Dick Giordano dead at 77

Dick Giordano, as shown in a self-portrait on the cover of his book.

CBR reports longtime DC Comics creator and executive Dick Giordano died Saturday at age 77.

Giordano helped oversee the “action hero” line with Blue Beetle and the Question at Charlton before coming to DC Comics.  Giordano became one of the most accomplished inkers in DC’s history, particularly known for his work over Neal Adams.   He was vice president/executive editor at DC for a decade, from 1983-1993.  His “Meanwhile” column as a DC executive gave a peek behind the curtain at the publisher, and was a feature I enjoyed in 1980s DC Comics.

CBR quotes current DC co-publisher Jim Lee on Giordano:

“When I was just trying to break into comics back in 1986, I received a lot of form rejection letters, including a very gracious one from Dick at DC Comics. On the DC letterhead, he took the time to pen an additional personal note which I still cherish today. ‘Looking good – keep working at it.’ Those few words kept this often dejected young artist hanging in there as it took many many more submissions before I finally broke into comics.

“Thank you, Dick, for your words of encouragement, all the years of amazing art and editorial leadership at DC. And finally, for showing us artists how a great inker gets it done.”

- Matt Price