Updated: 11 March 2008
|
|
Updated: 11 March 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
Please use the form at the bottom of this page if you want to pay your last respect to Dave Stevens. | |||||||
 | |||||||
|
March 13, 2008 at 04:23
Truly one of the last of a breed of artists whose energy and talent have made the world a bit better..In talking with him, one could sense that there was no pretense, only an honest, up-front kinda guy with a powerful creative drive to craft art and stories designed to evoke a nostalgic,genuine feeling of wonder..With his passing, the world has grown a little colder; but the work he's left behind is a testament to the bright spirit of the Future that those of us born in the middle of the last century grew up with..Words can't describe what we've lost--but his art can restore what we've felt, and that was that he was "one of the good ones".......Via Con Dios, DaveMark W. Counts March 13, 2008 at 04:38
My fondest memories of Dave were with my father (whom died in 2004), Bill Liebowitz & Dave's best buddy, Jim Silke. Dave & Jim were always together, joined at the hip, you might say. Always sitting next to each other at signings, conventions, etc. Dave always dressed very sharp in vintage clothes & was always smiling.In addition, Dave's art has hung in our home, apartment, dorm room every since i can remember. Seeing his amazing illustrations of Rocketeer & Bettie Page always brightened up my day. You will be missed... The Liebowitz & Golden Apple family March 13, 2008 at 04:40
i only met dave once at Dragoncon in atlanta georgia in 1999. i was able to tell him how much i loved his art and how his brushwork with ink was a huge influence on me. he was really nice and polite. a huge loss to us all.Brian Monroe March 13, 2008 at 04:53
Prints, posters, tin signs, cardboard stand-ups, and of course, the fantastic books of Dave Stevens, are all over my house. I've admired the man's work for years, and unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet him. But everything I've read, either about him, or by him, suggested a true gentleman. As long as the Rocketeer lives (forever!), so will Dave. I will always think fondly of a man I never met when I see his art (pretty much daily). Looking forward to meeting you on the other side.Ken Fries March 13, 2008 at 05:27
You were one of my idols growing up, and influenced my own drawings. You were a genius and perfectionist - among the greatest of visual stylists. Sadly, an era has now come to an end. You will be missed, but hopefully never forgotten. If there is any justice in this world, you shall be immortalized as one of history's greatest artists. Rest in peace, Dave Stevens.Henry Yeung March 13, 2008 at 05:32
To the Family & Friends, I am Truly Sorry for this Incredible Loss.Dave's Beautiful Art has touched me as well as the millions of fans the world over. I was Lucky to meet him in NJ,some years ago. He allowed me to buy him lunch & He rewarded me with a ROCKETEER sketch He was Truly a GIANT in the world of art & I miss Him already Thank You Dave, For the Beauty you put on a page,For the kindness you showed me and my undying Respect. Michael OConnor March 13, 2008 at 05:51
I can't describe how shocked I was when I learned of Dave Stevens' death--I am ashamed to say that I had no idea he was even battling leukemia...I have nice memories of seeing him several times at Comic-Con (back when it was EASY to see such people, before it became the three-ring circus it now is)-- and I was too shy to go up to him, as I thought he was the cutest damned artist in the world. So young! My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Cynthia Fluharty March 13, 2008 at 06:19
The Rocketeer has always been much more to me than a character in a comic book or movie. It has helped me feel young all these years, even as I approach 40! I'll never forget The Rocketeer premier at The El Capitan on Hollywood Boulevard. The street was shut down and there was red carpet and a rides and food being sold in front of the theatre. My home is filled with lithographs, comics, and cards all signed by Dave and they make me smile everyday. The last time I saw Dave was in 1998 at the Golden Apple Comic Book Store in Hollywood, California. I told him I had a mint Bulldog Cafe Cookie Jar and he asked me if he could buy it from me and laughed. I'm sure he's flying around in heaven with a Pristine Helmet and a Rocket Pack that is fueled by God! Tommy Dangcil March 13, 2008 at 06:58
This is a tough one.Not only is Dave Stevens' creation THE ROCKETEER such a longtime favorite of mine, but I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Dave many times over the last 20 years or so, and he was just a hell of a nice guy. One of the good ones. Dave Stevens' work was one of the first things to make me realize that there were comics worth reading that weren't necessarily Marvel or DC. When the first comic shop opened up in my small hometown when I was in high school, one of the posters on the wall was Dave Stevens' painting of Valkyrie for Eclipse's AIRBOY series, and I was hooked. That poster stayed on my wall all though high school, college, and even made its way to my apartment here in Los Angeles. And it's not merely the pin-up aspect that made it so appealing. Stevens captured a sense of romance and nostalgia with the image; everything I love about the AIRBOY comics is summed up in that painting. As I started attending first WonderCon in Oakland and later Comic-Con in San Diego, I saw Stevens frequently, noticing two things: he looked exactly like the Rocketeer, and he was always surrounded by beautiful women. As I would frequently note to myself, good work if you can get it. I don't really have anything else to say that others elsewhere who knew the man better aren't saying more eloquently. I just looked at my copy of THE ROCKETEER graphic novel, and it's signed from Dave: "Happy Landings!" Happy Landings, Dave. Scott Tipton March 13, 2008 at 07:03
I just wanted to personally say that Dave Stevens was a gift to humanity. His creativity sparked the imagination of thousands of people and his artwork and charisma have left an everlasting impression on the world. I thank you for creating one of my most cherished characters of all time, The Rocketeer, and sticking with your principles in a world where most people would just sell out their craft to make a dollar. I hope in time people truly realize how much you have changed certain things in the world of artwork and movies. Although I never got the chance to meet you in person, I was definately looking forward at the chance at the 2008 Comic-Con, I will make sure that your memory will be displayed, and that your contributions to art and cinema will never be forgotten. God Bless you and your family good sir, I hope you get the chance to strap that rocket pack on your back and soar with the angels in heaven. David Kampling March 13, 2008 at 07:48
Although I was aware that he was ill, hearing that Dave Stevens is gone is a shock. It had been a while since we spoke on the phone. I was hoping to catch up with him at the last ComicCon I attended, but didn't see him there. Way back in the '80's, after being demolished by Dave's Rocketeer comics, my writing partner Danny Bilson and I determined to track down Cliff Secord's elusive creator. Dave liked our ideas for a Rocketeer film script and, despite our scant credits and without a cent in option money changing hands, become our partner. It was as simple as that, and a testament to his integrity both as an artist and, quickly, a friend. His original panels in tow, Dave accompanied us on the rounds of studio pitches until Disney bought the project. It took several more years to bring Dave's baby to the screen. But, as we plowed through countless drafts, his enthusiasm never dimmed. I also learned a great deal about composing comic book scripts from Dave, writing that was much harder than I expected. The reward, of course, was seeing our words come to life in Dave's drawings...eventually. As others have noted, Dave was maddeningly slow and incredibly meticulous, but the result was spectacular. So, thanks, Dave. We'll miss you, but what you've left behind will outlive us all. See you over the horizon, pal. Paul De Meo 
Click on the image to see it in full size. March 13, 2008 at 07:57
Man, he was an amazing artist. My comic collection has a very well read section devoted to him. I'm going to go flip through it again...Gareth Gaudin March 13, 2008 at 08:12
Here's my tribute, from http://bettiepageblog.blogspot.comThe official blog of BettiePage.com: Dave Stevens, the profoundly gifted comic book creator and illustrator, passed away on March 10th at the age of 52, after a long (and privately fought) battle with leukemia. His life and work have have a profound impact on Bettie Page the person and Bettie Page the enduring icon. Falling in love with her photos and film reels, Dave honed his clean-lined style by faithfully bringing the then-"missing" Bettie to life on bristol board. Eventually, he would incorporate her likeness in his title, THE ROCKETEER, as a character named "Betty", the girlfriend of the title's hero, Cliff Secord. A retro-pulp adventure about a boy who uses a jet pack to fight for justice, began modestly as a back-up in Mike Grell's STARSLAYER in 1982. THE ROCKETEER's fame snowballed, raising the profile of both artist and "model". Dave's stunning renditions and interpretations of Bettie Page ( in ROCKETEER, scores of pin-ups and in the authorized BETTIE PAGE COMICS) created a legion of fans, priming the pump for Bettie's return to the public eye. Ironically, when THE ROCKETEER was finally translated to the big screen, "Betty" the character was deemed too hot for a Disney title, leaving Jennifer Connelly to play a re-named, toned down girlfriend to Billy Campbell's "Cliff". If Dave's only contribution to Bettie's life was through the beauty and impact of his art, that would warrant eternal gratitude on the part of Bettie and her fans. However, once Bettie resurfaced, Dave was among the first to seek her out and compensate her for using her image without her (admittedly, impossible to attain) permission. Thereafter, he not only lobbied within the creative community to urge artists to do right by Bettie, he also became one of her few close friends and confidants, driving her to doctors appointments, the grocery store and the like. Dave Stevens, the friend and the artist, will be missed by all who have been touched by him. Bettie fans, whether familiar with his work or not, should be profoundly grateful for the ways his humanity and genius have help cultivate Bettie's current popularity. Read an in-depth interview with Dave Stevens in COMIC BOOK ARTIST, in which Dave discusses his entire career and his relationship with Bettie Page.  Hear snippets of an interview Dave Stevens conducted with Bettie Page.Buy Dave Stevens products from Dark Horse. Read scores of tributes compiled by Tom Spurgeon at THE COMICS REPORTER. The following touching tributes discuss Dave on a personal level: Mark Evanier (a talented writer in many mediums and a particularly erudite blogger on matters that affect comics, animation, film and TV) Heidi MacDonald of PUBLISHERS WEEKLY'S BLOG, "THE BEAT" Harry Knowles of Ain't It Cool News Artist Rich Dannys Mike Richardson, Publisher of Dark Horse Comics, provided a statement to COMIC BOOK RESOURCES Learn more about Dave Stevens, courtesy of Wikipedia and his own official Dave Stevens site. The official site contains a tremendous amount of artwork and a list of nearly all his published work. March 13, 2008 at 08:14
I had the honor of meeting Dave and Jack Kirby together in North Carolina in the 1980s, and Dave again in San Diego in the 1990s. His ROCKETEER is a classic, and Bettie Mae Page his greatest inspiration. All his many fans will miss him deeply. Rest in peace, dear friend. Rest in heavenly peace.Charlie E. Hepler March 13, 2008 at 08:23
Dave Stevens is the gold-standard at what he did and his work was cherished for decades by fans like me. His passions and interests shined through his work through the perfection of his compositions, draftsmanship and incredible linework. Because he obviously cared so much about these cultural "artifacts", he caused generations to explore his passions and adopt them as their own. In the process of turning his own childhood heroes into icons, he turned himself into an icon as well. I had the AIRBOY VALKYRIE poster on my wall for years. I have most of his popular work. And, unlike most comic books (or any form of entertainment), I find myself returning to the worlds he created often. They're full of adventure, excitement and LIFE. Most people touched by Dave's work never met him, or met him only briefly. But through his work, I feel he opened the best of himself up to us, to enjoy again and again. In that way, he will be always be with us. Kevin March 13, 2008 at 08:28
This comes at such a shock to me. Dave Stevens was a man that was involved in 2 of my favorite heroes of all time, namely, The Rocketeer & his involvement on Indiana Jones. It is his essense of appreciating the past that created a respect I have not felt for many others. My best goes out to his family, friends & fans. And wherever you are, Dave...You will NEVER be forgotten.Alex Razos March 13, 2008 at 08:37
Shock and sad rolled together this morning. I love Dave's art and I will
miss not seeing new creations from him. I remember time and place when I first
chanced on his art: I was taking my nephew to comic store and killing time while he
searched for Marvels, I picked up the first Rocketeer paperback collection and have
been hooked on Dave's art and comics ever since. Condolences to family, friends, and
fans.Steve Hathaway March 13, 2008 at 10:13
I came to know Dave's work through the recommendations of Michael Kaluta
and Harlan Ellison. The world is a much poorer place now after his passing, and I
wish I'd had the chance to meet him and express just how fantastic his work is.
Godspeed, Dave.Scott Conner March 13, 2008 at 10:20
I was shocked to learn of Mr. Stevens passing. It was not a pleasant thing
to come home to. I've enjoyed his work for a long time. My deepest condolences to
his family. A truely gifted artist. He will be sorely missed. Todd Slater March 13, 2008 at 10:23
I've known Dave for years, and though I was aware of his health issues, it
is still shocking to hear the news of his passing. In run a convention called the
Dallas Comic Con, and Dave was a special guest at our very first show in 2002. He
was always great with fans, and in the years following I'd see him in San Diego and
catch up either at his booth or over dinner. I've written a tribute to him at my
website BIGFANBOY.com. I'll always have
great memories of Dave, and I sincerely hope he's in a better place now.Mark Walters March 13, 2008 at 10:36
I met Dave while working on The Rocketeer at Designsetters. I didn't know
who he was at the time and chatted at length with him about the projects I was to
work on. Was I surprised when we were formally introduced yet He didn't skip a beat
and continued looking at my sketches and kept up the conversation. The Rocketeer was
one of my favorite projects because of Daves pure enthusiasm and gracious manner. As
the years passed I would look back on that time and wished more people in Hollywood
were as unassuming and generous. Dave will be missed by all of us admirers and
lovers of flight!J.M.B March 13, 2008 at 11:31
dave was the retro art king, he had a beautiful line and grace about his
work ,he could draw anything and make it dazzle on the page ,i'm sad i'll never get
the chance to meet him and tell him how much i enjoyed his work and i will continue
too.Condolences to family, friends, and fellow fans. Jon Haward March 13, 2008 at 12:03
I discovered his work in one of the first American books ( Aurora ) I ever
bought and followed his art from that.Against better knowing I was stil hoping for a new Rocketeer episode. You will be missed but the art you left behind will please us in years to come. Guido de Bue from The Netherlands March 13, 2008 at 12:06
I was very saddened and shocked to hear of Dave Stevens' death. He was a
great artist and writer, uniquely able to combine the two disciplines into a chic,
streamlined form of graphic art.Michael Johnson March 13, 2008 at 13:14
This is a shock, and quite sad. He will be missed by all.Jim Ryan March 13, 2008 at 14:14
I am deeply saddened by this news. I loved Dave Steven's retro Art Deco
look of The Rocketeer. I always wished he had cranked out more issues but at least
he got to see his creation translated to the big screen in such a loving adaptation.He will be missed. J.D. March 13, 2008 at 14:34
I was saddened to the point of tears to hear of Dave's passing. It is no
exaggeration when I say Dave's work had a huge influence on my life. My desire to be
an artist all started due to an odd little comic I found by the name of Pacific
Presents so long ago in my youth. My wall still holds that classic image of
Crossfire leaning over a sleeping Marilyn Monroe I purchased so many years back. My
heart felt condolences to Dave's family and many fans. I already miss him? Victor Flores March 13, 2008 at 14:39
He must have been a beautiful person inside to have produced such beautiful
art outside. I am sad to hear he is gone. My condolences to his family...Kathy Pearlman March 13, 2008 at 14:42
I had the pleasure of meeting Dave at Comic-Con in San Diego several years
ago. I was shocked to read of his death on Mark Evanier's website. His talent was
amazing and it appears his friendship was something even more amazing. My heart
goes out to his friends and family. It is obvious how much you will all miss him.Tracey Weiss March 13, 2008 at 14:55
Simply devastating news. My condolences to his family and friends. Dave
Stevens was an artistic hero of mine, and a tremendous inspiration to so many.
While he wore his influences on his sleeve, he had also developed his own, instantly
recognizable style that was superior in its technical and emotional execution. I'm
sad to learn that he was struggling with illness for so long, but he is at peace
now. Thanks for all of your great work, Dave...your talent was a gift to us all.Bruce Ross March 13, 2008 at 15:29
My condolences to Carolyn and Jennie. Carolyn, you may not remember me by name, but I was Dave's friend that called you after the Northridge Quake to let you know Dave was alive and unharmed. I could hear you exhale a breath you must have been holding for hours. I now have a son myself, and I truly understood that our boys are always our boys, and that knowledge makes me wish fervently that you will be well. I wrote about Dave here: http://divalea.livejournal.com/529881.html http://divalea.livejournal.com/529374.html It is absolutely wonderful to read so many stories from other women who were lucky enough to know Dave, and be one of his models, to be in the company of a great artist like Dave and an iconic woman like Bettie. Here's to Dave, and here's to us! Lea Hernandez March 13, 2008 at 16:12
He will be tremendously missed. When Rocketeer was published, it was one of
the few comics that my Dad and I both enjoyed, so beyond the inherent beauty of the
story and art, I have that extra memory that always floods back when I see Dave
Stevens' glorious line-work.(Of course, the image of Monk bursting in with an oversized "WoW" is indelibly marked in my mind.) Raymond H. Riethmeier March 13, 2008 at 16:37
I'd been hearing rumours on and off for months about Dave's health, but
Dave was so private a person he never wanted anyone talking about what was happening
with him.I hadn't had any response to my last few emails, and began to suspect that things were indeed as bad as the rumour mill let on. Dave and I were born the same year, Dave less than a month older than I, and until today, he was my favourite living artist. Dave's death is unbelievably sad, but his life was gloriously upbeat. In all the years we corresponded, or visited at conventions, he never failed to demonstrate just how much he cared for his fans -- and his friends even more. Dave used to tell stories about how when he was only a fan he knew how much of a difference it made when someone took the time to talk to him, and how much it meant that when asked for an autograph, it would be done carefully and with meaning, rather than just being dashed off to get rid of whoever it was that was asking for it. Dave never forgot. I have dozens of things signed by him -- most of them with personal inscriptions based on who I am and what it was that was being autographed. Dave didn't like the limelight, but he knew he was there, and so he did his best with it. Dave's talent was astronomical, and although Dave made it look easy, he sweated over every thing that came from his pen or his brush, which was why he wasn't as prolific as he could have been. Dave cared too much -- and as a friend and a fan, I loved his care for all of us. I have lots of Dave's original framed on my walls, and I'm having a hard time imagining a world without him in it. God bless you Dave! Ray Cuthbert March 13, 2008 at 16:41
Deeply saddened by the passing of this talented man. My condolences to
family and friends.Paul Scrabo March 13, 2008 at 17:00
I'm at a lost for words, this is a very sad day for me and a great lost for
the Artistic world. I never got to meet Dave though I was an admirer of his work
thru out his entire career....I still can't believe it.Bill Marimon March 13, 2008 at 17:29
Dave Stevens...one of my favourite artists EVER!...I'm so sad to hear this
dreadful news.My condolences to his family and friends... A huge fan. George Jones from Liverpool. UK March 13, 2008 at 17:34
My Hero is gone. The world is diminished. I thank God for him, his
perfectionism, and his work. I cherish every piece of the collection he inspired me
to find. Thank you Dave, I will truly miss you & wish you could have stayed longer.
Now you can fly.Keep our eyes to the skies. JD Davis March 13, 2008 at 17:39
Wow...you will me missed. I know so many peoples lives have been changed by you. Rest well Dave. Adam March 13, 2008 at 17:50
So many have left their tributes, and so many more will, as well. But the
greatest tribute to this incredible, talented gentleman is the amazing body of work
he's left behind, which we can use to remember him and honor those memories
accordingly.David M. Lynch March 13, 2008 at 18:01
Mr. Stevens. Thank you for the wonderful body of work you so lovingly
provided for this world. We shall miss your presence most dearly.Michael Ray Moore March 13, 2008 at 18:03
He was my friend. I miss him already. Kookie March 13, 2008 at 18:23
I first met Dave when he was a volunteer on the San Diego Comic-Con
committee back in the early 1970s; he was in charge of the amateur portion of the
art show at the time. That's why he will always be "that boy" to me. When I was
editing the Comic-Con progress reports, he drew a cover for me that he later begged
I destroy, because he thought it was so bad (I still have it). After he moved to Los
Angeles, we always kept in touch, and when he came down for Comic-Con we always hung
out, especially with the Steranko crowd; one time he even brought his dirty laundry
with him (he didn't have time to do it at home) for me to throw in my washer. I can
attest to the rude and crude conversations he would have with Richard "Hot Tuna"
Butner (Comic-Con VP) that David Scroggy has described elsewhere.I wrote the bio of Dave that appeared in his first Pacific Comics Presents Rocketeer issue. I was the "official photographer" at his wedding to the then Charlene Brinkman (later Brinke Stevens). I loved all his work and would read every issue of Rocketeer twice, once for the story and a second time just to enjoy the art in every single panel. I followed his career and would get filled in on the details about his Marvel lawsuit, the making of the Rocketeer movie, etc. During the 1991 Comic-Con he was responsible for one of the most embarrassing moments of my life, involving Billy Campbell, but you'll have to ask me in person to get the details on that one. I didn't get to see too much of Dave in recent years, but in 2004 we had a great time after hours at WonderCon reminiscing about old San Diego Comic-Con days with Steranko. I can't believe I knew him for over 30 years. And I can't believe he's gone. My condolences go to his mom and sister and to his close friends (you know who you are) who loved him dearly and respected his wishes not to let anyone know about his illness. Jackie Estrada March 13, 2008 at 18:45
I'm so sorry. Dave's artwork got me through a difficult time in my life
back in 1986.Please know my prayers are with your family. Gary Hackenburg | |||||||
| |||||||
|
|
 |
|
||
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|||
|
|
|||
