Notable events of 1994 in comics.
Events
Year overall
* Huge changes in the North American marketplace (mostly due to the collapse of the
speculation market) force many retailers and small publishers out of business.
Aircel Comics,
Apple Comics,
Attic Books,
Axis Comics,
Blackball Comics,
Comic Zone Productions,
Continuity Comics,
Continüm Comics,
Dagger Enterprises,
Eternity Comics,
Fantagor Press,
NOW Comics,
Revolutionary Comics,
Imperial Comics,
Innovation Corporation,
Majestic Entertainment,
Ominous Press,
Silver Moon Comics, and
Triumphant Comics all cease publishing. All the same, a number of publishers debut, including
Axis Comics,
Big Bang Comics,
Chaos! Comics,
Crusade Comics,
Event Comics,
Les 400 coups,
Mojo Press,
Ominous Press,
Re-Visionary Press, and
Sirius Entertainment.
January
* January 2:
Peter de Wit's gag-a-day comic ''
Sigmund'', which debuted a year earlier in the Flemish newspaper ''
Het Laatste Nieuws'' under the different title ''Mijnheerke Psi'', is now published in the Dutch newspaper
Het Parool, where it will remain a mainstay for decades to come.
* January 14: ''
Eagle
Eagle is the common name for the golden eagle, bald eagle, and other birds of prey in the family of the Accipitridae. Eagles belong to several groups of Genus, genera, some of which are closely related. True eagles comprise the genus ''Aquila ( ...
'' (1982 series), with issue #574, canceled by Fleetway.
* ''
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the character first appearan ...
'' #300: The
Iron Legion vs.
Ultimo, written by
Len Kaminski.
*
Kyle Rayner is introduced as a new
Green Lantern.
*''
Avengers West Coast'' is canceled by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
with issue #102.
February
* February 7: ''
Dick Tracy'' characters
Dick Tracy and
Tess Trueheart go through a divorce, which becomes a big media story. The couple is eventually reunited.
*''
Captain America
Captain America is a superhero created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby who appears in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in '' Captain America Comics'' #1, published on December 20, 1940, by Timely C ...
'' #425 is the debut of the 12-part storyline "The Fighting Chance."
* ''
She-Hulk
She-Hulk (Jennifer Susan Walters) is a Character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she First appearance, first appeared in ''The Savage She-Hulk ...
'' vol. 2 is canceled with issue #60. The caption on the cover reads: "O.K., kids, we had a deal.... now hand over those X-Men comics!"
* First issue of ''
The Sandman: The kindly ones'', by
Neil Gaiman
Neil Richard MacKinnon Gaiman (; born Neil Richard Gaiman; 10 November 1960) is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, audio theatre, and screenplays. His works include the comic series ''The Sandman (comic book), The Sandma ...
and
Marc Hempel (
DC comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
).
* In ''
À suivre'', first chapter of ''
L’enfant penchée'', by
Benoît Peeters and
François Schuiten.
March
* March 19: U.S. comic artist
Mike Diana becomes the first cartoonist in the United States to be convicted according to obscenity laws, complete with a ban to continue drawing his infamous comic series ''
Boiled Angel''.
* ''
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
'' vol. 2, #30:
Scott Summers marries
Jean Grey
Jean Elaine Grey-Summers is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''Uncanny X-Men, The X-Men'' #1 ...
. (Marvel Comics)
* ''
Marc Spector: Moon Knight'' is canceled by Marvel with issue #60.
*
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
crossover "
Child's Play" begins.
April
*
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
crossover "
Child's Play" concludes.
* ''
Starblast'' concludes, both as a
limited series and as a crossover.
May
* May 30 - July 31:
Carl Barks travels to
Europe
Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Asia to the east ...
in an official, heavily mediatized visit, where he meets several Disney comics publishers in various countries.
* ''
The Incredible Hulk'' issue #417 features
Rick Jones’ infamous stag party in which the Marvel heroes discover that Jones’ fiancée was an adult film star.
*
early webcomic ''
NetBoy'' is first uploaded to the
World Wide Web
The World Wide Web (WWW or simply the Web) is an information system that enables Content (media), content sharing over the Internet through user-friendly ways meant to appeal to users beyond Information technology, IT specialists and hobbyis ...
.
June
* ''
Action Comics
''Action Comics'' is an American comic book/Comic anthology, magazine series that introduced Superman, one of the first major superhero characters. The publisher was originally known as Detective Comics Inc., which later merged into National ...
'' #700: 68-page anniversary issue. "The Fall of Metropolis" ("Triangle" chapter 24). One of
Curt Swan's final
Superman
Superman is a superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, which first appeared in the comic book ''Action Comics'' Action Comics 1, #1, published in the United States on April 18, 1938.The copyright date of ''Action Comics ...
jobs.
*
Conan the Barbarian
Conan the Barbarian (also known as Conan the Cimmerian) is a fictional sword and sorcery hero created by American author Robert E. Howard (1906–1936) and who debuted in 1932 and went on to appear in a series of fantasy stories published in ''We ...
returns to comics with two titles: ''
Conan the Adventurer'' and ''
Conan Classic'' (reprinting the early stories from the 1970s)
* ''
The Incredible Hulk'' issue #418 is Rick and
Marlo Chandler's wedding issue with an appearance by DC Comics’ character
Death
Death is the end of life; the irreversible cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. Death eventually and inevitably occurs in all organisms. The remains of a former organism normally begin to decompose sh ...
. Written by
Peter David, with art by
Gary Frank and
Cam Smith.
* ''
Thor'' reaches issue #475 and re-introduces Donald Blake, Thor's first secret identity, and romantic interest
Jane Foster. Thor also gets a new armor and costume.
* A second attempt to launch a ''
Lucky Luke'' monthly magazine is made, which will run until January 1995.
July
* ''
Quasar
A quasar ( ) is an extremely Luminosity, luminous active galactic nucleus (AGN). It is sometimes known as a quasi-stellar object, abbreviated QSO. The emission from an AGN is powered by accretion onto a supermassive black hole with a mass rangi ...
'' is canceled by Marvel with issue #60.
August
* August 29: The Dutch comics magazine ''
Sjors and Sjimmie Weekblad'' changes its name again into ''Sjosji''. It will continue until 1998, after which it becomes ''Striparazzi''.
* DC Comics launches the
Zero Month promotion.
* ''
The Incredible Hulk'' #420: "Lest Darkness Come," by
Peter David,
Gary Frank, and
Cam Smith.
Jim Wilson dies of
AIDS
The HIV, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to a spectrum of conditions including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is a Preventive healthcare, pr ...
.
September

* September 10: In
Hoeilaart, Belgium,
Nero
Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus ( ; born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus; 15 December AD 37 – 9 June AD 68) was a Roman emperor and the final emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, reigning from AD 54 until his ...
receives a statue.
* ''
L.E.G.I.O.N.'' is canceled by DC with issue #70.
* ''
Justice League International'' vol. 2 is canceled by DC with issue #68.
* "
Phalanx Covenant," an X-Men crossover storyline, begins.
October
* October 13:
Harvey Pekar and
Joyce Brabner publish ''
Our Cancer Year'', a graphic novel about Pekar's cancer diagnosis and treatment.
* October 15–16: During the
Stripdagen in
Breda
Breda ( , , , ) is a List of cities in the Netherlands by province, city and List of municipalities of the Netherlands, municipality in the southern part of the Netherlands, located in the Provinces of the Netherlands, province of North Brabant. ...
, the Netherlands,
Don Lawrence (
Storm,
Trigië), receives the
Stripschapprijs. Peter Kuipers and Mat Schifferstein of publishing company Sherpa receive the Jaarprijs voor Bijzondere Verdiensten (nowadays the P. Hans Frankfurtherprijs).
*
Daniel Clowes' ''
The Sensual Santa'' is prepublished in ''
Eightball''.
* The
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
Clone Saga begins. (Marvel Comics)
November
*
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
abolishes the position of editor-in-chief, replacing
Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco (born June 26, 1950) is an American comic book writer and editor well known for his association with Marvel Comics, with long runs on ''Amazing Spider-Man'', ''Thor (comic book), Thor'', ''Fantastic Four (comic book), Fantastic Four'' ...
with five group editors-in-chief. Rather than name a successor, the company appoints five "Editors-in-Chief," each of whom oversees a certain number of titles, collected into broad groups: the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
titles (
Bob Harras), the
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
titles (
Bob Budiansky
Bob Budiansky (; born March 15, 1954) is an American comic book writer, editor, and penciller, best known for his work on Marvel's '' Transformers'' comic. He also created the Marvel character Sleepwalker and wrote all 33 issues of that comic ...
), so-called "Marvel Universe" titles (
Mark Gruenwald), the newly created Marvel Edge (
Bobbie Chase), and licensed-property titles (
Carl Potts).
* ''
Marvel Tales'' (
1966
Events January
* January 1 – In a coup, Colonel Jean-Bédel Bokassa takes over as military ruler of the Central African Republic, ousting President David Dacko.
* January 3 – 1966 Upper Voltan coup d'état: President Maurice Yaméogo i ...
series), the long-running reprint title (primarily of
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
stories), is canceled with issue #291.
* November 3:
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
purchases
Malibu Comics
Malibu Comics Entertainment, Inc. (launched as Malibu Graphics) was an American comic book publisher active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, best known for its Ultraverse line of superhero titles. Notable titles published by Malibu included ''Th ...
December
* December 9: The first ''Inktspot'' awards for ''Best Political Cartoon'' are held in The Netherlands. The first winner is
Peter van Straaten, who will win the award four times more in the future.
* ''
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
'' #41 is the prologue to the
Age of Apocalypse with
Legion murdering
Professor X.
* ''
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'', published by Marvel Comics, is canceled with issue #155.
* December 28:
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
purchases distributor
Heroes World Distribution.
[Gray, Bob. "Newswatch: Marvel Buys 3rd Largest Distributor: Heroes World Purchase Signals Fundamental Changes in the Direct Market," ''The Comics Journal'' #174 (Feb. 1995): pp. 15–22.][Duin, Steve and Richardson, Mike (ed.s) "Capital City" in ''Comics Between the Panels'' ( Dark Horse Publishing, 1998) , p. 69]
Specific date unknown
* Belgian comic artist Mic Delinx is knighted as a Chevalier in the
Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
*
Heidi MacDonald,
Trina Robbins,
Deni Loubert,
Anina Bennett, Liz Schiller and
Jackie Estrada establish
Friends of Lulu, a non-profit organization to promote readership of comic books by women and the participation of women in the comic book industry.
Births
Deaths
January
* January 5: Joop Du Buy, Dutch animator, textile salesman and comics artist (''Appie Kim'', ''Nimfke en de Nonnenneuker''), dies at age 59.
* January 17:
Reamer Keller, American cartoonist and comics artist (''Kennesaw'', ''Medicare''), dies at age 89.
* January 25: Filip Fermin, Dutch comics artist (''Robur & Hanekamp''), dies at age 46.
* January 28: Richard Doxsee, American comic artist (ghosted ''Let's Explore Your Mind'', drew various romance, war, mystery and western comics), dies at age 64.
February
* February 6:
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby (; born Jacob Kurtzberg; August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994) was an American comics artist, comic book artist, widely regarded as one of the medium's major innovators and one of its most prolific and influential creators. He grew ...
, American comic book writer and artist (
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
,
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
), dies at age 76.
* February 10:
Mel Calman
Melville Calman (19 May 1931 – 10 February 1994) was a British cartoonist best known for his "little man" cartoons published in British newspapers including the '' Daily Express'' (1957–63), '' The Sunday Telegraph'' (1964–65), '' The ...
, British illustrator and comics artist (''The Little Man''), dies from a heart attack at age 62.
* February 18: Rodlow Willard, American comic artist (worked on ''
King of the Royal Mounted'', continued ''
Scorchy Smith''), dies at age 87.
* Specific date in February unknown:
T.M. Maple, real name: Jim Burke, Canadian comics fan who gained popularity through his frequent and prozaic letters to comics fanzines, dies from a heart attack at age 37 or 38.
March
* March 10:
**
Aurelio Galleppini, Italian comics artist (''
Tex Willer''), dies at the age of 76.
** Reuben Timmins, American animator and comics artist (comics starring
Laurel & Hardy), dies at the age of 84.
* March 15: Nadir Quinto, Italian comics artist (''Tom Boy'', ''Swea'', ''I Delfini'', ''Jacopo del Mare'', ''Vele Capitani'', continued ''
Larry Yuma'', dies at age 75.
* March 19: René Deynis, French illustrator, comics artist and writer (wrote ''Les Espadons'', drew ''Oscar Mittoman'', ''Albator'', continued ''Jean et Jeanette'', ''Jacques Flash''), dies at age 63.
* March 22:
Walter Lantz, American comics artist and animator (''
Woody Woodpecker''), dies at age 94.
* March 31:
José Escobar Saliente, Spanish animator, comics writer and artist (''
Carpanta'', ''
Zipi y Zape''), dies at age 85.
* Specific date unknown: Jack Dunkley, British comics artist (''The Larks'', ''Patsy'', ''Mr. Digwell''), dies at age 87.
April
* April 5:
Kurt Cobain
Kurt Donald Cobain (February 20, 1967 – ) was an American musician. He was the lead vocalist, guitarist, primary songwriter, and a founding member of the grunge band Nirvana (band), Nirvana. Through his angsty songwriting and anti-establis ...
, American rock singer and guitarist (made some comics in his
diaries, which were posthumously released), commits suicide at age 27.
* April 9:
Keith Watson, British comics artist (''
Dan Dare
Dan Dare is a British science fiction comic hero, created by illustrator Frank Hampson who also wrote the first stories. Dare appeared in the ''Eagle'' comic series ''Dan Dare, Pilot of the Future'' from 1950 to 1967 (and subsequently in ...
'', ''
Roel Dijkstra''), dies at age 59.
May
* May 1: John Milton Morris, American political cartoonist and comics artist (''Neighbourly Neighbors'', continued ''
Scorchy Smith''), dies at age 87.
* May 6:
Murray Boltinoff, American comics writer and editor (''
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
''), dies at age 83.
* May 9: Reinhold Escher, German comics artist (''Mecki''), dies at age 89.
* May 16: Dorul van der Heide, Dutch painter and comics artists (worked for
Rolf Kauka), dies at age 90.
* May 22:
Mitacq, Belgian comics artist (''
La Patrouille des Castors''), dies at age 66.
* May 23:
Don Thompson, American comics writer, critic, collector and co-editor of the comics magazine ''
Comics Buyer's Guide'', dies at age 58.
* May 24:
Julien Hébert, Canadian architect, industrial designer and comics artist (''Mouchette''), dies at age 76.
* May 25: Jan de Poel, Dutch illustrator and comics artist (''Muisje Wit'', ''Trippie''), dies at age 89.
* May 26: Nico Oeloff, Dutch painter and comics artist (''Kopkewoartel''), dies at age 75.
June
* June 1: Bob Leguay, French illustrator and comics artist (worked for Publi-Vog and Bédé Adult), dies at age 67.
* June 10:
Jack Hannah, American animator and comics artist (''
Donald Duck''), dies at age 81.
* June 21:
Neal Pozner, American comics writer and editor (
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
), dies at age 38 or 39 from AIDS.
* June 23: Piet van Elk, Dutch comics artist and animator (''De Avonturen van Bim'', ''Dokie Durf''), dies at age 74.
* June 28:
Richard Bickenbach, American animator and comics artist (''
Hanna-Barbera'' comics), dies at age 86.
July
* July 4:
Alfred Harvey, American comics artist and publisher (''
Harvey Comics''), dies at age 80.
* July 21:
Marijac, French comics artist (''Jim Boum'', ''Les Trois Mousquetaires du Maquis'', ''Jules Barigoule'') and writer (''Colonel X''), dies at age 85.
* July 23: Owen Fitzgerald, American animator and comics artist (celebrity comics based on
Martin & Lewis and
Bob Hope
Leslie Townes "Bob" Hope (May 29, 1903 – July 27, 2003) was an American comedian, actor, entertainer and producer with a career that spanned nearly 80 years and achievements in vaudeville, network radio, television, and USO Tours. He appeared ...
, continued ''
Dennis the Menace'', ''
Disney comics''), dies at age 77.
August
* August 1: Augstà Ascensio SaurÃ, aka Asen, Spanish animator and comics artist (''Nicasso, Pintor Moderno'', ''Tarzán 1990'', ''Los Birimboyas''), dies at age 45 in a car accident.
* August 13: Richard Klokkers, Dutch comics artist (
Marten Toonder Studios), dies at age 70.
* August 23: Jean-Claude Gal, French comics artist (''Les Armées du Conquérant''), dies at age 52.
* August 24: Wijnanda Nanny Aberson, Dutch writer and comics writer (wrote the script of the very first ''
Kapitein Rob'' story), dies at age 82.
* August 26: Werner Klemke, German illustrator, animator and comics artist (''Burattino im Puppentheater des Carabas Barabas''), dies at age 77.
* August 28: Charlie Delhauteur, Belgian comic artist (made comics and illustrations for ''Les Bonnes Soirées,
Le Moustique,
Spirou'' and ''Risque-Tout'', assisted on ''
Buck Danny''), dies at age 75.
September
* September 5:
Yvette Lapointe, Canadian comics artist (''Les Petits Espiègles''), dies at age 82.
* September 11: Ben Jansen, Dutch comics artist (''De Glunderende Gluurder'', a sex parody of ''
Suske en Wiske''
), dies at the age of 39.
* September 12: Dick De Wilde, aka W. Gerritsen or W. Gerr, Dutch comics artist, illustrator and graphic designer (assistant of
Hans G. Kresse, made his own comic ''Victo van Turenne''), dies at age 89.
* September 21: Jef De Wulf, French comics artist (published in the magazine ''Junior Adventures''), dies at age 78.
* September 22:
Bud Sagendorf, American comics artist (assisted on and continued''
Popeye''), dies from brain cancer at age 79.
* September 24: Jan van Reek, Dutch comic writer and artist, (''Wipperoen''), dies at age 70.
October
* October 5:
Doug Wildey, American comics artist and animator (''The Outlaw Kid'' and the newspaper comic based on ''
The Saint''), dies at age 72.
* October 5:
Frank Ridgeway, American comics artist and writer (''
Mr. Abernathy'', ''
Lancelot
Lancelot du Lac (French for Lancelot of the Lake), alternatively written as Launcelot and other variants, is a popular character in the Matter of Britain, Arthurian legend's chivalric romance tradition. He is typically depicted as King Arthu ...
''), dies at age 63 or 64.
* October 14:
Jack Tippit, American comics artist (''Doctor Bill'', ''Sergeant Pepper'', continued ''
Amy'' and ''
Henry''), dies at age 70.
* October 17: Rik van Bentum, Dutch painter and comics artist (made an obscure comic strip, ''New Comic Strip Scandal 2000'', together with novelist
Jan Cremer), dies at age 57.
* October 18:
Manoel Messias de Mello, Brazilian comics artist (''Pão Duro'', ''Gibimha'', ''Audaz, o Demolidor''), dies at age 88.
* October 26: Francis, Belgian comics artist (''Marc Lebut et son Voisin'', ''Capitaine Lahuche'', ''Les Soldats de Plomb''), dies at age 57.
November
* November 2:
Martin Taras, American animator and comics artist (made comics based on
Famous Studios
Famous Studios (renamed Paramount Cartoon Studios in 1956) was the first animation division of the film studio Paramount Pictures from 1942 to 1967. Famous was established as a successor company to Fleischer Studios, after Paramount seized contr ...
characters), dies at age 80.
* November 8:
Michael O'Donoghue, American comics writer, TV writer, novelist and publisher (''
The Adventures of Phoebe Zeit-Geist'', ''
National Lampoon''), dies at age 54.
* November 15:
Janet Ahlberg, British illustrator and comics artist, dies from breast cancer at age 50.
* November 28:
Frank Robbins, American comics artist and writer (''
Johnny Hazard''), dies at age 77.
December
* December 1: Romain Deconinck, Belgian actor, comedian and theatre director (co-scripted the comic book ''De Roâste Wassger'' ), dies at age 78.
* December 2:
Tony Weare, British comics artist (''
Matt Marriott''), dies at age 82.
* December 7: Rafael Astarita, American illustrator and comics artist (drew comics for
National Comics Publications,
Fiction House), dies at age 82.
* December 8: Sidney A. Quinn, American illustrator, painter and comics artist (continued ''The Timbertoes'' and ''
Goofus and Gallant''), dies at age 79 or 80.
* December 14: Lucien Nortier, French comics artist (various realistically drawn comics, continued ''Bob L'Ardent''), dies at age 62.
* December 18: Albert-Georges Badert, French comics artist (continued ''
Les Pieds Nickelés''), dies at age 79.
Specific date unknown
* Bob Forgione, American comics artist (comics for
Fawcett Comics,
Charlton Comics
Charlton Comics was an American comic-book publishing company that existed from 1945 to 1986, having begun under a different name: T. W. O. Charles Company, in 1940. It was based in Derby, Connecticut. The comic-book line (comics), line was a divi ...
,
Dell Comics
Dell Comics was the comic book publishing arm of Dell Publishing, which got its start in pulp magazines. It published comics from 1929 to 1973. At its peak, it was the most prominent and successful American company in the medium.Evanier, Mark"Wh ...
and
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
), dies at age 64 or 65.
* Rein van Looy, Dutch comics artist and illustrator (''Dick Parker''), dies at age 83 or 84.
* Geert van Wanrooij, Dutch illustrator and comic artist (''De Nieuwste Avonturen van Jan Klaassen''), dies at age 77 or 78.
Exhibitions and shows
Conventions
* February 11–13:
Great Eastern Conventions New York I (Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City) — guests include
Arthur Adams,
Murphy Anderson,
Dick Ayers
Richard Bache Ayers (; April 28, 1924 – May 4, 2014) was an American comic book artist and cartoonist best known for his work as one of Jack Kirby's inkers during the late-1950s and 1960s period known as the Silver Age of Comics, including on s ...
,
Terry Austin,
Mark Bagley
Mark Bagley (; born August 7, 1957) is an American comics artist. He has worked for Marvel Comics on such titles as ''The Amazing Spider-Man'', ''Thunderbolts (comic book), Thunderbolts'', ''New Warriors'', ''Venom (comic book), Venom'' and ''Ulti ...
,
Jim Balent,
Tony Bedard,
Tom and Mary Bierbaum,
Barry Blair,
Ruben Bolling,
John Byrne,
Rich Buckler
Rich Buckler (February 6, 1949 – May 19, 2017) was an Americans, American comics artist and penciller, best known for his work on Marvel Comics' ''Fantastic Four (comic book), Fantastic Four'' in the mid-1970s and for creating the character Deat ...
,
Jim Califiore,
Jim Callahan,
George Caragonne,
Richard Case,
Paul Castiglia,
Paul Chadwick,
Bernard Chang,
Howard Chaykin
Howard Victor Chaykin (; born October 7, 1950) is an Americans, American comics artist, comic book artist and writer. Chaykin's influences include his one-time employer and mentor, Gil Kane, and the mid-20th century illustrators Robert Fawcett an ...
,
David Chelsea,
Sean Chen,
Mark Chiarello,
Jan Childress,
Ernie Colón,
Gene Colan
Eugene Jules Colan (; September 1, 1926 – June 23, 2011)[Eugene Colan]
at the Social Security Death Index via ...
,
Amanda Conner,
Howard Cruse,
Paris Cullins
Paris Cullins is an American comics artist best known for his work on DC Comics' '' Blue Devil'' and '' Blue Beetle'', and '' Hyperkind'' from the Marvel Comics imprint Razorline. Early life
Paris Cullins was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ...
,
Geoff Darrow,
Peter David,
Dan Decarlo
Daniel S. DeCarlo (December 12, 1919 – December 18, 2001) was an American cartoonist best known for having developed the look of Archie Comics in the late 1950s and early 1960s, modernizing the characters to their contemporary appearance and es ...
,
Mike DeCarlo,
Kim DeMulder,
Steve Dillon,
Chuck Dixon,
Evan Dorkin,
Chris Claremont,
Dave Dorman,
Steve Ellis,
Garth Ennis,
Mike Esposito,
Lee Falk,
Bob Fingerman,
Robert Loren Fleming,
Sandu Florea,
Greg Fox,
José Luis GarcÃa-López,
Ron Garney
Ron Garney is an American comic book writer/artist, known for his work on books such as ''JLA (comic book), JLA'', ''The Amazing Spider-Man'', ''Silver Surfer'', ''Hulk'', ''Daredevil (Marvel Comics series), Daredevil'' and ''Captain America (com ...
,
Nat Gertler,
Vince Giarrano,
Dave Gibbons,
Keith Giffen,
Tom Gill,
Dick Giordano,
Stan Goldberg,
Richard Goldwater,
Gene Gonzales,
Jorge Gonzalez,
Archie Goodwin,
Victor Gorelick,
Dan Gottlieb,
Ron Goulart,
Steven Grant,
Gary Guzzo,
Lurene Haines,
Cully Hamner,
Scott Hampton,
Scott Hanna,
Irwin Hasen,
Fred Haynes,
Don Heck, David Hillman,
Dave Hoover,
Jed Hotchkiss,
Kevin Hopgood,
Stephen Hughes,
Dave Hunt,
Greg Hyland,
Mark Hyman,
Janet Jackson,
Dan Jurgens
Dan Jurgens (; born June 27, 1959) is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for his work on the DC Comics, DC comic book storyline "The Death of Superman" and for creating characters such as Doomsday (DC Comics), Doomsday, Hank H ...
,
Michael Kaluta,
Len Kaminsky,
Gil Kane
Gil Kane (; born Eli Katz , ; April 6, 1926 – January 31, 2000) was a Latvian-born American comics artist whose career spanned the 1940s to the 1990s and virtually every major comics company and character.
Kane co-created the modern-day vers ...
,
Jay Kennedy,
Hannibal King,
Scott Kolins,
Adam Kubert,
Andy Kubert,
David Lapham,
Batton Lash,
Carol Lay,
Bob Layton
Bob Layton (born September 25, 1953) is an American comic book artist, writer, and editor. He is best known for his work on Marvel Comics titles such as ''Iron Man (comic book), Iron Man'' and ''Hercules (Marvel Comics), Hercules'', and for co-fo ...
,
Jae Lee,
Rick Leonardi,
Joseph Michael Linsner,
Aaron Lopresti
Aaron Lopresti (born January 7, 1964) is an People of the United States, American comic book artist who has worked for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, CrossGen Comics and Image Comics.
Early life
Aaron Lopresti was born January 7, 19 ...
,
Frank Lovece,
John Lowe,
Tom Lyle,
Mike Manley,
Ron Marz,
Bob McLeod,
Mark McKenna,
Frank McLaughlin,
Shawn McManus,
Mike Mignola,
Frank Miller,
Bernie Mireault,
Steve Mitchell,
Rags Morales,
Tom Morgan,
Will Murray,
Josh Myers,
Fabian Nicieza,
Graham Nolan,
Michael Avon Oeming,
Kevin O'Neill,
Jerry Ordway
Jeremiah Joseph Ordway (born November 28, 1957) is an American writer, penciller, inker and painter of comic books.
He is known for his inking work on a wide variety of DC Comics titles, including the continuity-redefining ''Crisis on Infinite E ...
,
Richard Pace,
Tom Palmer,
Jimmy Palmiotti
James Palmiotti (born August 14, 1961) is an American writer and inker of comic books, who also does writing for games, television and film.
Early life
Palmiotti attended the High School of Art and Design in New York City.
Career
Palmiotti star ...
,
Jeff Parker,
Rick Parker,
Ande Parks,
Don Perlin,
Joe Phillips,
Adam Pollina,
George Pratt,
Brian Pulido,
Joe Quesada,
Alan Rabinowitz,
Ted Rall,
Tom Raney,
Ralph Reese,
James Robinson,
Adrienne Roy,
John Rozum,
Paul Ryan
Paul Davis Ryan (born January 29, 1970) is an American politician who served as the List of Speakers of the United States House of Representatives, 54th speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019. A member of the ...
,
Julius Schwartz,
David Scroggy,
Steven T. Seagle,
Val Semeiks,
Eric Shanower,
Jim Shooter,
Louise Simonson,
Walter Simonson,
Will Simpson,
Ted Slampyak,
Bob Smith,
Frank Springer,
Jim Starlin,
Arne Starr,
Alec Stevens,
William Stout,
Larry Stroman,
Arthur Suydam,
Art Thibert,
Anthony Tollin,
Kevin VanHook,
Tom Veitch,
Charles Vess,
Matt Wagner,
Lee Weeks,
Alan Weiss,
David Wenzel,
Mark Wheatley,
Bob Wiacek,
Mike Wieringo,
Kent Williams,
Gahan Wilson,
Barry Windsor-Smith,
Marv Wolfman,
John Workman,
Berni Wrightson, and
Mike Zeck
Michael J. Zeck (born September 6, 1949) is an Americans, American comics artist. He is best known for his work for Marvel Comics on such series as ''Captain America (comic book), Captain America'', ''Secret Wars, Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars'' ...
* March 13:
Great Eastern Conventions (Marriott Hotel, Bloomington, Minnesota) — 400 attendees
* March 25–27:
Motor City Comic Con (Novi Expo Center, Michigan)
* April:
Pittsburgh Comicon (Monroeville, Pennsylvania) — first iteration of the show
* April 20–21:
Pro/Con 2 (Oakland Convention Center, Oakland, California)
* April 22–24:
WonderCon (Oakland Convention Center, Oakland, California)
* May 2–3:
Capital City Trade Show (St. Louis, Missouri) — guests include
Dave Sim
* Summer:
CAPTION (
Oxford Union Society, Oxford, England) — Sex & Drugs & Rock'n'Roll theme; guests include
Hunt Emerson
Hunt Emerson (born 1952) is an English cartoonist. He was closely involved with the Birmingham Arts Lab of the mid-to-late 1970s, and with the British underground comics scene of the 1970s and 1980s. His many comic strips and graphic novels have ...
,
Pete Loveday, and
Bryan Talbot
* June 3–5:
Stripdagen Haarlem (Haarlem, The Netherlands)
* June 4–5:
Great Eastern Conventions New York II — "New York Comicon" (Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City) — guests include
Howard Chaykin
Howard Victor Chaykin (; born October 7, 1950) is an Americans, American comics artist, comic book artist and writer. Chaykin's influences include his one-time employer and mentor, Gil Kane, and the mid-20th century illustrators Robert Fawcett an ...
,
Walter Simonson,
Jim Starlin
* June 4:
Alternative Press Expo (Parkside Hall, San Jose, California) — first annual iteration of APE
* June 5:
Great Eastern Conventions Chicago (Hyatt Regency Woodfield,
Schaumburg, Illinois)
* June 5:
Great Eastern Conventions Pittsburgh (Sheraton at
Station Square, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
* June 5:
Great Eastern Conventions San Francisco (Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, San Francisco, California)
* June 10:
Small Press Expo (Bethesda Ramada Inn, Bethesda, Maryland) — first annual iteration of SPX; guests include
Dave Sim
* June 12–14:
Diamond Seminar (Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland) — guests include
Dave Sim
* June 12:
Great Eastern Conventions Miami (Crown Sterling Suites, Miami, Florida)
* June 12:
Great Eastern Conventions Minneapolis (Marriot Bloomington,
Bloomington, Illinois
Bloomington is a city in McLean County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. The 2020 United States census, 2020 census showed the city had a population of 78,680, making it the List of municipalities in Illinois, 13th-most populous ci ...
)
* June 12:
Great Eastern Conventions St. Louis (Holiday Inn Linbergh Exit, St. Louis, Missouri)
* June 17–19:
Atlanta Fantasy Fair (Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia) — official guests include
Sarah Douglas,
Bruce Campbell,
Jeff Rector,
Geraint Wyn Davies,
John A. Russo,
Ted V. Mikels
* June 17–19:
Heroes Convention (Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina) — guests include
Jim Lee
Jim Lee (; born August 11, 1964) is a Korean-born American comic book artist, writer, editor, and publisher. As of 2023, he is the President, Publisher, and Chief creative officer, Chief Creative Officer of DC Comics. In recognition of his work ...
,
Mike Mignola,
Gil Kane
Gil Kane (; born Eli Katz , ; April 6, 1926 – January 31, 2000) was a Latvian-born American comics artist whose career spanned the 1940s to the 1990s and virtually every major comics company and character.
Kane co-created the modern-day vers ...
,
Joe Madureira
Joe Madureira (; born December 1974), often called Joe Mad,Smith, Andrew (May 3, 2002). "Canceled Comics Cavalcade Catch-up". ''Comics Buyer's Guide'' #1485. p. 38 is an American comic book artist and game developer, best known for his work on ''D ...
,
Jeff Smith,
John Romita Sr. and
John Romita Jr.
* June 17–19:
New York Comic Fest (Jacob K. Javits Convention Center)
* June 26:
Great Eastern Conventions Boston (57 Park Plaza Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts)
* June 26:
Great Eastern Conventions Denver (Holiday Inn, Denver, Colorado)
* July 3–5:
Chicago Comicon (Rosemont Expo Center, Chicago, Illinois) — 20,000+ attendees; guest of honor:
Harlan Ellison
Harlan Jay Ellison (May 27, 1934 – June 28, 2018) was an American writer, known for his prolific and influential work in New Wave science fiction, New Wave speculative fiction and for his outspoken, combative personality. His published wo ...
; special guest:
James O'Barr
* July 15–17:
Dragon Con/
Atlanta Comics Expo (Atlanta Hilton & Tower/Westin Peachtree Plaza/Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta, Georgia) — 11,000 attendees
* July 29–31:
Dallas Fantasy Fair (Dallas Market Hall Convention Center) — guests include
Dave Sim and
Martin Wagner
* August 4–7,
San Diego Comic-Con
San Diego Comic-Con is a comic book convention and multi-genre entertainment event held annually in San Diego, California, at the San Diego Convention Center. Founded in 1970, originally showcasing primarily comic books and science fiction/fant ...
(San Diego Convention Center and
Hyatt Regency, San Diego, California) — 31,000 attendees; special guests include
Mike Allred,
David Brin,
Dave Dorman,
Al Feldstein,
Rick Geary,
Stan Goldberg,
Roberta Gregory,
Matt Groening
Matthew Abram Groening ( ; born February 15, 1954) is an American cartoonist, writer, producer, and animator. He is best known as the creator of the television series ''The Simpsons'' (1989–present), ''Futurama'' (1999–2003, 2008–2013, 2 ...
, Chad Grothkopf, Lurene Haines,
Dan Jurgens
Dan Jurgens (; born June 27, 1959) is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for his work on the DC Comics, DC comic book storyline "The Death of Superman" and for creating characters such as Doomsday (DC Comics), Doomsday, Hank H ...
,
Frank Miller,
Leonard Nimoy,
James O'Barr,
Lucius Shepard
Lucius Shepard (August 21, 1943 – March 18, 2014) was an American writer. Classified as a science fiction and fantasy writer, he often leaned into other genres, such as magical realism.
Career
Shepard was a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, wher ...
,
J. Michael Straczynski
Joseph Michael Straczynski, known as J. Michael Straczynski (; born July 17, 1954) is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is known as the creator of the science fiction televi ...
,
Rumiko Takahashi, and
Jean-Claude Van Damme
* August 20:
Marvel Mega Tour (Meadowlands Convention Center, Secaucus, New Jersey)
* September:
Small Press Expo (Bethesda Ramada Inn, Bethesda, Maryland) — first iteration of this show
* September 10–11:
OrlandoCon (Clarion Towers, Orlando, Florida) — produced by retailer Mike Kott; guests include Jim Ivey and
Martin Nodell
* October 21–23:
Philadelphia Comic Book Spectacular (Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — 200 exhibitors; guests include
Stan Lee
Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber ; December 28, 1922 – November 12, 2018) was an American comic book author, writer, editor, publisher, and producer. He rose through the ranks of a family-run business called Timely Comics which later bec ...
. Charity auction to benefit
St. Jude's Hospital and
Goodwill Industries.
* October 22–23:
Toronto Comic Book Extravaganza (Canadian Exposition & Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada)
* November 26–27:
Mid-Ohio Con (Columbus, Ohio) — 15th anniversary show; special guests:
Sergio Aragonés,
John Byrne,
Dick DeBartolo,
Dick Giordano,
Tony Isabella,
Joe Jusko,
William Messner-Loebs,
P. Craig Russell,
Stan Sakai,
Louise Simonson,
Walter Simonson,
Don Simpson,
Jeff Smith,
Roger Stern,
Jim Valentino, and
Mark Waid; other guests include:
Darryl Banks,
Dennis Cramer,
Kevin Dooley,
Matt Feazell,
Bob Ingersoll,
Steve Lieber,
Mike Okamoto,
Beau Smith,
Chris Sprouse
First issues by title
DC Comics
* ''Anima''
* ''Aquaman''
* ''
Batman: Castle of the Bat'' –
Elseworlds
Elseworlds is the publication imprint (trade name), imprint for American comic books produced by DC Comics for stories that take place outside the DC Universe Canon (fictional), canon. Elseworlds publications are set in alternate realities that ...
*
''Detective Comics Annual'' #7
* ''Damage''
*
''Deathstroke Annual'' #3
* ''Gunfire''
* ''R.E.B.E.L.S. '94''
* ''Shadow Cabinet'' –
Milestone Comics imprint
* ''Starman''
* ''
Superman: The Feral Man of Steel''
* ''Worlds Collide'' –
Milestone Comics imprint
* ''Xombi'' –
Milestone Comics imprint
* ''Zero Hour''
Vertigo Comics
* ''The Invisibles''
Image Comics
* ''Boof''
Marvel Comics
''
Force Works''
:''Release:'' July. ''Writers:''
Dan Abnett and
Andy Lanning. ''Art:''
Tom Tenney and
Rey Garcia. ''Summary:'' The
West Coast Avengers
The West Coast Avengers is a fictional group of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team first appeared in ''The West Coast Avengers'' #1 (Sept. 1984), created by Roger Stern and Bob Hall (comics), Bob Ha ...
are reborn as Force Works. Financed by
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the character first appearan ...
, the group welcomes a new member called
Legacy.
''
Generation X
Generation X (often shortened to Gen X) is the Demography, demographic Cohort (statistics), cohort following the Baby Boomers and preceding Millennials. Researchers and popular media often use the mid-1960s as its starting birth years and the ...
''
:''Release:'' October. ''Writer:'' Scott Lobdell. ''Artists:''
Chris Bachalo
Chris Bachalo (; born August 23, 1965) is a Canadian comic book illustrator known for his quirky, cartoon-like style. He became well known for stints on DC Comics' ''Shade, the Changing Man'' and Neil Gaiman's two Death (Sandman), Death series. C ...
and
Mark Buckingham. ''Summary:''
Banshee and
Emma Frost bring new, young mutants to
Xavier's School for Higher Learning. X-Men member
Jubilee is part of the group along with
Gateway,
M,
Skin
Skin is the layer of usually soft, flexible outer tissue covering the body of a vertebrate animal, with three main functions: protection, regulation, and sensation.
Other animal coverings, such as the arthropod exoskeleton, have different ...
,
Husk,
Chamber,
Synch, and
Speedball.
''
Marvels''
''
Nightwatch''
Small press titles
* ''
The Biologic Show
''The Biologic Show'' is a comic book series written and drawn by Al Columbia. The first issue, #0, was released in October 1994 by Fantagraphics Books, and a second issue, #1, was released the following January. A third issue (#2) was announced ...
'', by
Al Columbia,
Fantagraphics Books
Fantagraphics (previously Fantagraphics Books) is an American publisher of alternative comics, classic comic strip anthologies, manga, magazines, graphic novels, and (formerly) the Erotic comics, erotic Eros Comix imprint. They have managed sev ...
* ''
Underwater'', by
Chester Brown,
Drawn & Quarterly. First issue: August
* ''
César and Jessica'', in France
Shueisha
''
Chorus''
:''Release:'' May.
References
{{Reflist