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 28, 2008 at 00:26
Man, back in Michigan in circa '84, we got to get influenced by a guy named
"Dave Comic". He said we have to check out Dave Stevens' Rocketeer. Comics, girls
and sci-fi! We were like...Yeah! Motorcycles stood in for jet packs, then we
carried on with comics and girls. Thanks for the ride Dave. Rest in Peace,Meli(L.A.) March 28, 2008 at 03:41
I am shocked by this news. Dave Stevens had a classic and unique quality
that demonstrated true skill and a mastery of the illustrative arts. I have been
blown away by his work since I was a kid in the early 80's. On the few times I had
the good fortune to meet him at conventions he was truly kind and patient with my
questions.What a tragedy that such a sublime talent should leave this world so soon. It is hard to believe. Joey Elardy March 29, 2008 at 06:51
Dave I will always remember your wonderful smile and cherish every memory I
have of your legacy. My most sincere condolences to his family & compatriots in this
difficult time. With Respect & Kind Regards, John (VIOI) March 29, 2008 at 11:29
I am just a fan of his art, especially The Rocketeer, but I feel I have
lost a friend. Through his work he touched many people and will always be remembered
for the special talent he was.David Rustage March 30, 2008 at 01:08
I had the pleasure of working with Dave on a couple sculpture projects. He
had one of the sharpest eyes in art. His influence will live on, as quality always
does.I don't really feel like he's gone at all. Just somewhere else, working on another masterpiece. Randy Bowen March 30, 2008 at 06:58
Dave was truly one of the greats in the fields of comics and
illustration.He will be greatly missed.Christian Mays March 31, 2008 at 10:14
I met Dave when I was 16 years old at a convention in Georgia, it was an
honor to know him over the many years of our friendship.. I am deeply saddened by
the loss of such a talent, such a wonderful man. He was always young at heart, it
seemed that time never touched him. The world is a shade paler without him in it..Leslie Culton March 31, 2008 at 22:53
I bonded with Dave many times over the years; the topics varied as his
artwork: music, pulp, food, drink, cars, aircraft, and always women. Usually
dangerous women, sometimes the unstable kind. See, we'd both felt the burning sting
of a woman scorned, and lived to tell the tale.I raise a Sidecar: here's to you Dave, in heaven half an hour before Diabla knows you're dead. g.p. shields April 1, 2008 at 08:18
One of my favorite memories growing up was going Saturday morning with my
Dad to see the first showing of THE ROCKETEER. After that showing The Rocketeer was
part of my life and as I grew up I always kept a place in my heart for him. I
started collecting old issues and anything related to The Rocketeer. I met Dave
Stevens at the 2003 Comic Con and I was able to tell him how special his character
was to me and how he was able to bring a son and father together still after all
these years. He was a very kind and gentle person who made it a point to get to
know my name and sign my books. My heart sank when I heard the news today. Although I really didn't "know" Dave, for some reason if felt as if I was very close to him. Maybe it was through Cliff and Peevy's adventures or the way Bettie gave that wink, but I felt as if someone from my family passed. I send my condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed. As I carried THE ROCKETEER in my heart for all these years, I will carry Dave Stevens. -Brett Melograno April 1, 2008 at 16:20
Sono veramente dispiaciuto...Dave Stevens è stato e sarà per sempre un grande disegnatore! Beppe April 2, 2008 at 02:36
Dave Stevens was the best comic book artist I ever saw. No one was better
in anatomy, style, grace of figure, and every other measure of a graphic artist's
ability. I was shocked to see his obit in the New York Times. He must have been one hell of a guy. It kills me to think of all the no account half wits that prosper, and this guy has to die at the age of 52. I miss him. Charles Odell April 2, 2008 at 04:33
Dave's meticulous draftsmanship and retro imagery, particularly of a Los
Angeles that many of us wish still existed, made the Rocketeer a favorite for me. I
feel lucky to have met him a few times. On each occasion he was very accomodating
and down-to-earth. He's now one of a number of people I'm angry at for having died
too soon.Terry Guy 
Click on the image to see it in full size. April 2, 2008 at 05:38
Thanks for the embers Dave Stevens...when I was sixteen (1986) his art fired the imagination that I put to paper then I met a girl. Reluctantly; I put my pencil away but the paper always remained in my mind. His art is beautiful and I'm sure has been and will be the embers to imagination. RGM April 2, 2008 at 16:09
Oh man, I just discovered the news! I'm in shock. No one-- but no one
(outside of possibly the work by Eisner in the classic Spirit) could handle an ink
line with such beautiful finesse. Never a wasted line. Dave's work has always
managed to take my breath away. I will miss seeing what new work he's come up with,
but thanks to his prolific output over the years, I'll always have a library of
remarkable images to revel over. God bless you Dave!Gregg Hinlicky April 2, 2008 at 18:15
Dave's "Betty's Bath" print and "Moons of Venus" hang in my comic book room
and always will, as a reminder of Dave and his great talent. Dave was always
accessible and friendly. Why are the good people so often taken from us too soon?
My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.Adrian Mazar April 3, 2008 at 10:04
I only just found out...allow the tears to stream down my face and his
works to grace my bookshelves and heart forever.Steve Stiefel April 3, 2008 at 21:21
Dave,You were a fantastic artist and a great human being. We enjoyed spending time with you in San Diego every year. You and your artowrk will always be special in our eyes. We remember how much you enjoyed the "Bulldog" calendars we got you evey year. We remember your laugh when we gave you the birthday card with a bulldog photocopying his rear end and the caption "Often imitated, never duplicated." We love you and we'll miss you. Dave and Carol Uhal Ypsilanti, Michigan April 4, 2008 at 06:30
I've only just learned this dreadful news ... I made my donation to the HC
Leukemia Foundation in memory of a great friend, now forever unmet. My condolences to his family and friends - Hal Bryan April 4, 2008 at 18:05
As I've been out of the comics loop for a year or so I only found out
yesterday that Dave passed away last month & still I'm still stunned to find that
one of my all time favourite creators is no longer with us.
I'd just like to say that Dave storytelling & artwork have always stood out in the
comic medium.The Rocketeer always took me back to the great Republic shorts of my youth & was always something I took great pleasure in reading & watching (the movie) Thanks for all the good times Dave, R.I.P. Mike Ramsey England U.K. April 4, 2008 at 19:00
I recently model for Dave since 2005, ever since we've been great friends.
I well miss him as my friend and my hero. I learned so much from Dave and well miss
talking to him. I hope you are flying in the sky listing to good old records and resting in pace Dave. I will miss Dave Stevens always. Gina Turcios April 6, 2008 at 11:08
I didn't know Dave Stevens but was inspired and impressed with the beauty
and imagination of his work. He will live on through his art and be an inspiration
for generations to come.My deepest condolences to his family and friends. We have lost a giant in the creative art community. Jake Clancy April 9, 2008 at 22:48
This man was an artistic phenom and took the comic community by storm. Best
wished to his family and friends. He will be missed.Ty Flippo April 10, 2008 at 16:55
May he rest in peace. He was one of the greats.Carl Miller April 11, 2008 at 14:44
Life is sad. Godspeed.Angelo April 11, 2008 at 15:06
I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Please accept my deepest
respects and sympathy to Dave's family and friends. Mario Georgiou April 11, 2008 at 23:52
Sadly Dave passed away the same day as my sister so I'm just now hearing
the sad news. I have admired Daves work for many years now. Not to mention that the
Rocketeer is the greatest movie ever made. Live on through your work.Rags April 12, 2008 at 23:36
I was completely shocked to hear of Dave Steven's passing. I remember
meeting him years ago and even getting my picture taken with him. His creation of
the "Rocketeer" gave so much to the comic book industry and his fans, like me! His
personality and talent will be sorely missed by everyone who has appreciated him.
My deepest condolances go out to his family.Jesse Vasquez April 13, 2008 at 03:17
Sincere condolences to family and friends at the loss of a man who brought
so much to the world of sensual art. As a fellow artist of the female form, he was
and indeed IS a true inspiration. His memory will live on beyond doubt.John April 13, 2008 at 20:11
I was really sorry to hear about this. His work made life more fun. Thanks
for all the fond memories, Dave. You will be missed.Ben Donatelli April 14, 2008 at 03:01
The Rocketeer is one of my all time favorite comics. I am very sorry to
hear of his passing. He was one of the best comic book artists I have ever seen.
Rest in peace Dave.Lewis Reddell April 14, 2008 at 08:42
What to say, I'm speechless and crying...I had the chance to meet Dave when he came to Grenoble comic's fest (in France back in the 90's). He was the kindest and the most patient artist I have ever met, and at the time I must have been the most avid and annoying teenage fan of the all festival... I owe him so much in term of art. I feel really devastated. It is said the good ones always the first to leave, that must be true... I will always remember him. He was the kind of person you can't ignore or forget. Toutes mes condoleances a sa famille et ses amis. Sandra (from Grenoble) April 14, 2008 at 14:59
I was deeply saddened to hear of dave's passing. We met only once at the
Motor City Comic Con in Novi. I had him sign several of his Planet Comics covers, the
Rocketeer book and one of his wonderful Bettie Page Prints. You were and continue to
be an inspiration to me and my artwork. As I look around my living room at the prints
of your amazing art I remember that talking with you was the highlight of the
convention. You were one of the best comic artists ever! You will be truly missed.Steve Brown April 14, 2008 at 16:36
I just found out about Dave's passing. Good Lord, I'm saddened beyond
words. I've met him several times over the years, and I was always struck by his
humility and friendship with his fans.Additionally, as an artist myself, I admired his work tremendously, and he still inspires me. He was an amazingly talented artist, as well as a good man. He will be missed. Edward Allen April 16, 2008 at 01:34
I read his graphic novel "ROCKETEER" and I liked so much!! He was a great
comics designer. His traces were perfects. I would like to draw like him.Charles Santiago, Brazil. April 16, 2008 at 05:10
I am so Deeply saddened by the news that such a lovely kind and caring and
not to mention talented man Has passed. He has inspired me as an artist on so many
levels. I had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions. And I will forever
cherish those meetings. I consider my self very fortunate and lucky to have made
his acquaintance and I am so grateful that he considered my sculptural rendition of
one of his Vampirella Paintings nice enough to want to add to his personal
collection it meant everything to receive his approval. So I gave him one. You will
be greatly missed My Blessings go out to all his loved ones and fansMy Deepest sympathies Vance T April 18, 2008 at 22:03
I knew Dave in the '80s when we commandeered some Betty Page negatives. It
was high art...high drama. I stuck his $500 under my sock and walked to a strange
loft on the westside and paid the money and got the negs. He was shrouded in mystery
and I mistook his illness for him being annoyed at for what i didn't know. Of course
with the Satanic facial hair, he reminded me of my friend Eric Stanton. Dave was a
handsome devil. My frig has copies of two drawings. One is by Crumb that he drew in
my NYC studio in the 90's when they filmed that segment of him riding the thigh of
my beautiful French Canadian photo assistant and the other is one by Dave. It has me
in the mirror photographing a comely BP and the bubble he has above my head read
"Geez...if she just looked a little more like Cody Nicole". (Dave knew I had a Jones
for the mag model Cody Nicole. He signed it "Here You Be, Eric! from ave Stevens
N.Y.C. 9/2/88See you again Soon-" He was a good man. That illness cut him down and cut him off...from me. He sure could draw. Eric kroll April 20, 2008 at 00:46
Well My uncle Informed me that Dave was Gone. Ive been a little out of the
loop for a while, but was as shocked as anyone, to learn that someone like Dave
Stevens could be lost at such an untimely age. He had a fantastic perspective.
Goodnight Dave.....sleep the sleep of the innocent and the just........joe blow April 20, 2008 at 18:51
I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Dave's family. I got
to meet Dave when he visited Disney Consumer Products' art department, when we were
working on style guide art for the then-in-production "Rocketeer" movie. Mike Royer
(a fellow Disney artist) introduced us and I was impressed with Dave's kind and
friendly manner almost as much as I was/am impressed by his amazing talent. It
always thrilled me to see fellow graphic novelists hit it big, and Dave's
"Rocketeer" certainly deserved fame and glory. He signed my copy of "Rocketeer" and
I'll always treasure it. How unjust fate is; Dave left us all too soon.-Debbie Hayes April 21, 2008 at 13:10
Today I found out that Dave passed away. And I'm shocked. His art was such
a great influence for me. And his Rocketeer is and will be my alltime greatest comic
book story. The signed Rocketeer-print hanging in my office as well as the
reproduction of the Rocketeer helmet in my studio will never let me forget this
great artist Dave Stevens!My deepest condolances go out to his family. Rest in peace Dave! Uwe from Germany 
Click on the image to see it in full size. April 22, 2008 at 01:55
dave stevens.i didnt know the man..i only knew his artwork..i came across it when i was very young and was impressed by what was there.only the few have it. they just get it.you know the ones..frazetta,mignola,moebius stout,schultz corben and miller..all the good things that your eyes cherish..no tricks no smoke..i am an artist too..i gave up comics for tattooing..and i know what i see..maybe they werent all pin up style but they all know how things move, how they work. collecting books..i have seen them all..ive seen some rob styles (hoffman)..ive seen some paint greenish models (boris) and some..draw monkeys (cho)..this man..dave stevens..he just got it. his own style..his own way..his own method.a real artist ..we should all aspire to the level of dave stevens. rest easy man..you be admired here ..forever. Anthony Vance April 23, 2008 at 19:47
Knowing Dave (only) through his work spoke volumes to me as to how he
viewed life, love, and the fantastic world he spent so much time in.
I will miss him greatly, as no one seemed to capture the days of the "Saturday
matinee serial" better than he could.If anyone could bring out the "kid" in all of us, Dave certainly did. Happy Trails...until we meet again. With Respects, Bob Gaul Ft. Wayne, IN April 25, 2008 at 03:22
Dave was an incrdible artist who loved the medium and rigorously pursued
the ideal. He often caught it.He will be sorely missed. Johnny Sharp April 25, 2008 at 03:29
God i loved dave's work, his passing hit like a brick. Because of dave me and
lot of others got in to betty page. He will be missed.GO GET HIM KID! stephen April 25, 2008 at 12:52
Dave Stevens was one of the greatest comicbook pulp and pinup artists of
all time and I am so saddened to know that now we will never work together.Jonathan Nolan April 26, 2008 at 22:41
Wow, I just got word of his passing just now. How sad...My condolences to his family and friends. I first saw his Rocketeer feature in the pages of "Pacific Presents"(?) from the now-defunct Pacific Comics in the early 80s. He will be missed... Alan Wright April 27, 2008 at 21:11
My deepest prayers and condolences to Dave's family and friends. As a
fellow artist I was imediately blown away by Dave when I first saw his work and was
totally envious of him. He was toooooo good. I had hoped to meet him sometime in San
D. at a con but nevr got there due to my own illness with a heart virus.
Dave was exceptional and brilliant and I lovd his work deeply as admired the man
hugely.Be well and know that he will always be in our hearts and memories. Sincerely, Steve Lawton April 28, 2008 at 03:44
I was shocked and saddened to read of Dave's passing in the latest
"Wizard". While Dave was 2 years behind me at Madison High in Portland, Oregon, we
palled around together after having been intoduced to each other by my next door
neighbors, who owned the comic book store 'old Weird Herald's'.I was a photographer & writer, and He and I were planning some advertising projects together. although nothing ever came of them. Later, Dave, of course, went on to the big-time. I still have the signed pencil sketch he did of a flying Superman holding a 7-up bottle (can't remember what our idea behind that was,), something I've prized all these years and will so even more now that he's gone. One of my favorite Dave Stevens stories was the time we rode the Grayhound bus from Portland down to the coast at Lincoln City. Along the way, the driver stopped at a place for what seemed like an eternity. Then for some odd reason, he had to go back. Dave told me that he'd probably forgotten his socks. I had the priveledge of watching Dave's art career grow, at least in Portland anyway. Years later, after I'd moved to Spokane, I visited a convention put on by the Herald's and unknown to me, Dave had a table there. He saw me and ran up, called me by name and took the time to chat. Even though he'd 'made it' by then, he wasn't too busy for an old friend. It's too bad that he wasn't around for a visit the next time I was down his way. Dave, I'll miss you buddy! Lloyd Phillips April 29, 2008 at 15:49
I just found out that Dave Stevens passed away last night (today's
April 29) and it was a real shock to me because I kept thinking, "Not THE Dave
Stevens", but it turned out I was right. When I was growing up, I looked forward
Dave's work whether it is THE ROCKETEER to even the cover of a comic book that I
would only because of the packaging. Even met the guy and we talked a bit about
things made before we both were even born.Dave was one of those artists that was successful in comics without having to do any comics. He never buckled down to do a regular book like most artists, he's happy doing his ROCKETEER stories, covers and pin-ups regardless as to how long the wait is in between because the end result would be amazing. That's why any time some new work comes out, it's usually an event for his fans. The sad part is that nowadays, we don't have any more unique artists(I speak in regards to style/work ethic) and we get so caught up on whomever's the new "hot artist" from WIZARD Magazine that we almost forget them until it's too late. No doubt about it, where Dave's at now, this Rocketeer don't need a jet pack to travel. "Comedy is the truth done for laughs." Joel Spencer "J.S." Horn April 30, 2008 at 21:08
Click on the image to see it in full size. May 3, 2008 at 04:44
A long time back I decided to give up comics. I walked into a store to sell
off the rest of my early Marvels and saw the first issue of Pacific Presents. I fell
in love immediately and took enough in trade to buy twenty copies. From then on,
anything he did, I collected, even when it was just the covers. God Bless you, Dave;
may you rest in peace and may God keep those close to you! David Tiberius Lay May 3, 2008 at 11:07
I just found out, I'm shocked and can't beleive it.One of my top 3 artists
will produce no more work,no longer can I hope for a new Rocketeer strip,comic or
graphic novel,no more tastefully illustrated girl art just memories of what a superb
draughtsman Dave was. God bless you Dave, thanks for those memories. Steve Pini May 6, 2008 at 03:01
I always was a great fan of his style, his talent, it's sad and unfair that
he is not making more drawings. Rest in peace. Guillermo P. Mogorron May 8, 2008 at 19:05
I just saw a comment at the back of CAVEWOMAN RELOADED #5 about the loss of
Dave. I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. I have collected Dave's artwork
for years and have lost touch since his work is not that frequent. I will miss him and his work. I pray his family is doing well. Mike Boze May 11, 2008 at 06:45
Two months to the day, and I am just now hearing the awful news. I'm
totally stunned. I have lost a personal hero.Dave's art not only inspired my own, but his Rocketeer story actually made me take notice of airplanes. I was 16 and I had seriously never looked twice at an airplane until I discovered the Rocketeer. Suddenly classic airplanes seemed beautiful and I wanted to learn to draw them with the same subtle grace he did. Everyone credits him with re-inventing the female form, but he was just as talented with inanimate things as well. Thanks to Dave Stevens' inspiring work I became a pilot and even flew a biplane or two. Now I fly Learjets. I'm an artist myself and Dave's work taught me about the nuances of human expression in the whole form, not just the face. I only wish I could have met him and thanked him for not only inspiring my own work, but opening my eyes to the skies above. Blue skies always Dave... Julie Nydegger May 22, 2008 at 15:14
I just heard about the sad passing away of one our
current greats in comics and art - Dave Stevens. I
pondered what I might say in memorium, but it took a
few days. Mostly, I'm just shocked. I had heard about
his Leukemia for quite some time. I myself had just
beaten Leukemia, having gotten it in 2005, and had
wanted to tell him, "Welcome to the club. It'll be
alright.", but I never got that chance.I'd known Dave for years, having met him in the very early 1990s at the Comic Con, and seeing him at Wondercon. I saw him every year, to visit even for a few minutes just to say Hi. He was always a friendly guy, but moreso, incredibly talented. I always wished that I could draw like him. But in lieu of that, I was just happy that I could own his art books, art pieces, and had seen "The Rocketeer" (several times). He will be missed sorely. A piece of comic book conventions will be missing due to his absence, but I know that he'll be there in spirit. Draw on, Dave, and let your spirit inspire others. Philip Anderson May 23, 2008 at 22:40
I was very sorry to hear this news, a very sad start to reading Kirby
Five-Oh. Some good guys have recently passed, Marshall Rogers, Mike Weiringo and
Dave amongst them. All far too young with lots more to give. What they left behind
gives some comfort and I'll treasure Dave's Rocketeer forever.Martin Forrest May 24, 2008 at 09:29
To my fellow artists:I've been a Dave Steven's fan sence I first bought my copy of Star Slayer which featured the first published story of "The Rocketeer" and i became hooked on Dave's artwork. For years I went to comic conventions looking for Dave's Work I managed to find some really nice pieces he did. I love everyone of them. I was extremely shocked reading about his death in Wizard Magazine #200 gold edition. As one of his biggest fans I will miss Dave and his artworks a lot. As a fellow artist I always wanted to meet him. i realize that will never come to pass. Who knows maybe we'll meet in heaven one day. But for now my warmest thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to Dave's family and friends. Goodbye Dave Your art will forever live in my heart Rest in peace Reinaldo May 25, 2008 at 18:15
I am so sad to read the news of Dave's death. I discovered Dave's talent
totally by chance through Disney's Rocketeer move back in the nineties. The
character fascinated me so much that I got deeper into Dave's art work. I send from
Belgium my warmest condoleances to his family. Rest in peace Dave.Miguel Duran May 26, 2008 at 21:54
The Rocketeer story appeared in comic book form in the same year that my
father died. He'd been a pilot, like Secord, and I like to think that he might have
been inspired by Cliff's exploits in 1938, when dad was just a teenager. Dave
Stevens mixed fact with fiction to glorious effect. A comic, a book, a badge, a
poster, a movie, they're all part of the show. Those aircraft, that diner, wingless
flight. Who can be sure Howard Hughes/Doc Savage didn't contemplate the possibility
of a 'rocket man', based on Nazi designs. After all, the subsequent Allied/Soviet
space efforts were allegedly founded on similar origins. The fifties took over where
the thirties left off. Betty became Bettie the pin-up who became Betty, only to
become the equally beautiful Jenny. But Cliff has gone, the last adventure never
recorded because there is no-one left who remembers the facts. We members of the
Rocketeer Thrill Club can still imagine what might have been, though, thanks to Dave
Stevens. Happy landings? Yes indeed.Andy Purves May 30, 2008 at 20:25
After many years as a prose writer, I have been given a comic to write.
It's set in 1930's LA and in my 2nd issue I referenced a character as looking like
Timothy Dalton in THE ROCKETEER. I decided to sit down and watch the film again,
which I did last night. I went to Dave Stevens' website to thank him for for the
great joy and exuberance his creation instilled in me, and read of his passing, with
huge shock and dismay. I am so very, very sad to learn that he is no longer with
us. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Nancy Holder | |||||||
| |||||||
|
|
 |
|
||
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|||
|
|
|||
