Dick Giordano: 1932-2010

I just found out that one of my lifelong artistic influences has gone to the big superhero clubhouse in the sky.

Dick Giordano passed away today at the age of 77. He was best known for his work at DC Comics as an inker, penciler and editor. His pairing with Neal Adams left major marks on Batman, Deadman and Green Lantern/Green Arrow in the 70's, and he drew more covers across the DC line than anyone. He mentored a generation of the best-known inkers in the business, including Terry Austin (Uncanny X-Men), Bob Layton (Iron Man), and many others. As an editor he was instrumental in the success of Justice League of America and Teen Titans in the 80's, and in forming DC's Vertigo imprint (The Sandman, Animal Man, Death, The Saga of the Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, etc...), thus paving the way for an influx of writers (Peter Milligan, Neil Gaiman, etc...) from the UK. Two of my other major influences, George Perez and John Byrne had their work (Crisis on Infinite Earths and Action Comics, respectively) inked by Mr. Giordano to memorable effect. His monthly "Meanwhile..." columns in DC's comics were a window into the inner workings of the company for over a decade.

Most importantly to me, month after month in the 1970's and 80's his clean lines, eye for detail, fluid motion and dynamic poses lit a fire in my mind and shaped the way I've been drawing for many decades. His heroes & heroines were bold and powerful, and his women were beautiful and realistic. Any time he stepped back up to the inking board in later years I always checked out his work with much fondness. I will always be grateful for his talent, and he will be missed, not only by me, but also by the legions of artists he inspired and the fans he entertained & amazed with his imagination.
Art credits: Aquaman - Dick Giordano. Women of DC '76 - Dick Giordano. Batman - Bob Layton inks over Dick Giordano pencils.