told Dave he was really touched. The least I could do for someone who gave the world so much beauty. Thank you Dave for all the great art and stories. What a loss. First time I ever saw Dave Stevens, he was watching videos of Jonny Quest at a trade show in Chicago. I am truly thankful I got to meet and talk to Dave a number of times at cons. When he signed the jam page in my hardcover History of the DC Universe he told me about the crazy FedEx trip the original piece took and how P.O.ed he felt when the powers that be at DC covered up his Chop-Chop drawing due to PC pressure. I met The Right Stuff author Tom Wolfe in the mid-80’s and gave him a copy of the Rocketeer graphic novel and when I told Dave he was really touched. The least I could do for someone who gave the world so much beauty. Thank you Dave for all the great art and stories.

]]> by: Jim Raya http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1050828 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:39:29 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2008/03/11/dave-stevens-1955-2008/#comment-1050828 Dave Stevens, He was a GREAT PERSON and ALWAYS Pleasant to talk to. He was always willing to sign my rocketter items for me. GREAT LOSS ! We all will MISS HIM ! GOD BLESS ! Dave Stevens,
He was a GREAT PERSON and ALWAYS Pleasant to talk to. He was always willing to sign my rocketter items for me. GREAT LOSS ! We all will MISS HIM ! GOD BLESS !

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