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Dave Stevens - Father of the Rocketeer - has passed away...

So Sorry to Hear... by Jonas Grumpy	Mar 11th, 2008 04:09:15 PM
I wrote this on Peter David's site, and I'm copying and pasting it here: Damn shame. The one and only time I ever got to meet Dave was back in '94 at a con on Portland, OR. He informed me that, in the movie, he played the German Rocketeer in the black & white footage. He also told me that various crew members played the other Nazis, and that some of them seemed just a little too comfortable in those uniforms. I always wished that I'd get to meet him again. Rest in peace, pal.
R.I.P. Dave by Zardoz	Mar 11th, 2008 04:10:24 PM
The man was a genius and a gentleman. I met him at Wondercon many years ago and he signed my copy of Rocketeer #1. Such a great talent. I'm sure he's soaring in the heavens, now...
It's all part of the show... by Pipple	Mar 11th, 2008 04:14:45 PM
I wish. I grew up (still growing?) loving rocketeer. Damn sad news, harry.
What? How old was he? by BenBraddock	Mar 11th, 2008 04:16:13 PM
Fucking cancer.RIP Dave
Sad news indeed by Utamoh	Mar 11th, 2008 04:19:22 PM
The Rocketeer inspired many of my sketches. I was a great admirer of his fine draftsmanship.
Wow. I really liked the Rocketeer movie by skywalkerfamily	Mar 11th, 2008 04:21:25 PM
It had great visuals and some nice characters. The music score was brilliant.
He was 53, BenBraddock by Multiplex	Mar 11th, 2008 04:21:37 PM
He had been struggling with leukemia for a long time.
This sucks!!! by superhero	Mar 11th, 2008 04:22:59 PM
I've got a Rocketeer poster in my cube here at work. Sucks big time. Such a great talent.
His artwork was fantastic. by godhatesyou	Mar 11th, 2008 04:25:32 PM
You can fly like the Rocketeer now. R.I.P
I have a numbered print ... by Banditmania	Mar 11th, 2008 04:27:15 PM
...Dave did of the Rocketeer.
Whoa, for sec I thought you meant Alan Arkin by Orionsangels	Mar 11th, 2008 04:29:32 PM
From the movie. This is sad news. His work is stunning. Rest in peace
Into the sky... by christian66	Mar 11th, 2008 04:29:54 PM
Rest in Peace. One of the great illustrators.
Raiders Of The Lost Ark by SergioLeone	Mar 11th, 2008 04:30:26 PM
Dave should also be remembered for being the key story board artist on Raiders of The Lost Ark. We'll miss you Dave.
Bettie Page by Sithdan	Mar 11th, 2008 04:32:14 PM
I have to admit, Betty Page was quite the hottie in her day. Didn't Dave Stevens' wife pose as Betty Page in his artwork?
His artwork IS fantastic!! by Missing Dink	Mar 11th, 2008 04:33:24 PM

This is really really sad. RIP Dave by joeelliott	Mar 11th, 2008 04:40:26 PM
I met Dave a few times and he was always gracious. He gave us a great character and there are a lot of people who wouldn't be in the filed if not for his inspiration.
Just Got Rocketeer Score Yesterday... by Buzz Maverik	Mar 11th, 2008 04:40:53 PM
Soundtracks, my one lapse into full fledged geekdom. And this is a great soundtrack... This is sad news about Mr. Stevens, a gifted man. He was indeed a brilliant artist with an eye for pop culture that kept alive forgotten treasures.
yes - Dave Stevens' ex wife by HEADGEEK	Mar 11th, 2008 04:45:54 PM
Brinke Stevens posed for his Betty Page pinups. They were married for 6 months. H
Buzz Maverik by kwisatzhaderach	Mar 11th, 2008 04:50:05 PM
The Rocketeer score is immortal, one of Horner's very best!
tooo fuckin young by bacci40	Mar 11th, 2008 04:59:32 PM
one of the greatest artists of my generation....and brought bettie page back to prominence...guess gerber needed an artist for his next project....christ, this sux
Sorry to hear this. by mrfan	Mar 11th, 2008 05:05:14 PM
RIP
evanier has a nice obit...and another rip by bacci40	Mar 11th, 2008 05:12:13 PM
http://www.newsfromme.com/....
A sad day for fans of comic art and The Rocketeer by Reel American Hero	Mar 11th, 2008 05:12:43 PM
I still remember that iconic poster for The Rocketeer back in the summer of '91. Already a huge superhero fan, there was no way I was missing that one. Saw the movie, loved it, and was intrigued that it was based on a comic book not published my Marvel or DC. I'd loved the art that Stevens (I believe it was him anyway) did for the cover of the movie adaptation comic book, which led me in a vain attempt to find anything else Rocketeer related. I found an issue years later at a mall comic show, was never able to find any of the others. I'm hoping they republish the series in trade paperback form at some point, it was a great story.
I will miss Dave, he was a good man, and a hero to me... by BIGFANBOY	Mar 11th, 2008 05:40:29 PM
Dave Stevens was our guest of honor at the very first Dallas Comic Con in 2002. I even printed a tribute program and produced a special print for him at that show. That's how much THE ROCKETEER meant to me. Since then we had been trying to get him back here, but his health just wouldn't allow it. He was actually feeling the effects back then, but never wanted to show it. Dave was always nice to his fans, and so incredibly talented. It was as if a classic artist from the 1940's had jumped through time to hang out with us. As an artist myself, he was a big inspiration to me. He was a hero. I miss Dave.
Noooo! by Wonderboys	Mar 11th, 2008 05:43:39 PM
That's horrible news. He was too young. I love his work, I bought all the Rocketeer comics I could find (here in Spain, very dificult). Loved the character, I remember looking at pictures of Stevens and realizing Cliff Secord was kind of his alter-ego. Then I loved the film, I even bought that 3D adaptation that the clones of Neal Adams did, I even had a customized Rocketeer figure. I always felt deep simpathy for Stevens, he seemed a nice guy, and all this years I was hoping he would return to The Rocketeer. I hope he is rocketing his way up to the sky...
He was good. by rev_skarekroe	Mar 11th, 2008 05:46:20 PM
Rocketeer was a great design. What had he done since then?
Oh my God this is horrible news. by Blue_Demon	Mar 11th, 2008 05:50:57 PM
Dave Stevens' work was beautiful. I've collected it in comics and posters for years ever since I read The Rocketeer back in the early 80s. You can see his love of drawing-just the physical part of it, brush strokes, curves, etc.-in every frame of his books. There are very few artists in the comic book industry who draw as well and as beautiful as did. I remember seeing an obituary for Doug Wildey written by Dave a few years back after the great creator of Jonny Quest passed away. It showed a photo of the two of them at a booth in a restaurant. Doug was chatting away and Dave was smiling at him, clearly enjoying the man's stories. Under the picture Dave wrote something along the lines of "Adios, Amigo. Until we meet again." I like to think that they're picking up where they left off. God bless you Dave, and thanks for your wonderful art.
RIP Dave by 11dayempire	Mar 11th, 2008 05:53:34 PM
The Rocketeer was one of the greatest comics - and films - ever made.
R.I.P. Dave by Uncapie	Mar 11th, 2008 05:56:38 PM
Some of us in the loop heard it was leukemia and Dave was starting to get better. He was looking forward to San Diego Comic Con this year. Sad news indeed.
That's nice, Blue_Demon by Wonderboys	Mar 11th, 2008 05:59:18 PM

God. That's a real shock. by Laserbrain	Mar 11th, 2008 06:16:32 PM
Too soon. Way too soon. Dave maintained a commitment to excellence that I have always admired. A fine, fine illustrator. Rest in Peace, mate.
Goodbye by Harlow	Mar 11th, 2008 06:18:55 PM
I grew up with Dave Stevens' comics. I was always a more writer orientated comic book reader until I saw the work of Dave Stevens. And his work eventually led me to Mark Schultz and Frank Miller as well. But Dave was the king in my eyes. There aren't many like Dave and he will be sorely missed. Thanks for the memories. I hope you realized the impact you had. Goodbye.
Rest in Peace Dave Stevens.. by CeejayNightwing	Mar 11th, 2008 06:26:50 PM
I was a huge fan and the Rocketeer comics were one of the few i was buying when i decided to get back into the business. Took ages for the final issue of Cliff's New York Adventure to finally come out but it was worth the wait. Loved the Movie, shame it came out a week before Terminator 2 or it would have made a whole lot more box office, definitely deserved a sequel. God bless you Dave, you made an everlasting contribution to my world!
D A M N I T ! ! ! ! by Bumpasses Dawg	Mar 11th, 2008 06:27:46 PM
Dave was a special talent. The Rocketeer movie was decent, but never touched on the magic that flowed from his imagination, through his fingertips to the page - and then directly from the paper to us. His Bettie Page made me love Bettie Page all over again. His heroes seemed to be cut from the same All-American stuff that young Jimmy Stewart was. His work was ALIVE. So alive, that even now it is impossible to think of him being gone. And as long as his work makes the imagination soar, Dave Stevens will live on, flying high beside his Rocketeer. Thank you Dave. Thank you for transfering your joy so effectively to others. May the place you're at now be equally as inspiring.
Stunned! by 60091	Mar 11th, 2008 06:32:19 PM
I'm a big admirer of his work and it's just horrible news to hear of another great artist passing on suddenly.
This sucks by F69	Mar 11th, 2008 06:37:24 PM
I remember seeing the Rocketeer movie as a kid and was gutted they never made a sequel to it. I think it was probably ahead of its time, if you look at the trailers for it you can see that the marketing department didn't really understand the movie and tried to make out it was some sort of Diehard/Terminator style action movie with loads of guns and shooting. If it was released today in this time of superhero/retro popularity then I think it would've done much better business. After hearing this sad news I went on YouTube to find some Rocketeer videos and I came across this one which was quite cool... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =a-qe1sScyjk
WHAT?! by bonkers	Mar 11th, 2008 06:47:44 PM
good God, you're not joking...Jesus H. Christ, that guy had talent, he could communicate facial emotions better than any other comics guy, ever, and his women...daggum, what a lousy day
Good anecdote Blue Demon by BranMakMorn	Mar 11th, 2008 06:48:00 PM
I remember that obit that Stevens wrote. Dave Stevens was a great talent, he shall be missed.
Sad day by webslinger48	Mar 11th, 2008 07:08:16 PM
Here's a touching obit written by comic historian and writer, Mark Evanier, about his friend... http://www.newsfromme.com/arch ives/2008_03_11.html#014911
Rest In Peace Mr.Stevens. by travis-dane	Mar 11th, 2008 07:12:28 PM
Cancer sucks!
That's Commando Cody. by Dave Bowman	Mar 11th, 2008 07:24:08 PM
And as excellent as Stevens's artwork was, it's silly to imply that other artists "resort to paint" because their inking isn't as good.
Great Artist by Pariah74	Mar 11th, 2008 07:41:06 PM
He'll be missed. Rocketeer Adventure Magazine was one of my favs.
R.I.P. by theonecalledshoe	Mar 11th, 2008 07:42:34 PM
while not knowing a lot of what went to creating the Rocketeer, it's one of my faves for comic book movies. RIP mister.
Damn!! by ericinwisconsin	Mar 11th, 2008 07:45:29 PM
The one time in his life he wasn't late with a deadline... Much too soon, Mr. Stevens
Horrible news by judge dredds fresh undies	Mar 11th, 2008 07:55:39 PM
I recently saw the Rockerteer movie again and this led me to Dave Stevens website. His artwork blew me away. I can't believe I only discovered him a few months ago and now he is gone.
Tell them the dream is over.Howard Hughes said so by joeelliott	Mar 11th, 2008 09:07:42 PM
I still can't get over this - I mean, why not take John Bryne - he doesn't have anything left to offer
man only 53? by The Amazing G	Mar 11th, 2008 09:13:37 PM
that sucks
Wow... by Frankenbastard	Mar 11th, 2008 09:44:34 PM
um...wow. I've talked to the Dave more than a few times in the past, he was one of my favorite artist. Rockets away Dave, helmet up, you will be missed.
horrible news by BrowncoatJedi	Mar 11th, 2008 09:54:40 PM
What a great artist and creator.
That's right Locke played Howard Hughes by skywalkerfamily	Mar 11th, 2008 10:06:57 PM
I forgot about that.
Harry, are they taking donations? by Pixeldriver	Mar 11th, 2008 10:26:05 PM
For cancer or something? I feel like I should do something. He was a great artist, a good man and very inspirational.
hey haters final WALL·E trailer is up!!! by ludmir88	Mar 11th, 2008 10:27:34 PM
apple hd
An inspiration... by BrooseTheScharuk	Mar 11th, 2008 10:42:14 PM
Truly a gifted artist with an unbelievably sure hand. I could only dream of inking half as well ever in my life. Iconic. He should still have a lifetime of love and respect to look forward to from admiring convention attendees and grateful, starstruck young artists. Way WAY too soon.
Findadeath.com just did "The Creeper" Rondo Hatton by Crimson Dynamo	Mar 11th, 2008 10:49:34 PM
http://findadeath.com/Deceased /h/rondohatton/creeper.htm
Not Locke. The Stepfather. by Ommadawn1959	Mar 11th, 2008 11:34:29 PM
I miss Dave already. He was a wonderful artist. I still have his "just teasing," signed print and all.
Friend & Teacher by Alen Smithee	Mar 11th, 2008 11:38:45 PM
He once took the time to show a stupid young kid how to paint animation cells, and show me how to draw Bettie. You will be missed Dave.
Dave is the man.. by ironic_name	Mar 11th, 2008 11:40:01 PM
You will be missed.
Dave Stevens was one of the Greats. by LoneGun	Mar 12th, 2008 12:45:31 AM
His work was immediately distinctive in the comic book world. It was sexy, classy, fun and incredibly beautiful to look at. It was magical. For years, I had his art taped to my bedroom wall. Rest in peace, Mr. Stevens.
Leukemia's a real bitch by SpencerTrilby	Mar 12th, 2008 02:33:12 AM
RIP Mr Stevens. A guy drawing such sexy girls as well as retro flying machines deserves a place of choice up there.
Awful news by Droogie Alex	Mar 12th, 2008 03:39:32 AM
The movie was fun enough, but just didn't reach the heights of the comics. What isn't in the movie is that the rocket pack was invented by, and stolen from the pulp hero; Doc Savage. He, Monk and Ham spend most of the books chasing Cliff to get it back before it ran out of fuel. Beautiful work.
I love the Rocketeer by Steve Rogers	Mar 12th, 2008 04:25:15 AM
Both the comics AND the movie. I think the flick is an underrated classic. They were never going to get Doc Savage into the movie! I especially loved how Timothy Dalton played it at the end, with his encroaching German accent. "Hand over the rocket! Or I'll blow her brains... all over zee cabin!"
THE ROCKETEER! by messi	Mar 12th, 2008 04:36:46 AM
I loved the movie as a kid and the comic.
Dave Stevens was a true gent and a terrific artist by KillaKane	Mar 12th, 2008 04:40:34 AM
Very sad to hear of his passing, one of my all time favourite artist/writers, and a very approachable and good humoured individual. Condolences to his nearest and dearest.
Great guy and great artist by Rupee88	Mar 12th, 2008 07:42:42 AM
When I was about 14 and the first Rocketeer preview appeared in Starslayer, I wrote a letter to Dave Stevens, telling him I enjoyed it and hoped to see more of the character in the future. He sent me back a personalized thank you postcard, the entire thing written in longhand, thanking me for my note and telling me that the Rocketeer would have his own comic shortly. That was a great way to communicate with fans and showed that he would take the time to answer "fan mail" like that. His work speaks for itself...just lots of fun and bursting with life.
He married Brinke Stevens? by Billy The Fish	Mar 12th, 2008 08:21:13 AM

Then I guess he went with a smile on his face... by Billy The Fish	Mar 12th, 2008 08:22:11 AM

If my post above sounded disrespectful... by Billy The Fish	Mar 12th, 2008 08:48:53 AM
...apologies, it wasn't meant to be. I saw Rocketeer on TV a few years back and enjoyed it immensely. I went strainght out and bought the DVD. For the life of me, I couldn't understand why it did so poorly at the box office. Then I found out what it was up against that summer... Shame, it should've been HUGE, it was great fun!
I remember seeing the rocketeer comic by ironic_name	Mar 12th, 2008 09:36:19 AM
and not being sure if the painted image on the back was a real photo or not
he was the man. by ironic_name	Mar 12th, 2008 09:40:47 AM

a great loss by duanejones	Mar 12th, 2008 10:08:39 AM
i had great hope for the rocketeer movie since the comic was such nostalgic fun and gorgeously rendered by mr. stevens. a shame it sucked and a greater shame we won't be getting more exquisite work from one of comics' true originals. peaceout, davey....
Today is depressing by zombiemaster	Mar 12th, 2008 10:09:04 AM
2 death notices, 5 minutes apart. I've met Dave a number of times, very nice man. I'm sorry to hear he's gone. This with the news of a personal friend passing of cancer last night makes today suck.
Jennifer Connelly in The Rocketeer by Osmosis Jones	Mar 12th, 2008 10:25:18 AM
= the most beautiful woman of all time. I wish she still looked like that now. :(
Dave was great by stamper	Mar 12th, 2008 12:40:59 PM
he shagged every Hollywood pin-up that ever graced the horror / b movie silver screen. Kudos to a full life. He won't grow old.
bettiepage.com/blog has a tribute by stringcheese2008	Mar 12th, 2008 12:46:10 PM
There's another Dave tribute on Bettie Page's site. http://bettiepageblog.blogspot .com/
Osmosis Jones... by Billy The Fish	Mar 12th, 2008 01:38:05 PM
You still would though, wouldn't you?
I Stand Corrected... by Jonas Grumpy	Mar 12th, 2008 03:54:47 PM
In my previous post, I made it sound like I had met Dave only once. Earlier today, a friend reminded me that we had seen Dave at a comics shop book signing, back in the early '80s, shortly after the first issue of the Rocketeer comic was released. So, it turns out that I DID get to meet Dave twice. Apparently the first time wasn't as memorable. I blame it on youthful indiscretion. Sorry, Dave!
PS: OT by Jonas Grumpy	Mar 12th, 2008 03:57:31 PM
When I said "previous post," I was referring to the uppermost post in this talkback. Hopefully, everyone here appreciates that I chose not to use the dreaded F-word in that post. (I won't even use it now, for fear of retaliation.) Obits don't deserve that crap. But, boy was I tempted. Especially as it was only my second time ever having the lead spot in a talkback.
He went with a smile by stamper	Mar 12th, 2008 06:15:54 PM
None of us here will shag as much starlettes as he did. Way to go kiddo. I hope you left a lot of illegitemate childs out there.
Ya know... by 23GreatWoundsAllGotInBattle	Mar 13th, 2008 02:23:34 AM
He was a supremely talented artist, but I thought the movie was an improvement on the comic...RIP though. Would have liked to have seen more of his work.
I just read this.....and it is sad news, indeed. by JDanielP	Mar 13th, 2008 01:39:49 PM
I enjoyed his art. He was a talented man.

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Dave Stevens - Father of the Rocketeer - has passed away...

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