giordano: pencil, ink

Jesse Marinoff Reyes:

I am still distressed when thinking that another comics great had passed away, Dick Giordano. For those in the know, Giordano was the bedrock of DC Comics in the late 1960s and into the 1970s, but more importantly was the driving force at Charlton Comics in the 1950s through 1965. Beginning there as a freelance artist then rising to editor-in-chief, revamping its line and nurturing a stable of talent (from long-time comics talent like Steve Ditko through up-and-comers like Jim Aparo and Denny O’Neil) who would make their imprint on the major publishers for decades to come.

But most fans know Giordano’s work from DC. As an editor (in particular Deadman and Bat Lash, but also Teen Titans, Aquaman and Young Love), but in particular as a penciller—and especially as a long-time inker, notably on the work of Neal Adams, from his work on Batman on The Brave and the Bold team-up series in the 1960s through the groundbreaking Green Lantern/Green Arrow in the 1970s.

Giordano, who suffered from Leukemia, died last year due to complications from pneumonia. He was 77.

Dick Giordano

The Brave and the Bold presents Batman and The Flash, No. 81
DC Comics, January, 1969 issue
Interior page:
Pencils: Neal Adams
Inks: Dick Giordano

Dick Giordano

Wonder Woman, No. 180
DC Comics, February, 1969 issue
Interior page, from the original art*:
Pencils: Mike Sekowsky
Inks: Dick Giordano

*Courtesy the Richard Howell Collection

It should be noted that in this story line, Wonder Woman had become mortal losing (albeit temporarily) her super powers, but was no pansy either. As Diana Prince, she was still in command of her martial skills and inherent smarts, and thusly the stories posited her more as a Diana Rigg (“Mrs. Peel” of The Avengers) styled adventurer. Here, Giordano inks another all-time great, the wonderful Mike Sekowsky.