Wow … we’re truly saddened to hear that Dave Stevens passed away Monday at the far-too-young age of 52.
Many people remember Stevens’ greatest creation, The Rocketeer, as the hero of a decent-enough Disney movie starring Jennifer Connelly and Billy Campbell.
However, the comic that introduced the character was one of the high-points of the early-1980s indie renaissance that invigorated the comics industry and brought your humble host back to the medium after a long absence.
Along with Nexus, American Flagg, Zot!, Grimjack and countless forgotten titles (anybody remember Aztec Ace?), Stevens’ Rocketeer brought an addictive mix of humor, action and sophistication to super-hero(ish) adventure comics that was sadly absent from our childhood favorites at that time.
Stevens’ gorgeous art and pulp sensibilities was every bit as fresh and exciting as the original Raiders Of The Lost Ark. His prominent use of Bettie Page in the strip also introduced us to one of the more notable figures in American pop culture.
The Keeper always wondered if 2006’s Page biopic, The Notorious Bettie Page, would have been filmed if Stevens hadn’t brought her back to the public’s consciousness.
Stevens’ work will always hold a unique place in our collection. We send our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Well pooh. It’s been a rather depressing time for creators as of late. I have the Rocketeer, and it is a beautiful book. Didn’t Mr. Steven use Doug Wildey as the model for the old guy?
This is a shame.
I know, it’s been one after the other!
As for Stevens’ use of the great Doug Wildey as a model for Peevy, you are on the money!!
My first introduction to the Rocketeer was through the movie, but I enjoyed it enough to start collecting what I could of Steven’s work. Sad news.
It’s truly a tragedy that Dave’s gone. But the great work remains behind.
And heck, there’s even new GrimJack over at ComicMix, done by the original team of Ostrander and Truman. Even got John Workman back on lettering. The good stuff’s not gone yet.