Comic book artist Neal Adams died Thursday at his home in New York, according to his daughter Zeea Adams Moss. He was 80 years old. His son, Josh, posted on Facebook that his father died at 2 a.m.
His career was defined by unparalleled artistic talent and an unwavering character that drove him to constantly fight for his peers and those in need. He would become known in the comics industry as one of the most influential creators of all time and champion social and creator’s rights.
DC released a statement referring to Adams as “one of the most acclaimed artists to have contributed to the comic book industry.”
Moss reported to CNN that her father’s death was unexpected.
In the ’60s and ’70s, Adams worked with both DC and Marvel comics. The characters he drew included the X-Men, the Avengers, Superman, and Batman. In the early ’70s, Adams was one of the creative minds behind the “Green Lantern/Green Arrow” series. He addressed social issues such as addiction and racism.
Adams was born on June 5, 1941. He attended the School of Industrial Arts in New York. When he was 21 years old, Adams drew the Ben Casey newspaper strip. In 1967, he began drawing for DC Comics. He drew covers for war comics and contributed to “The Adventures of Jerry Lewis” and “The Adventures of Bob Hope.”
Adams’ big break came when he began drawing Batman. He was drawn to The Dark Knight and was assigned to draw the Batman comics alongside writer Dennis O’Neil in 1970, according to the statement released by DC Comics.
The iconic artist created villains for Batman, such as Man-Bat, Ra’s al Ghul, and Batman’s lover Talia. Additionally, Adams revitalized tired characters like the Joker who became less comical and more homicidal maniac moviegoers know and love today.
In the mid-70s, Adams stopped drawing for DC and Marvel and opened Continuity Studios. It was an artist’s studio that produced storyboards, comics, commercial art, and other services. From this studio came Ms. Mystic and Bucky O’Hare.
Admas became an influence on other artists. He mentored Frank Miller who went on to reinvent Batman with “The Dark Knight Returns.” He also became the voice for artists by promoting better working conditions and demanded creators retain the rights to their work. He fought to make sure he was paid properly as well as his fellow artists.
The iconic artist, alongside Stan Lee, formed the Academy of Comic Book Arts. Adams’ goal was to unionize creators. However, Lee wanted an organization that mirrored the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The two parted ways.
In the late 70s, Marvel distributed contracts that would not allow freelance creators to maintain the copyright to their creations. He followed up by passing out contracts that said, “Do Not Sign This Contract You Will Be Signing Your Life Away!” to educate artists. However, Marvel refused to allow the unionization of artists and threatened to stop hiring freelancers.
Adams was able to convince publishers like Marvel to return unused original work to artists.
Written by Jeanette Vietti
Sources:
CNN: Comic book artist Neal Adams has died. He drew some of the most iconic characters you know; by Mallika Kallingal and Dave Alsup
The Hollywood Reporter: Neal Adams, Comic Book Artist Who Revitalized Batman and Fought for Creators’ Rights, Dies at 80′ by Borys Kit
Gizmodo: Comics Creators Come Together to Remember Neal Adams; by Rob Bricken
Featured Image by Nightscream Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons – Creative Commons License
Inline Image Courtesy of Brain Garrett’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
