John Ostrander (born April 20, 1949) is an American writer of comic books, including '' Suicide Squad'', ''

Grimjack Grimjack is the main character of a comic book originally published by the American company First Comics. John Ostrander and Timothy Truman are credited as co-creators of the character, although Ostrander had been developing Grimjack with artist L ...

'' and '' Star Wars: Legacy''.

Career

Ostrander studied

theology Theology is the systematic study of the nature of the divine and, more broadly, of religious belief. It is taught as an academic discipline, typically in universities and seminaries. It occupies itself with the unique content of analyzing th ...

with the intent of becoming a

Catholic priest The priesthood is the office of the ministers of religion, who have been commissioned (" ordained") with the Holy orders of the Catholic Church. Technically, bishops are a priestly order as well; however, in layman's terms ''priest'' refers onl ...

, but now describes himself as an

agnostic Agnosticism is the view or belief that the existence of God, of the divine or the supernatural is unknown or unknowable. (page 56 in 1967 edition) Another definition provided is the view that "human reason is incapable of providing sufficien ...

. Originally an actor in the Organic Theater Company in

Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = List of sovereign states, Count ...

, Ostrander moved into writing comics in 1983. His first published works were stories about the character "Sargon, Mistress of War", and appeared in the

First Comics First Comics was an American comic book publisher that was active from 1983 to 1991, known for titles like '' American Flagg!'', ''Grimjack'', ''Nexus'', ''Badger'', '' Dreadstar'', and '' Jon Sable''. Along with competitors like Pacific Comics ...

series '' Warp!'', based on a series of plays by that same Chicago theatre company. He and Timothy Truman co-created the character

, who originally appeared in a backup story in the First Comics title, '' Starslayer'', before receiving his own title. Just prior to entering the comics industry, Ostrander had a supporting character named for him in '' The Daring New Adventures of Supergirl'' series. His friend, writer Paul Kupperberg, incorporated him into the Supergirl storyline in 1982. Ostrander made his

DC Comics DC Comics, Inc. ( doing business as DC) is an American comic book publisher and the flagship unit of DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC Comics is one of the largest and oldest American comic book companies, with the ...

debut by plotting the miniseries '' Legends'', which was scripted by

Len Wein Leonard Norman Wein (; June 12, 1948 – September 10, 2017) was an American comic book writer and editor best known for co-creating DC Comics' Swamp Thing and Marvel Comics' Wolverine, and for helping revive the Marvel superhero team the X-Men ...

and penciled by John Byrne. A new version of the Suicide Squad was introduced in ''Legends'', including the team's leader, Amanda Waller. The character has been substantially adapted into animated and live-action media and is portrayed by Viola Davis in the 2016 film '' Suicide Squad'' and the 2021 '' The Suicide Squad''. Following ''Legends'', Ostrander and artist Luke McDonnell launched the Suicide Squad into their own title in 1987 and developed several characters for the series. Later that same year, he and actor/writer

Del Close Del Close (March 9, 1934 – March 4, 1999) was an American actor, writer, and teacher who coached many of the best-known comedians and comic actors of the late twentieth century. In addition to an acting career in television and film, he was ...

created the ''

Wasteland Wasteland or waste land may refer to: * Desert or barren area * an uncultivated area of land, whether wooded or not, whether common land or not Art, entertainment, and media Comics * ''Wasteland'' (DC Comics), 1987–1989 anthology-style horror/ ...

'' series with a rotating roster of artists. He and Close had previously worked together on Munden's Bar backup stories in ''

''. Fiffe, Michel
"WASTELAND: The John Ostrander Interview,"
''Factual Opinion'' (March 6, 2012). From 1987 until her death from

breast cancer Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, milk rejection, fluid coming from the nipple, a newly inverted nipple, or ...

in 1997, Ostrander frequently co-wrote with his wife

Kim Yale Kim Yale (November 22, 1953 – March 7, 1997) was an American writer and editor of comic books for several publishers including DC Comics, Eclipse Comics, First Comics, Marvel Comics, and WaRP Graphics. Biography Yale was born in Evanston, Illi ...

including on the '' Manhunter'' series. It was while working together on ''Suicide Squad'' that they recast

Barbara Gordon Barbara Gordon is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. The character was created by television producer William Dozier, editor Julius Schwartz, writer Gard ...

, the former

Batgirl Batgirl is the name of several superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, depicted as female counterparts and allies to the superhero Batman. Although the character Betty Kane was introduced into publication in ...

, into the information and computer specialist Oracle. Ostrander has been a frequent collaborator with artist Tom Mandrake. They have worked together on ''Grimjack'', '' Firestorm the Nuclear Man'', ''The

Spectre Spectre, specter or the spectre may refer to: Religion and spirituality * Vision (spirituality) * Apparitional experience * Ghost Arts and entertainment Film and television * ''Spectre'' (1977 film), a made-for-television film produced and wri ...

'', and '' Martian Manhunter''. Ostrander's in-depth explorations of morality were used in his work writing ''The Spectre'', a DC Comics series about the manifestation of the wrath of God. His focus on the character's human aspect, a dead police detective from the 1930s named Jim Corrigan, and his exploration of moral and theological themes. In issue #54 (June 1997), the creative team introduced the character Michael Holt as a new version of Mister Terrific. Following the end of ''The Spectre'' series, they moved onto a ''Martian Manhunter'' series. In December 2006, a story-arc titled "Grotesk" by Ostrander and Mandrake appeared in ''

Batman Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on March 30, 1939. I ...

'' issues 659–662. In 1990, Ostrander launched an ongoing '' Hawkworld'' series which followed Timothy Truman's limited series of the same name. In 1993, the title was cancelled and relaunched as ''

Hawkman Hawkman is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Dennis Neville, the original Hawkman first appeared in ''Flash Comics'' #1, published by All-American ...

'' with art by Jan Duursema. At

Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is an American comic book publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Comics'' in ...

, Ostrander has worked on ''

X-Men The X-Men are a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, first appearing in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 by artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby and writer/editor Stan Lee in 1963. Although initially cancelled in ...

'', ''

Bishop A bishop is an ordained clergy member who is entrusted with a position of authority and oversight in a religious institution. In Christianity, bishops are normally responsible for the governance of dioceses. The role or office of bishop is ...

'', '' Quicksilver'', '' Heroes for Hire'' and the '' Punisher'', as well as the Western

mini-series A miniseries or mini-series is a television series that tells a story in a predetermined, limited number of episodes. "Limited series" is another more recent US term which is sometimes used interchangeably. , the popularity of miniseries format ...

'' Blaze of Glory: The Last Ride of the Western Heroes''. He has written the '' Elfquest'' character Jink for WaRP Graphics, '' Hotspur'' for

Eclipse Comics Eclipse Comics was an American comic book publisher, one of several independent publishers during the 1980s and early 1990s. In 1978, it published the first graphic novel intended for the newly created comic book specialty store market. It was ...

; ''

Lady Death Lady Death is a fictional goddess appearing in American comic books published by Coffin Comics. Created by Brian Pulido, Lady Death first appeared in ''Evil Ernie'' #1 in December 1991. Lady Death then reappeared in the ''Evil Ernie: The Resur ...

'' for Chaos! Comics; '' Magnus, Robot Fighter'', ''

Rai and the Future Force Rai or RAI may refer to: Title of royalty and nobility * Rai (title), meaning "king", equivalent to Rao or Roy, a princely title used by many Hindu rajput rulers in India * Rai Bahadur, a noble title given during British Raj in India * Rai Sahib ...

'' and '' Eternal Warrior'' for

Valiant Comics Valiant Comics is an American comic books, comic book publisher. The company was founded in 1989 by former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Jim Shooter along with lawyer and businessman Steven Massarsky. In 1994, the company was sold to Acclaim E ...

. He was one of the main writers on '' Star Wars: Republic'' for

Dark Horse Comics Dark Horse Comics is an American comic book, graphic novel, and manga publisher founded in Milwaukie, Oregon by Mike Richardson in 1986. The company was created using funds earned from Richardson's chain of Portland, Oregon comic book shops know ...

, and his story arcs include "Twilight", "Darkness", and "The Clone Wars" stories. He is the writer of '' Star Wars: Legacy''. An unreleased ''

Doctor Who ''Doctor Who'' is a British science fiction television series broadcast by the BBC since 1963. The series depicts the adventures of a Time Lord called the Doctor, an extraterrestrial being who appears to be human. The Doctor explores the ...

'' audio drama titled "Deadman's Hand" was written by Ostrander for

Big Finish Productions Big Finish Productions is a British company that produces books and audio plays (released straight to compact disc and for download in MP3 and m4b format) based, primarily, on cult science fiction properties. These include '' Doctor Who'', th ...

. As announced, the story was to feature the

Seventh Doctor The Seventh Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the BBC science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', and the final incarnation of the original Doctor Who series. He is portrayed by Scottish actor Sylvester McCoy. W ...

, Ace and Hex in the American wild west. Ostrander contributed to the '' Silver Age Sentinels'' short story anthologies from Guardians of Order. He was nominated for the ''

Comics Buyer's Guide ''Comics Buyer's Guide'' (''CBG''; ), established in 1971, was the longest-running English-language periodical reporting on the American comic book industry. It awarded its annual Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Awards from 1983 to circa 2010. The publ ...

'' Award for Favorite Writer in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000. In 2010, he co-wrote '' Secret Six'' issues 14–18 with writer

Gail Simone Gail Simone (aka Gladys Simonetti) is an American writer best known for her work in comics on DC's ''Birds of Prey'', ''Batgirl'', Dynamite Entertainment's Red Sonja, and for being the longest running female writer on Wonder Woman to date. Oth ...

. Ostrander maintains an online presence on the World Famous Comics Network and writes a weekly column on the ComicMix site. Ostrander has a cameo as Dr. Fitzgibbon in the 2021 film '' The Suicide Squad''.

Personal life

Ostrander suffers from

glaucoma Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that result in damage to the optic nerve (or retina) and cause vision loss. The most common type is open-angle (wide angle, chronic simple) glaucoma, in which the drainage angle for aqueous humor, fluid withi ...

. To help cover the costs incurred by his treatment for it, a benefit auction was organized for the 2009 Chicago Comic Con.

Bibliography

Dark Horse Comics

*''

Comics' Greatest World Comics' Greatest World was an imprint of Dark Horse Comics. It was created by Team CGW. Originally conceived in 1990, it took three years for the line to be released, which led to an industry-wide perception that it was created to capitalize on t ...

Out of the Vortex'' #1–3 (1993) *'' Predator vs. Magnus Robot Fighter'' #1–2 (1992) *''

Star Wars ''Star Wars'' is an American epic space opera multimedia franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the eponymous 1977 film and quickly became a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon. The franchise has been expanded into various film ...

'' #19–22, 32–45 (2000–2002) *'' Star Wars: Agent of the Empire: Iron Eclipse'' #1–5 (2011–2012) *''Star Wars: Agent of the Empire: Hard Targets'' #1–5 (2012–2013) *''Star Wars: Boba Fett: Agent of Doom'' (2000) *'' Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi'' #0–5 (2012) *''Star Wars: Jedi: Aayla Secura'' #1 (2003) *''Star Wars: Jedi: Count Dooku'' #1 (2003) *''Star Wars: Jedi: Mace Windu'' #1 (2003) *''Star Wars: Jedi: Shaak Ti'' #1 (2003) *'' Star Wars: Legacy'' #0–50, 0 (2006–2010) *''Star Wars: Legacy: War'' #1–6 (2010–2011) *''Star Wars: Purge'' #1 (2005) *''Star Wars: Purge: Seconds to Die'' #1 (2009) *'' Star Wars: Republic'' #19–22, 32–35, 46–50, 54, 59, 61–66, 68–78, 81–83 (2001–2006) *'' Star Wars Tales'' #3, 8 (2000–2001) *''Star Wars: The Clone Wars Volume 3: The Wind Raiders of Taloraan'' (2009)

DC Comics

*'' 52/WW III'' #3–4 (2007) *''

All Star Comics ''All Star Comics'' is an American comic book series from All-American Publications, one of three companies that merged with National Periodical Publications to form the modern-day DC Comics. While the series' cover-logo trademark reads ''All S ...

80-Page Giant'' #1 (1999) *''

Aquaman Aquaman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in '' More Fun Comics'' #73 (November 1941). The character is a pastiche of Namor. Initially a ...

'' vol. 5 #13–14, 23–24 (2004–2005) *''Aquaman'' vol. 6 #20, ''Annual'' #1 (2013) *'' Armageddon: Inferno'' #1–4 (1992) *''

'' #659–662, ''Annual'' #24 (2000–2007) *''

The Batman Chronicles ''The Batman Chronicles'' is a series of comics published by DC Comics DC Comics, Inc. (doing business as DC) is an American comic book publisher and the flagship unit of DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC Comics is ...

'' #5 (1996) *'' Batman: Gotham Knights'' #43 ( Batman Black and White) (2003) *''Batman: Gotham Nights'' #1–4 (1992) *''Batman: Gotham Nights'' II #1–4 (1995) *'' Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight'' #159–161 (2002–2003) *''Batman: Penguin Triumphant'' #1 (1992) *''Batman: Seduction of the Gun'' #1 (1993) *'' Blackhawk'' #7, ''Special'' #1 (1989–1991) *'' Bullets and Bracelets'' #1 (1996) *'' Captain Atom'' #54–57 (1991) *''

Catwoman Catwoman is a fictional character created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Debuting as "the Cat" in ''Batman'' #1 (spring 1940), she is ...

'' vol. 2 #72–77 (1999–2000) *'' Deadshot'' #1–4 (1988) *''

Detective Comics ''Detective Comics'' is an American comic book series published by Detective Comics, later shortened to DC Comics. The first volume, published from 1937 to 2011 (and later continued in 2016), is best known for introducing the superhero Batman i ...

'' #622–624 (1990) *''

Doom Patrol Doom Patrol is a superhero team from DC Comics. The original Doom Patrol first appeared in ''My Greatest Adventure'' #80 (June 1963), and was created by writers Arnold Drake and Bob Haney, along with artist Bruno Premiani. Doom Patrol has appe ...

and Suicide Squad'' #1 (1988) *'' Firestorm the Nuclear Man'' #65–100, ''Annual'' #5 (1987–1990) *''Fury of Firestorm'' #55–56, 58–64 (1987) *''Golden Age Secret Files'' #1 (2001) *''

Green Lantern Corps Green Lantern Corps is the name of a fictional intergalactic law enforcement organization appearing in comics published by DC Comics. They patrol the farthest reaches of the DC Universe at the behest of the Guardians, a race of immortals residing ...

Quarterly'' #1 (1992) *''

'' vol. 3 #1–6, ''Annual'' #1 (1993–1994) *'' Hawkworld'' vol. 2 #1–32, ''Annual'' #1–3 (1990–1993) *'' JLA 80-Page Giant'' #1 (1998) *''JLA versus Predator'' #1 (2001) *''JLA: Incarnations'' #1–7 (2001–2002) *''

Justice League Adventures While Batman and Superman had their own animated series and comic book follow-ups, the rest of the characters in the would appear in the following comics often. ''The Batman Adventures'' ''The Batman Adventures'' was created as a comic book ti ...

'' #21 (2003) *'' Justice League Quarterly'' #6 (1992) *''The Kents'' #1–12 (1997–1998) *'' Legends'' #1–6 (1986–1987) *'' Manhunter'' #1–23 (1988–1990) *'' Martian Manhunter'' #0, 1,000,000, 1–36 (1998–2001) *''

Secret Origins ''Secret Origins'' is the title of several comic book series published by DC Comics which featured the Origin story, origin stories of the publisher's various characters. Publication history ''Secret Origins'' was first published as a One-shot ( ...

'' vol. 2 #14 (1987) *'' Secret Six'' vol. 2 #15, 17–18, 23 (2010) *'' Showcase '95'' #8 (1995) *''

'' vol. 3 #0, 1–62, ''Annual'' #1 (1992–1998) *''Spectre'' vol. 4 #19 (2002) *'' Suicide Squad'' #1–66, ''Annual'' #1 (1987–1992) *''Suicide Squad'' #67 (" Blackest Night" one-shot crossover) (2010) *''Suicide Squad: Raise the Flag'' #1–8 (2007–2008) *'' Tangent Comics/

Nightwing Nightwing is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character has appeared in various incarnations; the identity was adopted by Dick Grayson when he left his role as Batman's vigilante partner Robin. Although ...

#1 (1997) *''Tangent Comics/Nightwing: Night Force'' #1 (1998) *''Tangent Comics/Tales of the Green Lantern'' #1 (1998) *''

Teen Titans The Teen Titans are a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, frequently in eponymous monthly series. As the group's name indicates, the members are teenage superheroes, many of whom have acted as sidekicks to ...

Spotlight'' #10 (

Aqualad Aqualad is the name of two fictional comic book superheroes appearing in media published by DC Entertainment. The first Aqualad, Garth, debuted in February 1960 in ''Adventure Comics'' #269 and was created by writer Robert Bernstein and artist ...

) (1987) *''

'' #1–18 (1987–1989) *''

Wonder Woman Wonder Woman is a superhero created by the American psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston (pen name: Charles Moulton), and artist Harry G. Peter. Marston's wife, Elizabeth, and their life partner, Olive Byrne, are credited as bein ...

'' #23.1 (2013)

First Comics

*'' Dynamo Joe'' #1–3 (1986) *''First Adventures'' #1–5 (1985–1986) *''

'' #1–81 (1984–1991) *''

Mars Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the second-smallest planet in the Solar System, only being larger than Mercury. In the English language, Mars is named for the Roman god of war. Mars is a terrestrial planet with a thin at ...

'' #10–12 (1984–1985) *'' Starslayer'' #9–34 (1983–1985) *''

Warp Warp, warped or warping may refer to: Arts and entertainment Books and comics * WaRP Graphics, an alternative comics publisher * ''Warp'' (First Comics), comic book series published by First Comics based on the play ''Warp!'' * Warp (comics), a ...

'' #1, 5–7 (1983)

Image Comics

*''

Deathmate ''Deathmate'' was a six-part comic book crossover between Valiant Comics and Image Comics published in 1993 and 1994. Background Designated by color rather than issue numbers (namely Yellow, Blue, Black, and Red) plus two book-end issues, ''De ...

Blue'' #1 (1993)

Marvel Comics

*'' Apache Skies'' #1–4 (2002) *''

'' #1–4 (1994–1995) *''Bishop: XSE'' #1–3 (1998) *'' Blaze of Glory: The Last Ride of the Western Heroes'' #1–4 (2000) *''Double Edge: Omega'' #1 (1995) *'' Heroes for Hire'' #1–19 (1997–1999) *''Heroes for Hire/Quicksilver '98'' #1 (1998) *''Marvel Holiday Special'' #4 (1995) *''Marvel Valentine Special'' #1 (1997) *'' Punisher'' vol. 3 #1–18 (1995–1997) *'' Wolverine '97'' #1 (1997) *'' X-Man'' #9–14 (1995–1996) *''

X-Men Unlimited ''X-Men Unlimited'' was the title of three comic book series published by Marvel Comics. The purpose of this title was to run stories that fit between the main X-Men comics. The stories included all characters (heroes and villains) from the X-t ...

'' #30, 32–33 (2001) *''X-Men Vs. the Brood'' #1–2 (1996) *'' XSE'' #1–4 (1996–1997)

Valiant Comics

*'' Eternal Warrior'' #27–50 (1994–1996) *'' Magnus, Robot Fighter'' vol. 2 #21–33 (1993–1994) *''

'' #9–17 (1993–1994)

References

External links

An interview with John Ostrander
*
John Ostrander
at Mike's Amazing World of Comics

at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators {{DEFAULTSORT:Ostrander, John 1949 births 20th-century American dramatists and playwrights American agnostics American comics writers Living people Place of birth missing (living people) American twins