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'''John Powers Severin'''<ref name=lam/> (December 26, 1921 – February 12, 2012)<ref>{{cite web|last=Evanier |first= Mark |authorlink= Mark Evanier| url=http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_12_22.html#014510 | title=Happy Birthday, John Severin! (NEXT WEDNESDAY!)| publisher= "POV Online" (column)| date= December 22, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/happy_88th_birthday_john_severin/ | title= Happy 88th Birthday, John Severin!| work= [[The Comics Reporter]] | date= December 26, 2009}} Note: The Lambiek Comiclopedia (citation below) gives December 21, 1921.</ref><ref>[http://www.comicsbeat.com/2012/02/14/rip-john-severin/ The Beat. "RIP: John Severin"]</ref> was an [[United States|American]] [[comic book]] artist noted for his distinctive work with [[EC Comics]], primarily on the [[war comics]] ''[[Two-Fisted Tales]]'' and ''[[Frontline Combat]]''; for [[Marvel Comics]], especially its war and [[Western comics]]; and for his 45-year stint with the [[satire|satiric]] magazine ''[[Cracked (magazine)|Cracked]]''. He was one of the founding cartoonists of ''[[Mad (magazine)|Mad]]'' in 1952.
'''John Powers Severin'''<ref name=lam/> (December 26, 1921 – February 12, 2012)<ref>{{cite web|last=Evanier |first= Mark |authorlink= Mark Evanier| url=http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_12_22.html#014510 | title=Happy Birthday, John Severin! (Next Wednesday!)| publisher= "POV Online" (column)| date= December 22, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/happy_88th_birthday_john_severin/ | title= Happy 88th Birthday, John Severin!| work= [[The Comics Reporter]] | date= December 26, 2009}} Note: The Lambiek Comiclopedia (citation below) gives December 21, 1921.</ref><ref>[http://www.comicsbeat.com/2012/02/14/rip-john-severin/ The Beat. "RIP: John Severin"]</ref> was an [[United States|American]] [[comic book]] artist noted for his distinctive work with [[EC Comics]], primarily on the [[war comics]] ''[[Two-Fisted Tales]]'' and ''[[Frontline Combat]]''; for [[Marvel Comics]], especially its war and [[Western comics]]; and for his 45-year stint with the [[satire|satiric]] magazine ''[[Cracked (magazine)|Cracked]]''. He was one of the founding cartoonists of ''[[Mad (magazine)|Mad]]'' in 1952.


Severin was inducted into the [[List of Eisner Award winners#The Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame|Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame]] in 2003.
Severin was inducted into the [[List of Eisner Award winners#The Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame|Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame]] in 2003.


==Early life==
==Early life==
John Severin began drawing professionally at age 10 when he contributed cartoons to ''[[The Hobo News]]''. He attended [[The High School of Music and Art]] in [[New York City]], together with future [[EC Comics]] and ''[[Mad (magazine)|Mad]]'' artists [[Harvey Kurtzman]], [[Will Elder]], [[Al Jaffee]] and [[Al Feldstein]].<ref name=lam>[http://lambiek.net/artists/s/severin_john.htm John Severin]. Kees Kousemaker's [[Lambiek Comiclopedia]]. Retrieved February 15, 2012. [http://www.webcitation.org/5mYekPli4 WebCitation archive].</ref> After high school, he worked as an apprentice machinist and then enlisted in the Army during World War II.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}
John Severin began drawing professionally at age ten when he contributed cartoons to ''[[The Hobo News]]''. He attended the [[The High School of Music & Art|High School of Music & Art]] in [[New York City]], together with future [[EC Comics]] and ''[[Mad (magazine)|Mad]]'' artists [[Harvey Kurtzman]], [[Will Elder]], [[Al Jaffee]] and [[Al Feldstein]].<ref name=lam>[http://lambiek.net/artists/s/severin_john.htm John Severin]. Kees Kousemaker's [[Lambiek Comiclopedia]]. Retrieved February 15, 2012. [http://www.webcitation.org/5mYekPli4 WebCitation archive].</ref> After high school, he worked as an apprentice machinist and then enlisted in the Army during World War II.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}


==Career==
==Career==
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Inspired by the quick money Kurtzman would make in-between advertising assignments with one-page "Hey Look!" gags for editor [[Stan Lee]] at [[Timely Comics]], Severin worked up comics samples inked by Elder. In late 1947, he recalled, the writer-artist-editor team of [[Joe Simon]] and [[Jack Kirby]] at [[Crestwood Publications]] "gave us our first job."<ref name=squa36 />
Inspired by the quick money Kurtzman would make in-between advertising assignments with one-page "Hey Look!" gags for editor [[Stan Lee]] at [[Timely Comics]], Severin worked up comics samples inked by Elder. In late 1947, he recalled, the writer-artist-editor team of [[Joe Simon]] and [[Jack Kirby]] at [[Crestwood Publications]] "gave us our first job."<ref name=squa36 />


Since it was not standard practice to credit comics creators during this era, a comprehensive list of his early work is difficult to ascertain. Author and historian Jim Vadeboncoeur Jr., based on Severin's description of "a crime story about a boy and a girl who killed somebody... I think it was their stepfather. They lived on a farm, or out in the suburbs," believes that first Severin/Elder story was the eight-page "The Clue of the Horoscope" in ''Headline Comics'' #32 ([[cover-date]]d Nov. 1948), from the Crestwood-affiliated [[Prize Comics]].<ref name=squa36 /> The standard reference [[Grand Comics Database]] has no credits for that story,<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/127904/ ''Headline Comics'' #32] at the [[Grand Comics Database]]</ref> and lists Severin's first confirmed work in comics as two stories published the same month: the 10-page [[Boy Commandos]] adventure "The Triumph of William Tell" in [[DC Comics]]' ''Boy Commandos'' #30; and the eight-page [[Western comics|Western]] story "Grinning Hole In the Wall" in Prize Comics' ''Prize Comics Western'' vol. 7, #5 (each Dec. 1948), both of which he [[penciler|penciled]] and the latter of which he also [[inker|inked]].<ref name=gcd>[http://www.comics.org/credit/name/john%20severin/sort/chrono/ John Severin] at the Grand Comics Database</ref>
Since it was not standard practice to credit comics creators during this era, a comprehensive list of his early work is difficult to ascertain. Author and historian Jim Vadeboncoeur Jr., based on Severin's description of "a crime story about a boy and a girl who killed somebody... I think it was their stepfather. They lived on a farm, or out in the suburbs," believes that first Severin/Elder story was the eight-page "The Clue of the Horoscope" in ''Headline Comics'' #32 ([[cover-date]]d Nov. 1948), from the Crestwood-affiliated [[Prize Comics]].<ref name=squa36 /> The standard reference [[Grand Comics Database]] has no credits for that story,<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/127904/ ''Headline Comics'' #32] at the [[Grand Comics Database]]</ref> and lists Severin's first confirmed work in comics as two stories published the same month: the ten-page [[Boy Commandos]] adventure "The Triumph of William Tell" in [[DC Comics]]' ''Boy Commandos'' #30; and the eight-page [[Western comics|Western]] story "Grinning Hole In the Wall" in Prize Comics' ''Prize Comics Western'' vol. 7, #5 (each Dec. 1948), both of which he [[penciler|penciled]] and the latter of which he also [[inker|inked]].<ref name=gcd>[http://www.comics.org/credit/name/john%20severin/sort/chrono/ John Severin] at the Grand Comics Database</ref>


Through 1955, Severin drew a large number of stories for the latter title and other Western series from Prize, and as penciler, he co-created with an unknown writer the long-running [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]] feature "American Eagle" in ''Prize Comics Western'' vol. 9, #6 (Jan. 1951), inked by his high-school classmate turned fellow pro Will Elder.<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/8686/#80008 ''Prize Comics Western'' #v9#6 <nowiki>[85]</nowiki>] at the Grand Comics Database</ref>
Through 1955, Severin drew a large number of stories for the latter title and other Western series from Prize, and as penciler, he co-created with an unknown writer the long-running [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]] feature "American Eagle" in ''Prize Comics Western'' vol. 9, #6 (Jan. 1951), inked by his high-school classmate turned fellow pro Will Elder.<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/8686/#80008 ''Prize Comics Western'' #v9#6 <nowiki>[85]</nowiki>] at the Grand Comics Database</ref>
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Severin and Elder eventually split as a team at EC. They both were in the group of the five original artists who launched editor [[Harvey Kurtzman]]'s landmark [[satire|satiric]] comic book ''[[Mad (magazine)|Mad]]'', along with Kurtzman, [[Wally Wood]] and [[Jack Davis (cartoonist)|Jack Davis]].<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/93801/ ''Mad'' #1 ] at the Grand Comics Database</ref> Severin appeared in nine of ''Mad'''s first ten issues, drawing ten pieces between 1952 and 1954.<ref>http://madcoversite.com/ugoi-john_severin.html</ref> According to accounts by both Severin and Kurtzman, the two had a falling out over art criticisms Kurtzman made during this period. It was Kurtzman who suggested that Severin use pen inking as opposed to inking primarily with a brush. Though Severin eventually took this advice in his later work, he was annoyed at Kurtzman at the time, for this and other remarks, and refused further work with him. Kurtzman insisted on doing the layouts for all the artists, which some resented, including Severin.
Severin and Elder eventually split as a team at EC. They both were in the group of the five original artists who launched editor [[Harvey Kurtzman]]'s landmark [[satire|satiric]] comic book ''[[Mad (magazine)|Mad]]'', along with Kurtzman, [[Wally Wood]] and [[Jack Davis (cartoonist)|Jack Davis]].<ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/93801/ ''Mad'' #1 ] at the Grand Comics Database</ref> Severin appeared in nine of ''Mad'''s first ten issues, drawing ten pieces between 1952 and 1954.<ref>http://madcoversite.com/ugoi-john_severin.html</ref> According to accounts by both Severin and Kurtzman, the two had a falling out over art criticisms Kurtzman made during this period. It was Kurtzman who suggested that Severin use pen inking as opposed to inking primarily with a brush. Though Severin eventually took this advice in his later work, he was annoyed at Kurtzman at the time, for this and other remarks, and refused further work with him. Kurtzman insisted on doing the layouts for all the artists, which some resented, including Severin.


When Kurtzman dropped the war comics to devote more time to ''[[Mad (magazine)|Mad]]'', Severin became sole artist on ''[[Two-Fisted Tales]]'' for four issues and wrote many of the stories as well. His ability to draw people of different nationalities convincingly was highly admired by his peers, as was his eye for authentic details. Upon Severin's death, writer [[Mark Evanier]] remembered, "[[Jack Kirby]] used to say that when he had to research some historical costume or weapon for a story, it was just as good to use a John Severin drawing as it was to find a photo of the real thing. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore."
When Kurtzman dropped the war comics to devote more time to ''[[Mad (magazine)|Mad]]'', Severin became sole artist on ''[[Two-Fisted Tales]]'' for four issues and wrote many of the stories as well. His ability to draw people of different nationalities convincingly was highly admired by his peers, as was his eye for authentic details. Upon Severin's death, writer [[Mark Evanier]] remembered, "[[Jack Kirby]] used to say that when he had to research some historical costume or weapon for a story, it was just as good to use a John Severin drawing as it was to find a photo of the real thing. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore."


===Marvel Comics and other publishers===
===Marvel Comics and other publishers===
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After Atlas transitioned to become Marvel Comics in the 1960s, Severin did extensive work as [[penciler]], [[inker]] or both on such series as ''[[The Incredible Hulk]]'', ''The 'Nam'', ''[[Conan the Barbarian]]'', ''[[Captain Savage]]'', ''What The?!'' and ''Semper Fi''. [[Herb Trimpe]], the primary ''Hulk'' penciler during this period comics fans and historians call the [[Silver Age of comic books]], said in 2009, "I was kind of thrilled when John Severin inked me, because I liked his work for EC comics, and he was one of my idols."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=1593 | title=Hulk-inued! An Interview with Herb Trimpe | publisher= SequentialTart.com | date = December 21, 2009 | archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60S8sNe9E | archivedate= July 25, 2011.}}</ref> As inker, Severin teamed with penciler [[Dick Ayers]] on an acclaimed run of the [[World War II]] series ''[[Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos]]'', beginning with #44 (July 1967). In the 1970s, he collaborated with his sister, artist [[Marie Severin]], on Marvel's [[sword and sorcery]] series, ''[[Kull of Atlantis|King Kull]]''.
After Atlas transitioned to become Marvel Comics in the 1960s, Severin did extensive work as [[penciler]], [[inker]] or both on such series as ''[[The Incredible Hulk]]'', ''The 'Nam'', ''[[Conan the Barbarian]]'', ''[[Captain Savage]]'', ''What The?!'' and ''Semper Fi''. [[Herb Trimpe]], the primary ''Hulk'' penciler during this period comics fans and historians call the [[Silver Age of comic books]], said in 2009, "I was kind of thrilled when John Severin inked me, because I liked his work for EC comics, and he was one of my idols."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=1593 | title=Hulk-inued! An Interview with Herb Trimpe | publisher= SequentialTart.com | date = December 21, 2009 | archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60S8sNe9E | archivedate= July 25, 2011.}}</ref> As inker, Severin teamed with penciler [[Dick Ayers]] on an acclaimed run of the [[World War II]] series ''[[Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos]]'', beginning with #44 (July 1967). In the 1970s, he collaborated with his sister, artist [[Marie Severin]], on Marvel's [[sword and sorcery]] series, ''[[Kull of Atlantis|King Kull]]''.


During this time he was by far the most prolific contributor to the [[satire|satiric]] ''[[Cracked (magazine)|Cracked]]'' magazine, drawing television and movie parodies along with other features, including most of the magazine's covers. Severin's 45-year run as ''Cracked'''s preeminent creator while simultaneously doing "straight" work for other comic books demonstrated his versatility and skill in successfully moving from genre to genre. Reacting to his own company's obituary of Severin, [[Fantagraphics]] co-publisher [[Kim Thompson]] wrote, "I don’t think I’m alone in thinking of CRACKED for most of its run as “a bunch of crap, and John Severin.”<ref>http://www.tcj.com/john-powers-severin-1921-2012/</ref>
During this time he was by far the most prolific contributor to the [[satire|satiric]] ''[[Cracked (magazine)|Cracked]]'' magazine, drawing television and movie parodies along with other features, including most of the magazine's covers. Severin's 45-year run as ''Cracked'''s preeminent creator while simultaneously doing "straight" work for other comic books demonstrated his versatility and skill in successfully moving from genre to genre. Reacting to his own company's obituary of Severin, [[Fantagraphics]] co-publisher [[Kim Thompson]] wrote, "I don’t think I’m alone in thinking of ''Cracked'' for most of its run as “a bunch of crap, and John Severin.”<ref>http://www.tcj.com/john-powers-severin-1921-2012/</ref>


For [[Warren Publishing]] in the 1970s, he drew for the black-and-white comics magazines ''[[Blazing Combat]]'' and ''[[Creepy]]''. Severin also contributed to [[Topps]]' line of bubble gum [[trading cards]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://thewrapper.tripod.com/Browninterview.html |title=Mars Attacks Interview w/ Len Brown!| work=The Wrapper Magazine| number =146 | date=1996| archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5mYhESQkE |archivedate= January 5, 2010}}.</ref>
For [[Warren Publishing]] in the 1970s, he drew for the black-and-white comics magazines ''[[Blazing Combat]]'' and ''[[Creepy]]''. Severin also contributed to [[Topps]]' line of bubble gum [[trading cards]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://thewrapper.tripod.com/Browninterview.html |title=Mars Attacks Interview w/ Len Brown!| work=The Wrapper Magazine| number =146 | date=1996| archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5mYhESQkE |archivedate= January 5, 2010}}.</ref>


Circa 2000, writer [[Jeff Mariotte]] recalled in 2002, Severin phoned Scott Dunbier, a group editor at [[DC Comics]]' [[WildStorm]] imprint, "and said he was looking to do comics again" after working primarily for ''Cracked'' at the time. "I happened to pass by Scott's office as he hung up the phone, and he sounded kind of awestruck as he told me that John Severin wanted to do something with us. I said something like, 'Gee, a ''[[Desperadoes]]'' story by Severin would be great,'" referring to Mariotte's [[Western comics|Western]] miniseries for DC. "Scott agreed. We needed to hurry, before he was snapped up by someone else, so I went home and worked up a proposal overnight. We had sent him, right after that first call, copies of the original ''Desperadoes'' books. That was followed up by the proposal, the next day. He liked what he saw and wanted to play along."<ref name=scoop-mariotte>[http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=34&s=267&ai=41675&ssd=8/31/2002&arch=y "Desperadoes: Quiet of The Grave"], ''Scoop'' (Diamond Galleries newsletter), August 31, 2002. [http://www.webcitation.org/60VCKtmL8 WebCitation archive].</ref> This led to Severin drawing the sequel miniseries ''Desperadoes: Quiet of The Grave''.
Circa 2000, writer [[Jeff Mariotte]] recalled in 2002, Severin phoned [[Scott Dunbier]], a group editor at [[DC Comics]]' [[WildStorm]] imprint, "and said he was looking to do comics again" after working primarily for ''Cracked'' at the time. "I happened to pass by Scott's office as he hung up the phone, and he sounded kind of awestruck as he told me that John Severin wanted to do something with us. I said something like, 'Gee, a ''[[Desperadoes]]'' story by Severin would be great,'" referring to Mariotte's [[Western comics|Western]] miniseries for DC. "Scott agreed. We needed to hurry, before he was snapped up by someone else, so I went home and worked up a proposal overnight. We had sent him, right after that first call, copies of the original ''Desperadoes'' books. That was followed up by the proposal, the next day. He liked what he saw and wanted to play along."<ref name=scoop-mariotte>[http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=34&s=267&ai=41675&ssd=8/31/2002&arch=y "Desperadoes: Quiet of The Grave"], ''Scoop'' (Diamond Galleries newsletter), August 31, 2002. [http://www.webcitation.org/60VCKtmL8 WebCitation archive].</ref> This led to Severin drawing the sequel miniseries ''Desperadoes: Quiet of The Grave''.


He went on to illustrate the controversial 2003 Marvel [[limited series]] ''[[The Rawhide Kid]]'', a lighthearted [[Parallel universe (fiction)|parallel universe]] [[Western comics|Western]] that reimagined the outlaw hero as a [[kitschy]] though still formidably gunslinging [[gay]] man. Severin, who had drawn the character for Atlas in the 1950s, refuted rumors that he had not known of the subject matter, saying at the time of the premiere issue's release, "The Rawhide Kid is rather effeminate in this story. It may be quite a blow to some of the old fans of Rawhide Kid. But it's a lot of fun, and he's still a tough hombre."<ref>Severin in ''Comic Book Marketplace'' #98, January 2003, quoted in Cronin, Brian, [http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2009/07/02/comic-book-legends-revealed-214/ "Comic Book Legends Revealed" #214], column of July 2, 2007. [http://www.webcitation.org/5vNYDXVNv WebCitation archive].</ref> Also in the 2000s, Severin contributed to Marvel's ''[[Punisher|The Punisher]]''; [[DC Comics]]' ''[[Suicide Squad]]'', ''[[American Century (comics)|American Century]]'', ''Caper'', and ''[[Bat Lash]]''; and [[Dark Horse Comics]]' ''Conan'', ''[[B.P.R.D.]]'' and ''Witchfinder''.
He went on to illustrate the controversial 2003 Marvel [[limited series]] ''[[The Rawhide Kid]]'', a lighthearted [[Parallel universe (fiction)|parallel universe]] [[Western comics|Western]] that reimagined the outlaw hero as a [[kitschy]] though still formidably gunslinging [[gay]] man. Severin, who had drawn the character for Atlas in the 1950s, refuted rumors that he had not known of the subject matter, saying at the time of the premiere issue's release, "The Rawhide Kid is rather effeminate in this story. It may be quite a blow to some of the old fans of Rawhide Kid. But it's a lot of fun, and he's still a tough hombre."<ref>Severin in ''Comic Book Marketplace'' #98, January 2003, quoted in Cronin, Brian, [http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2009/07/02/comic-book-legends-revealed-214/ "Comic Book Legends Revealed" #214], column of July 2, 2007. [http://www.webcitation.org/5vNYDXVNv WebCitation archive].</ref> Also in the 2000s, Severin contributed to Marvel's ''[[Punisher|The Punisher]]''; [[DC Comics]]' ''[[Suicide Squad]]'', ''[[American Century (comics)|American Century]]'', ''Caper'', and ''[[Bat Lash]]''; and [[Dark Horse Comics]]' ''Conan'', ''[[B.P.R.D.]]'' and ''Witchfinder''.


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Severin's family members working in the publishing and entertainment fields include his sister [[Marie Severin]], a comic book artist, who was the colourist for E.C.'s comics; his son John Severin, Jr., the head of Bubblehead Publishing; his daughter, Ruth Larenas, a producer for that company; and his grandson, John Severin III, a music producer and recording engineer.<ref>Storniolo, Mike. [http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/news/110512906635917.htm "A Voyage of a Million Miles"]. ''Comics Bulletin''. January 7, 2005. [http://www.webcitation.org/5mYdSLwre WebCitation archive].</ref><ref>[http://www.discogs.com/artist/Johnny+Severin Discogs 2009: Johnny Severin]. [http://www.webcitation.org/5mYdf6tpc WebCitation archive].</ref><ref>[{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p1182733/credits|pure_url=yes}} All Music 2009: Johnny Severin]. [http://www.webcitation.org/5mYdvShM3 WebCitation archive].</ref>
Severin's family members working in the publishing and entertainment fields include his sister [[Marie Severin]], a comic book artist, who was the colorist for EC's comics; his son John Severin, Jr., the head of Bubblehead Publishing; his daughter, Ruth Larenas, a producer for that company; and his grandson, John Severin III, a music producer and recording engineer.<ref>Storniolo, Mike. [http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/news/110512906635917.htm "A Voyage of a Million Miles"]. ''Comics Bulletin''. January 7, 2005. [http://www.webcitation.org/5mYdSLwre WebCitation archive].</ref><ref>[http://www.discogs.com/artist/Johnny+Severin Discogs 2009: Johnny Severin]. [http://www.webcitation.org/5mYdf6tpc WebCitation archive].</ref><ref>[{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p1182733/credits|pure_url=yes}} All Music 2009: Johnny Severin]. [http://www.webcitation.org/5mYdvShM3 WebCitation archive].</ref>


Severin died at his home in [[Denver, Colorado]] on February 12, 2012 at the age of 90, with his family, including his wife of 60 years, Michelina, at his side.<ref>[http://www.comicsbeat.com/2012/02/14/rip-john-severin/ "RIP: John Severin"]. The Beat. February 14, 2012</ref><ref>[[Hauman, Glenn]] (February 14, 2012). [http://l.wbx.me/l/?p=1&instId=31475212-8b66-4de5-93cd-d30be501a8e2&token=f6e42b27894065fab3f7e30cb6b3b4a5b4fce4b50000013574c37955&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.comicmix.com%2Fnews%2F2012%2F02%2F14%2Fjohn-severin-1921-2012%2F "John Severin: 1921-2012"]. [[ComicMix]].</ref>
Severin died at his home in [[Denver, Colorado]] on February 12, 2012 at the age of 90, with his family, including his wife of 60 years, Michelina, at his side.<ref>[http://www.comicsbeat.com/2012/02/14/rip-john-severin/ "RIP: John Severin"]. The Beat. February 14, 2012</ref><ref>[[Hauman, Glenn]] (February 14, 2012). [http://l.wbx.me/l/?p=1&instId=31475212-8b66-4de5-93cd-d30be501a8e2&token=f6e42b27894065fab3f7e30cb6b3b4a5b4fce4b50000013574c37955&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.comicmix.com%2Fnews%2F2012%2F02%2F14%2Fjohn-severin-1921-2012%2F "John Severin: 1921-2012"]. [[ComicMix]].</ref>

Revision as of 09:16, 17 February 2012

John Severin
BornJohn Powers Severin
(1921-12-26)December 26, 1921
Jersey City, New Jersey
DiedFebruary 12, 2012(2012-02-12) (aged 90)
Denver, Colorado
NationalityAmerican
Area(s)Penciler, Inker
Notable works
EC war comics, Marvel Westerns
AwardsAlley Award, 1967, 1968
Will Eisner Comics Hall of Fame, 2003

John Powers Severin[1] (December 26, 1921 – February 12, 2012)[2][3][4] was an American comic book artist noted for his distinctive work with EC Comics, primarily on the war comics Two-Fisted Tales and Frontline Combat; for Marvel Comics, especially its war and Western comics; and for his 45-year stint with the satiric magazine Cracked. He was one of the founding cartoonists of Mad in 1952.

Severin was inducted into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 2003.

Early life

John Severin began drawing professionally at age ten when he contributed cartoons to The Hobo News. He attended the High School of Music & Art in New York City, together with future EC Comics and Mad artists Harvey Kurtzman, Will Elder, Al Jaffee and Al Feldstein.[1] After high school, he worked as an apprentice machinist and then enlisted in the Army during World War II.[citation needed]

Career

Early work: 1947 – 1951

In a 1980 interview, Severin recalled his start as a professional artist:

I had decided to exhibit some paintings of mine in a High School of Music and Art exhibition for the alumni. Charlie Stern was in charge of it, so I went to see him at his studio. He was the 'Charles' of the Charles William Harvey Studio, the other two being William Elder and Harvey Kurtzman. They asked me if I'd like to rent space with them there. I did, and started working with them. When Charlie left... I became the third man, but they didn't want to change it to John William Harvey Studio, so they left the name... Harvey was doing comics, Willie and Charlie were doing advertising stuff, and I just joined in... [I did] design work, logos for toy boxes, logos for candy boxes, cards to be included in the candy boxes.[5]

Inspired by the quick money Kurtzman would make in-between advertising assignments with one-page "Hey Look!" gags for editor Stan Lee at Timely Comics, Severin worked up comics samples inked by Elder. In late 1947, he recalled, the writer-artist-editor team of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby at Crestwood Publications "gave us our first job."[5]

Since it was not standard practice to credit comics creators during this era, a comprehensive list of his early work is difficult to ascertain. Author and historian Jim Vadeboncoeur Jr., based on Severin's description of "a crime story about a boy and a girl who killed somebody... I think it was their stepfather. They lived on a farm, or out in the suburbs," believes that first Severin/Elder story was the eight-page "The Clue of the Horoscope" in Headline Comics #32 (cover-dated Nov. 1948), from the Crestwood-affiliated Prize Comics.[5] The standard reference Grand Comics Database has no credits for that story,[6] and lists Severin's first confirmed work in comics as two stories published the same month: the ten-page Boy Commandos adventure "The Triumph of William Tell" in DC Comics' Boy Commandos #30; and the eight-page Western story "Grinning Hole In the Wall" in Prize Comics' Prize Comics Western vol. 7, #5 (each Dec. 1948), both of which he penciled and the latter of which he also inked.[7]

Through 1955, Severin drew a large number of stories for the latter title and other Western series from Prize, and as penciler, he co-created with an unknown writer the long-running Native American feature "American Eagle" in Prize Comics Western vol. 9, #6 (Jan. 1951), inked by his high-school classmate turned fellow pro Will Elder.[8]

Around this time, Severin did his first confirmed work for two publishers with whom he would long be associated, Marvel Comics and EC Comics. For the future Marvel Comics, he penciled the seven-page romance comic story "My Heart Had No Faith" in Timely Comics' Actual Romances #1 (Oct. 1949).

EC Comics

For EC Comics, he broke in with the seven-page "War Story" in Two-Fisted Tales #19 (Feb. 1951), continuing to work in tandem with his friend Elder as his inker, notably on science fiction and war stories.[7] Severin drew stories for both Two-Fisted Tales and Frontline Combat, and he and his friend Colin Dawkins were the uncredited co-editors of Two-Fisted Tales #36-39.[9]

Severin and Elder eventually split as a team at EC. They both were in the group of the five original artists who launched editor Harvey Kurtzman's landmark satiric comic book Mad, along with Kurtzman, Wally Wood and Jack Davis.[10] Severin appeared in nine of Mad's first ten issues, drawing ten pieces between 1952 and 1954.[11] According to accounts by both Severin and Kurtzman, the two had a falling out over art criticisms Kurtzman made during this period. It was Kurtzman who suggested that Severin use pen inking as opposed to inking primarily with a brush. Though Severin eventually took this advice in his later work, he was annoyed at Kurtzman at the time, for this and other remarks, and refused further work with him. Kurtzman insisted on doing the layouts for all the artists, which some resented, including Severin.

When Kurtzman dropped the war comics to devote more time to Mad, Severin became sole artist on Two-Fisted Tales for four issues and wrote many of the stories as well. His ability to draw people of different nationalities convincingly was highly admired by his peers, as was his eye for authentic details. Upon Severin's death, writer Mark Evanier remembered, "Jack Kirby used to say that when he had to research some historical costume or weapon for a story, it was just as good to use a John Severin drawing as it was to find a photo of the real thing. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore."

Marvel Comics and other publishers

Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #57 (Aug. 1968). Cover art by penciler Dick Ayers and inker Severin.

Following the cancellation of EC's comic book line in the wake of the Comics Code in the mid-1950s, Severin began working for Atlas Comics, the 1950s forerunner of Marvel Comics. Artist and colorist Stan Goldberg, a company colleague recalled in 2005,

"I was in the [company's artist room known as the] Bullpen with a lot of well-known artists who worked up there at that time. We had our Bullpen up there until about 1958 or 1959. [sic; the Bullpen staff was let go in 1957] The guys... who actually worked nine-to-five and put in a regular day, and not the freelance guys who'd come in a drop off their work... were almost a hall-of-fame group of people. There was John Severin. Bill Everett. Carl Burgos. There was the all-time great Joe Maneely... We all worked together, all the colorists and correction guys, the letterers and artists... We had a great time."[12]

After Atlas transitioned to become Marvel Comics in the 1960s, Severin did extensive work as penciler, inker or both on such series as The Incredible Hulk, The 'Nam, Conan the Barbarian, Captain Savage, What The?! and Semper Fi. Herb Trimpe, the primary Hulk penciler during this period comics fans and historians call the Silver Age of comic books, said in 2009, "I was kind of thrilled when John Severin inked me, because I liked his work for EC comics, and he was one of my idols."[13] As inker, Severin teamed with penciler Dick Ayers on an acclaimed run of the World War II series Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos, beginning with #44 (July 1967). In the 1970s, he collaborated with his sister, artist Marie Severin, on Marvel's sword and sorcery series, King Kull.

During this time he was by far the most prolific contributor to the satiric Cracked magazine, drawing television and movie parodies along with other features, including most of the magazine's covers. Severin's 45-year run as Cracked's preeminent creator while simultaneously doing "straight" work for other comic books demonstrated his versatility and skill in successfully moving from genre to genre. Reacting to his own company's obituary of Severin, Fantagraphics co-publisher Kim Thompson wrote, "I don’t think I’m alone in thinking of Cracked for most of its run as “a bunch of crap, and John Severin.”[14]

For Warren Publishing in the 1970s, he drew for the black-and-white comics magazines Blazing Combat and Creepy. Severin also contributed to Topps' line of bubble gum trading cards.[15]

Circa 2000, writer Jeff Mariotte recalled in 2002, Severin phoned Scott Dunbier, a group editor at DC Comics' WildStorm imprint, "and said he was looking to do comics again" after working primarily for Cracked at the time. "I happened to pass by Scott's office as he hung up the phone, and he sounded kind of awestruck as he told me that John Severin wanted to do something with us. I said something like, 'Gee, a Desperadoes story by Severin would be great,'" referring to Mariotte's Western miniseries for DC. "Scott agreed. We needed to hurry, before he was snapped up by someone else, so I went home and worked up a proposal overnight. We had sent him, right after that first call, copies of the original Desperadoes books. That was followed up by the proposal, the next day. He liked what he saw and wanted to play along."[16] This led to Severin drawing the sequel miniseries Desperadoes: Quiet of The Grave.

He went on to illustrate the controversial 2003 Marvel limited series The Rawhide Kid, a lighthearted parallel universe Western that reimagined the outlaw hero as a kitschy though still formidably gunslinging gay man. Severin, who had drawn the character for Atlas in the 1950s, refuted rumors that he had not known of the subject matter, saying at the time of the premiere issue's release, "The Rawhide Kid is rather effeminate in this story. It may be quite a blow to some of the old fans of Rawhide Kid. But it's a lot of fun, and he's still a tough hombre."[17] Also in the 2000s, Severin contributed to Marvel's The Punisher; DC Comics' Suicide Squad, American Century, Caper, and Bat Lash; and Dark Horse Comics' Conan, B.P.R.D. and Witchfinder.

Personal life

Severin's family members working in the publishing and entertainment fields include his sister Marie Severin, a comic book artist, who was the colorist for EC's comics; his son John Severin, Jr., the head of Bubblehead Publishing; his daughter, Ruth Larenas, a producer for that company; and his grandson, John Severin III, a music producer and recording engineer.[18][19][20]

Severin died at his home in Denver, Colorado on February 12, 2012 at the age of 90, with his family, including his wife of 60 years, Michelina, at his side.[21][22]

Awards and honors

Severin was inducted into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 2003.[citation needed]

With writer Gary Friedrich and penciler Dick Ayers, Severin's inking contributed to Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos winning the Alley Award for Best War Title of 1967 and 1968.[citation needed]

Severin was nominated for a Shazam Award in 1973, for Best Inker (Humor Division).[citation needed]

He was among the winners of the Cartoon Art Museum's 2001 Sparky Award.[citation needed]

His artwork was exhibited three times at the Words & Pictures Museum in Northampton, Massachusetts — in the grand-opening group show (October 9, 1992 - January 5, 1993), in the group exhibit "War No More" (May 18-August 8, 1993) and in the group show "Classic Comics: A Selection of Stories from EC Comics" (December 7-February 11, 1996).[23]

References

  1. ^ a b John Severin. Kees Kousemaker's Lambiek Comiclopedia. Retrieved February 15, 2012. WebCitation archive.
  2. ^ Evanier, Mark (December 22, 2007). "Happy Birthday, John Severin! (Next Wednesday!)". "POV Online" (column).
  3. ^ "Happy 88th Birthday, John Severin!". The Comics Reporter. December 26, 2009. Note: The Lambiek Comiclopedia (citation below) gives December 21, 1921.
  4. ^ The Beat. "RIP: John Severin"
  5. ^ a b c "The Early Years: An Interview with John Severin". Squa Tront. No. 11. Fantagraphics Books. Spring 2005. p. 36.
  6. ^ Headline Comics #32 at the Grand Comics Database
  7. ^ a b John Severin at the Grand Comics Database
  8. ^ Prize Comics Western #v9#6 [85] at the Grand Comics Database
  9. ^ Benson, John. Squa Tront #11.
  10. ^ Mad #1 at the Grand Comics Database
  11. ^ http://madcoversite.com/ugoi-john_severin.html
  12. ^ "Stan Goldberg interview". Adelaide Comics and Books. no date, 2005. Archived from the original on December 24, 2007. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ "Hulk-inued! An Interview with Herb Trimpe". SequentialTart.com. December 21, 2009. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |archivedate= (help)
  14. ^ http://www.tcj.com/john-powers-severin-1921-2012/
  15. ^ "Mars Attacks Interview w/ Len Brown!". The Wrapper Magazine. No. 146. 1996. Archived from the original on January 5, 2010..
  16. ^ "Desperadoes: Quiet of The Grave", Scoop (Diamond Galleries newsletter), August 31, 2002. WebCitation archive.
  17. ^ Severin in Comic Book Marketplace #98, January 2003, quoted in Cronin, Brian, "Comic Book Legends Revealed" #214, column of July 2, 2007. WebCitation archive.
  18. ^ Storniolo, Mike. "A Voyage of a Million Miles". Comics Bulletin. January 7, 2005. WebCitation archive.
  19. ^ Discogs 2009: Johnny Severin. WebCitation archive.
  20. ^ All Music 2009: Johnny Severin. WebCitation archive.
  21. ^ "RIP: John Severin". The Beat. February 14, 2012
  22. ^ Hauman, Glenn (February 14, 2012). "John Severin: 1921-2012". ComicMix.
  23. ^ Archive of "Exhibits Curated At The Words & Pictures Museum", Words & Pictures Museum (official site). Original page

Further reading


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