Updated: 11 March 2008
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Updated: 11 March 2008 |
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Please use the form at the bottom of this page if you want to pay your last respect to Dave Stevens. | |||||||
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March 14, 2008 at 16:14
My best wishes to Dave's family and friends. Dave brought great joy to
many people that didn't know him or ever meet him - a great legacy, which was sadly
too short.Dave is the only artist that I have a "special" section for in my comic collection - collecting all the bits and pieces that were too infrequent, but always perfect. While Dave may be gone, we have his wonderful stories and artwork to enjoy - I think I'll go re-read them as my own personal "thank-you" to this artist that I never met, but always had close by. Frank March 14, 2008 at 16:35
I never had the pleasure of meeting Dave Stevens-but I have considered him
in a class by himself since 1973, when a Dan Diego Comic-Con flyer appeared in my
mailbox with a little drawing of Doc Savage by Dave. I was a teenager with
aspirations of illustrating, and my first reaction was despair, as in, "Why am I
bothering?" The jewel-like perfection of his hatching and the assured style would
have depressed me even more had I known that Dave wasn't out of his teens either. I
will always be a fan.Ian Breheny March 14, 2008 at 17:30
I'm a fan, and ardent admirer of Dave Stevens. I bought the Rocketeer Comic
book when I was collecting comic book artwork during art school. His was the only
one I kept with me through all these years. I could never part with it, and am
amazed every time I look at it. He may never realize just what an impact he had on
my life as well as others. God bless him. He was truly a genius and wonderful light
in this world. M Ellis March 14, 2008 at 18:56
I was very saddened to hear of Dave's passing. My condolences to his family
and friends. As a tribute I have brought back the original Rocketeer home page that
I created 12 years ago.http://www.enter.net/~rocketeer/rock/main.html Larry E Long March 14, 2008 at 20:40
In Memory of Dave Stevens,Sometimes "The Rocketeer" Wasn't Always On Time, But It Was Always Worth Waiting For! And, His 'Obsession' With Betty Page Wasn't Bad Either!! Sorry, To See You Go!!! May Your NEXT Journey Be Adventurous, Fun, and Glorious in "The Great Be- yond" Will Rose March 14, 2008 at 21:01
Alien Worlds #4 will always be one of my favorite comics, because of Dave
Stevens. A great creator and artist, and a very kind spirit. I will miss chatting
with him in San Diego. Rest in peace.Kurt March 14, 2008 at 21:31
I've been a fan of comics since I can remember, and now, hearing that Mr.
Stevens has passed away I realize that talent like his is truly a rare thing that
comes but only on the rarest of occassions. I remember when I first saw Mr. Stevens
work at the comic shop, a poster of the Rocketeer and thought "WOW, if only I could
draw like that!" Sadly enough, I can't draw like he did, and secondly, I'm sad to
hear that one of those talens I've as a kid is gone now. He will be missed and I
send my deepes condolences to his friends and family who knew him and loved him
best. God Speed Dave Stevens, paint the heavens with all the colors of the angels in
all your amazing visions.Chris Leach March 14, 2008 at 21:57
One of the best ever. I did write and tell him that, which is maybe the
worst thing to do to a great but careful artist. I'm sorry I never got to tell him
in person. Sure will miss his work and knowing he's around.Bill Mills March 14, 2008 at 23:32
I met Dave when I was 17 and he was 20. Friends for over 30 years and
now I sit here grief-stricken, heart-broken. From the early days running around
L.A. with Bil Stout, et al, the parties (especially Halloweens!), the screenings, to
helping Dave run his booth at Comic Con, to visiting the set of ROCKETEER then going
to a screening as his guest, my list of memories go on and on. I see the names of
so many mutual friends here...Alison, Kookie... I love you Dave and miss you. Kelli March 14, 2008 at 23:43
I was so sad to hear about Dave. I loved his art, and we have lost one of
the greatest comic artists of our generation. R.I.P.Tom Stein March 15, 2008 at 00:28
Dear, Dave,You were, and continue to be a source of inspiration to me. The kindness you showed a fledgling artist years ago still means more than I can put words to. Tho we only met once, I feel this loss proundly. Your courage helps me in my daily life and your dedication to fans and life is, and will continue to be, an example I will live my life by. Steve March 15, 2008 at 00:36
Looking over all the tributes here - from famous, infamous and just fans
like myself - I feel almost humble about adding my words. But add them I must.There are very FEW artists who knock my socks off the first time I see their work. Dave was the first. I had always hoped somehow he'd find a new comics project he wanted to do and make his way back to us. Sadly, it is not be be. I got out the OS Stevens book put out some years back the night he passed and it was stunning. I'd forgotten just how much. Wherever beatiful women and hot cars abound [ and vice versa ] I'll bet Dave can be found. You will be missed. Brett Canavan in Canada March 15, 2008 at 01:29
Here's what I posted on my MySpace this afternoon:Friday, March 14, 2008 R.I.P. Dave Stevens I just got the news that we lost one of the real good guys this past week, artist/writer Dave Stevens; one of the nicest, most talented people I've ever had the privilege to know, Dave was one-of-a-kind. I first met Dave at the Oakland WonderCon; I think it was in 1990. I was there to play my first official gig with Seduction of the Innocent. My band-mates were Bill Mumy, Miguel Ferrer, Max Alan Collins, and Steve Leialoha. I was in heaven because as a life-long comics fan and collector, I was getting to meet and hang out with many of my heroes; the creators of the characters, stories, and art that I so dearly love. Some of the big guys were friendly enough, and because of the stellar company I was keeping, they would humor me - but Dave was different; he was never too busy to talk, had nothing but encouraging things to say about my own musical art, and never treated me like a fan boy, which of course, I was, How could I not be? His stories were everything that I loved in the old movies, serials, and TV shows and comics I watched and read as a kid. The bad guys were bad, the good guys were good, the women were gorgeous and sexy, but somehow still sweet and innocent (try making that one work!) and the stories had nods to everything that I ever thought was cool about the past. When my daughter first met him at age 13, she said he was better looking than the guy in the comic book. Later, when The Rocketeer movie came out she said that Dave was better looking than the guy who played the lead in the film, and that Dave should have played Cliff Secord. Dave always remembered Laura and called her by name, even though he would usually only see her once a year at the San Diego Con. Although Dave and I never got to hang out beyond the Cons, he would always show his support by coming to the S.O.T.I. gigs, and was present at more than a few gigs when I was playing with The Jenerators. Dave always made me feel that we were friends. On more than one occasion when I stopped by his booth at the Con, he would sweep his arm around the booth and say, "Whatever you want Chris, It's yours." Usually I would defer, not wanted to be greedy, but I did break down and take him up on a couple of things over the years. My most precious gift from Dave is a signed poster from The Rocketeer film; it's inscribed "For Chris - Big Noise." My wife surprised me by having it put in a lovely frame, and at her suggestion it hangs in a place of honor in the master bedroom of our home. When Mark Schultz and I were working on "Songs from the Xenozoic Age," Dave was a great cheerleader, giving us lots of encouragement on our concept. When it was finally completed and I handed him the CD, he loved it; saying that "your concept will be ripped off," but that we would always know that we were the first. I don't think I've ever gotten a compliment as important to me. In the early 90's at WonderCon, there was a small 'friendly' competition between Dave and Mark Schultz when they both drew in my sketchbook using ball point pens. After they had finished they were haggling about this and that, teasing each other about the techniques used in the drawings -- later when I thanked Dave for the marvelous Bettie profile sketch he?d done in my book, he remarked that, "it was only a doodle." After that, every couple of years or so I'd ask him if he would do a 'real' sketch in my book; usually he'd say "not yet, but keep asking." Three years ago I got up the nerve to ask again, and he said "Al Collins has been asking me for years, but I'll do your's first - just don't tell him." So, my sketchbook went home with Dave after that Con, and knowing how Dave worked, I knew I would not see my book for a very long time; Dave is the only artist I know that takes more time than my good buddy, Mark Schultz. Not too long after that his diagnosis came in and we all knew that he was ill; I don't know if he was ever able to do that sketch or not, but I know for sure I've lost a great friend. God be good to him. John "Chris" Christensen March 15, 2008 at 01:53
I am deeply saddened by the Death of a true master draftsman. Dave will be
missed by many, I feel you had more tales to tell, But I guess those are for another
time.Also, Bettie Page never had a better publicity agent.Hope to see you in the beyond Dave.. Chuck Ewing March 15, 2008 at 03:40
Here, the sky is gray and the clouds weep, for we are diminished by one.
We will miss his joy and the beauty he freely gave. We remember his laugh, and his
kind heart.Doran & Marvie Fish March 15, 2008 at 06:53
Dave--you were one of the good guys--a great artist and a fine person. You
brightened my life in many ways. I am so saddened that you have gone. I'll be sure
to drop by your booth to say "Hi!" when I visit the Comic-Con Celestial.Steve Garris March 15, 2008 at 07:50
I have just heard of Mr. Stevens passing and I am honestly stunned by this.A collaborator/friend informed me of the sad news only today.Dave Stevens was a fantastic draftsman and an inspiration to me as a professional illustrator. I first laid eyes on his work when he was doing his "good girl" pieces, it was a Sheena cover piece that first caught my eye, then that unforgettable "Crossfire" cover featuring the haunting likeness of a deceased Marilyn Monroe-then of course ...his masterpiece; "the Rocketeer". I, like Dave am a stickler for details and am of a meticulous nature when it comes to my art-sometimes getting me in trouble with deadlines-but he always produced his best because he gave his best to the art form. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr.Stevens but to this day through his work and creativity he continues to be an inspiration to me... -God Bless, Shawn Surface SURFACE ART STUDIOS. March 15, 2008 at 14:02
I'm 52 as well, I loved comics as a kid and when one day in later life I
wandered nto a comic shop to pass away 5 minutes I stumbled upon "The Rocketeer", I
bought it, read it and spent the rest of the day searching out anything to do with
it's creator. Dave your work was and is brilliant, you rekindled my love of comic's you took this English boy back to drawing, you introduced me to Bettie Page and most of all you made me smile and enjoy your art. Thanks, may you rest in peace and may your family and loved ones remeber everyting you did with fondness. Pat Kent - London, England March 15, 2008 at 15:13
we live we die along the way we touch many others and leave our memories Ken Kaufman March 15, 2008 at 17:35
I first discovered Dave's talent in 1988 when I saw a copy of the Rocketeer in a
local comic shop. It was instant gratification. Dave had captured it all in one
great package. Dave's art and story brought me back to a time when I was a boy. I
started collecting his work and had long hoped he would complete a second story of
Aurora as well as write more adventures of Cliff and Betty. The great thing about
Dave's work was also the most frustrating and that was not seeing it often enough
but reading the ones you had in anticipation of the next. One thing I have always
been comforted by about death is how many people one person can touch in their
lifetime. I hope Dave's family can find some comfort in knowing how many people
will miss their loved one. I drew this the day I learned about his death which
happened to be my birthday, March 14th. I never met or spoke to him but I will
definitely miss him. When I grow up I want to be like Dave Stevens.Sincerely and with deepest empathy, Keith J. Brett 
Click on the image to see it in full size. March 15, 2008 at 22:01
RIP You were the best!Larry Lewis March 15, 2008 at 23:13
Dave and I liked each other the minute we met at Harlan's. We just clicked.
At the time, Dave needed a production artist for the hardback Rocketeer--and Harlan
thought I was the right person. Dave was quick witted, handsome and packed with
talent. He knew just what he wanted and it was a pleasure to make it happen. We
made a beautiful book together and went on to be the best of friends for many years.
I introduced him to Paul De Mao and Danny Bilson when the two were working for
Charles Band. I'm not sure that was the favor it was meant to be--but Dave was
thrilled at the chance to make the Rocketeer into a movie, and they finally did.
Making that movie was his fondest wish next to meeting Bette Page -- and no one
deserved more than Dave to have those wishes come true.Love you and miss you. Jessie March 16, 2008 at 06:58
I am shocked and extremely saddened to find out the passing of a legendary
Artist. I lost my beloved Father to cancer a year ago and now Dave Stevens, a true
Artist who inspired me to draw. I will miss you. My condolences goes out the
family and friends of Dave Stevens... God rest your soul...Sincerely, Victor Hugo Torres March 16, 2008 at 07:26
Clearly Dave touched a lot of people and nothing I add will be new.Personally I've always wanted to thank him for welcoming me to the comic convention circuit 20 years ago (and complimenting my work was pretty cool too) and wish, well, nothing other than he was still walking around and healthy. Having recently returned to the USA after almost a decade abroad I assumed I'd run into Dave again. Too late. Still, thank you Dave. It was a better world for your time in it and a worse one for your sudden absence. Thanks also for what you left and how it makes me feel. That being, delighted and challenged. You set that bar pretty high. The talented always do. Tchuss! Rick March 16, 2008 at 08:12
MAY GOD BLESS YOU DAVE....YOU WERE MY FAVORITE ARTIST....REST IN PEACEJ March 16, 2008 at 11:04
Dave, thank you for being a friend through out these years. You always
have been upbeat, and one of those always encouraging me to put out my own projects.
One of the last times I recall, you spent a very long time with me laying out a
plan to follow...I'm doing it, Dave. You were one of the few who knew about my horrible accident a few years back that damaged the nerves to my neck and hands...and how I fought to regain the fine motor control over my hands. You cheered me on throughout that, always believing I would persevere. I wonder if anyone else knew about the stalkers you and I both endured, and prevailed over with a grin, when we'd yell out numbers at each other, of "5!" or, "7!". You helped me through that, too, Dave, with a smile. Your encouragement and empathy over the last few years meant so very much, during your own personal battle. We spoke extensively about color theory, and drawing from life. I'm proud of what you accomplished, I just hope you know you were always a great artist, whether you took those lessons or not. I only regret that you and your gifts weren't allowed to grace us a few more years. But like I say, "It's how you live your life that matters, not how long you live." Until we all meet up together again at last in that great gig up in the sky, peace be with you. Hold a place for us all in Heaven, okay? Love, Julie Sczesny March 16, 2008 at 11:25
La Fondazione Franco Fossati e il Museo del fumetto e della comunicazione
(Comics Museum) rende onore a un artista straordinario, amato e stimato dai colleghi
autori e dal pubblico anche in Italia: il fumetto, i comics, sono una sola famiglia
mondiale e anche il dolore, quando muore un maestro, ? dolore di tutti.Luigi F. Bona March 16, 2008 at 11:56
Sad, sad news. Dave was an inspiration to many, including me. The artwork
remains a brightly coloured positive light in these grey times.He'll be missed! Richard Schouten March 16, 2008 at 15:59
My deepest condolences to all his family and friends.David Ruderman March 16, 2008 at 19:54
And so he's gone.We had a late lunch at Solley's Deli near where I live. It was a while ago. Time escapes me. We'd finished working on some art for some Betty Page Magnets together. Does that give it a time frame? He was very happy with the results and he wanted to pay me and buy me a late lunch. He had breakfast. As he ordered pancakes, he reminded me how much Hellboy loved them. He knew how much I enjoyed that story so I took it as a wink. The Deli was almost empty in the lull between meals. He cut his pancakes into neat triangles in the orange light of late afternoon and I waited. I waited for Dave to tell me how sick he really was. I knew he had Leukemia but he was ever tight lipped to me. He'd told me nothing until that day so I didn't bring it up. I'd worked with Dave Stevens for more than twenty years and I knew Dave didn't talk about himself to me. We had a routine, common to all the people on the outside rim of Dave's world. He appeared, we talked about the world for a week or more then he went away for a few years. If you pushed him, he'd disconnect entirely and you'd never hear from him again. I never pushed him. I liked that quality in him; I'd rather paint than talk any day. He put down his fork and started talking about Bernie Wrightson. He mentioned again the painting that Bernie hung over his mantle and Dave described as if he'd memorized every detail. I've never seen this legendary work but it moved Dave like long legs in a fast car. At my place the day before, he'd seen a painting I'd just started. He wanted to know more information about how I painted it. For him, the process of painting was gut wrenching; it drained him. Every step was an ocean of choices. He couldn't understand how I found it effortless. I asked him what he'd paint if it all became easy instead of hard. What would he paint if the 'how' didn't matter anymore? He didn't answer; he changed the subject again. Then he spoke about Robert Blue's death. Dave had helped Blue's widow tidy up the estate so he rambled on about all the odd papers that artists leave behind. It nagged him to see all those unfinished drawings. He worried that he hadn't done more for the widow. I didn't know Blue or his work but I listened to Dave fret. I watched him from my side of the booth and let him jaw. Unexpectedly, Dave brought up his father. He said a lot in short staccato sentences then paused a long time. I told him about my parent's death so long gone, how we all end up orphans eventually. He was surprised that I spoke about my family; I don't usually confess much. I thought I gave him an opening by spilling a little about me. No, he was Dave, warm and very generous but never too personal. Again we skated around the subject at the table as we ate. Dave mentioned Harlan Ellison. While I was drunk at a local party a decade ago, I gave a winded opinion about writing styles in modern America. Dave liked my absurd analysis of Harlan's style. He described his favorite Harlan short story again and I was off and running, doing my best to imitate Harold Bloom. Warm time passed as we rolled on, hitting our marks as we always did once we got going. The waitress warned us that she was going to stop giving us coffee. After a very good laugh, he asked if I'd ever had dinner with Harlan. No, never. The awkward silence came back. I knew Dave was close to the writer so I asked about Harlan's health. Dave just looked out the window and mentioned a beautiful woman watching from the patio. He asked about my daily jogging. He laughed as he said that he didn't have the discipline for it. He said that I'd live to be a hundred. I replied that the good die young. The words never added up so I mumbled that I had to get back and finish my painting. He stopped. He looked into his empty plate. He told me that he'd made a mistake in ordering pancakes: Solley's cooked them too raw. True to his word, Dave paid for lunch. We said goodbye outside in a brutally hot California evening. He offered me a ride but I had walked the one block over so I wanted to walk home. Dave wasn't a man to linger but this time he followed me from the parking lot to the crosswalk, chatting about vintage cars. I waited one last time for something important to transpire; anyone in your life that long deserves a decent goodbye. Then I decided this all it was going to be and done is done. As the light changed to walk, he put his hand out to me. I caught his gesture from the corner of my eye as I turned away and stepped onto Van Nuys Boulevard. I stopped in the street and only saw his back as he went to his car. We exchanged phone messages but we never actually spoke again. And so he's gone. Hank Mayo March 16, 2008 at 20:10
First off, I'm deeply saddened, almost beyond words, to learn that Dave has passed.
My deepest and sincerest condolences to his family and close friends. I'm glad to
say that I did get to meet Dave at a San Diego Comic Con in the early 1990's and he
was very nice (almost a little too cool for me!) and gracious with me. I was very
nervous to meet the creator of my favorite comic book character, THE ROCKETEER, face
to face. I purchased a few incredible pieces of art and he signed some posters for
me (I couldn't bear to have him sign over/on my prized comic book covers!) that I
still cherish to this day. Dave's impeccable art, lovingly rendered women and lush
sense of vintage detailing have truly informed and influenced my own feelings and
views of America's Pre-War past. I guess deep down I always have been a "retro"
romantic, but I have to admit that it was Dave's art that really crystalized all the
things I love about early-mid 20th century America: the clothes, the hairstyles, the
music and, of course, the beautiful women! I know that many folks (both men and
women) have Dave to thank for bringing Miss Bettie Page into their lives. For that
and all the amazing pictures he left for us to wonder at, I say "Thanks, Dave."David Rice March 16, 2008 at 20:11
I found out about Dave's passing from a friend who saw his obituary at the
comic store. Dave and I met at the Comic-Con... he showed me a sketch, really
great... Years later Harvey Adams would pull out a watercolor of a loaf of homemade
bread Dave painted to inspire our commercial art class.... hundreds must have seen
that painting... once I visited John Pound at the apartment studio he shared with
Phil Garris and Dave... I got to see some of the paintings in progress: awesome
stuff, very inspirational... he was a San Diego City College success story... his
work on the Star Wars newspaper strip with Wm Stout: amazing... the Rocketeer comics
were very collectible, but we really bought it for the fetish and pin-up stuff. The
movie was directed by Joe Johnston, a storyboard artist on Star Wars, who directed
Jurrassic 3, Jumanji and October Sky. I audited a class by Burne Hogarth at Otis
once, filled with pro illustrators and animators, but Dave's sketches were the best
in the class... He was always friendly and kind, I really liked him. He will be an
inspiration for many. I'm sure he's cruising through '30's Los Angeles in his rod, a
girlfriend sidled up next to him, rubbing her stocking along his leg, whispering
some wild ideas in his ear, his sketchbook close by...ah... trust, honesty, talent,
love...Warmest thoughts to his extended family and friends. Mike Amron March 17, 2008 at 00:05
The art world has lost a truly great artist and a wonderful person, talent
like his just not happen every day, i have been a fan for some 30 years now and it
was a real shock when i heard the news, my thoughts and prayers are with his family.Will March 17, 2008 at 03:59
I was first blown away by Daves amazing artwork when i was in a comic book
store some 20 years ago..I was so amazed by the artwork in the rocketeer comic and
his adaptation of beautiful betty page that I created a mural with her in the blue
dress next to a drawing of the dark knight on my bedroom wall. It was a rental
duplex that I lived in and didn't care about the landord, Now years later I finally
own my own home and wanted to just yesterday recreate the same artwork for my
bedroom wall again, only to hear about the news...I wlll miss him and will still continue to draw and try my best in aspiration and creativity to keep my artist heart alive forever. Alexander Raven March 17, 2008 at 04:46
I miss you. Your artwork on the Rocketeer was one of the first books that
let me know there was more to comics than the big 2.From an old copy of StarSlayer came your wonderful creation. A loving tribute to adventure and fantasy strips from a bygone era. As a backup feature of all things. And yes there was the model that served as the inspiration for Cliff's gal. But we all know that story now. And Peevy was based on Doug of all people. Course if it weren't for you I wouldn't have made the connection. At Drag-Con 2001 I remember seeing you at your booth selling your sketchbooks. But I was complacent about it,thinking I'll get one some other year. After all you were a young guy in your mid 40's,they'll be other times to chat,and gush about my love of your work and your influence. But now I know thats not ever going to happen. And that is a loss that words just do no justice to. I miss you Dave,and it a sadder world down here without you. Say Hey to Doug and Mike W. for us. And remember Toth's still a little cranky. Bye............. William Pardlow March 17, 2008 at 04:58
He work was a true treasure.I extend my warm thoughts to his Family. Philip Ward March 17, 2008 at 07:39
On the several ocassions I was fortunate enough to meet Dave Stevens, he
always had a gleam in his eye, a big smile, and true enthusiasm for whatever he was
courteous enough to take the time to discus with me. I was looking at some of the things that he autographed for me over the years, and I noticed he often wrote "Thanks, Rudy!" above his name in his distinctive lettering style. These are treasured souvenirs from a man whose work I adored, but were still never as meaningful to me as was his handshake. Now it's my turn to thank him, and it is something I will do again each time my eyes feast upon the gorgeous artwork that first captured my imagination 25 years ago when I was about 12 years old. "Thanks, Dave!", because when I look upon your work, I know that I can always be that same little kid again, if only for a little while... The world has lost a talented artist and a fine person, but his art will live on forever, and I take great comfort in that. My condolences to his family and anyone touched by the work of this true master. Rudy Jaquez | |||||||
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