Stephen Ross Gerber (; September 20, 1947 – February 10, 2008) was an American comic book writer and creator of the satiric
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...
character
Howard the Duck
Howard the Duck is a fictional Character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Steve Gerber and artist Val Mayerik. Howard the Duck first appeared in ''Adventure into F ...
. Other works include ''
Man-Thing
The Man-Thing (Dr. Theodore "Ted" Sallis) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writers Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, and Gerry Conway and artist Gray Morrow, the character first appeared in ''S ...
'', ''
Omega the Unknown
Omega the Unknown is an American comic book published by Marvel Comics from 1976 to 1977, featuring the eponymous fictional character. The series, written by Steve Gerber and Mary Skrenes and illustrated by Jim Mooney, ran for 10 issues befor ...
,'' ''
Marvel Spotlight
''Marvel Spotlight'' is a comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics as a try-out book. It stood out from Marvel's other try-out books in that most of the featured characters made their first appearance in the series. The series origin ...
:'' "
Son of Satan", ''
The Defenders,'' ''
Marvel Presents
''Marvel Presents'' was an American comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics. Twelve issues were published from October 1975 to August 1977.
Publication history Bloodstone
''Marvel Presents'' began publication with an October 197 ...
:'' "
Guardians of the Galaxy
The Guardians of the Galaxy is a fictional superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
It may more specifically refer to:
Comic book teams
* Guardians of the Galaxy (1969 team), the original 31st-century team fr ...
", ''
Daredevil'' and ''
Foolkiller
The Foolkiller is the name of four different fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Gregory Salinger made his live-action debut in the third season of the Marvel Cinematic Universe television series ''J ...
''. Gerber often included lengthy text pages in the midst of comic book stories, such as in his
graphic novel
A graphic novel is a long-form, fictional work of sequential art. The term ''graphic novel'' is often applied broadly, including fiction, non-fiction, and anthologized work, though this practice is highly contested by comic scholars and industry ...
, ''
Stewart the Rat
''Stewart the Rat'' is a graphic novel written by Steve Gerber, penciled by Gene Colan, and inked by Tom Palmer. It was published in November 1980 by Eclipse Enterprises. ''Stewart the Rat'' was reprinted in January 2003 by About Comics
Abo ...
''. Gerber was posthumously inducted into the
Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2010.
Biography
Early life
Steve Gerber was born in
St. Louis
St. Louis () is the second-largest city in Missouri, United States. It sits near the confluence of the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers. In 2020, the city proper had a population of 301,578, while the bi-state metropolitan area, which e ...
,
Missouri
Missouri is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. Ranking List of U.S. states and territories by area, 21st in land area, it is bordered by eight states (tied for the most with Tennessee ...
, the son of Bernice Gerber,
[ with correction appended] and one of four children, with siblings Jon, Michael, and Lisa.
A letter from Steve Gerber of "7014 Roberts Court,
University City 30, Mo." was published in ''
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in ''The Fantastic Four'' #1 ( cover dated Nov. 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism in the medium. It was the first ...
'' #19 (Oct. 1963). After corresponding with fellow youthful comics fans
Roy Thomas
Roy William Thomas Jr."Roy Thomas Checklist" ''Alter Ego'' vol. 3, #50 (July 2005) p. 16 (born November 22, 1940) is an American comic book writer and editor, who was Stan Lee's first successor as editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics. He is possibl ...
and
Jerry Bails
Jerry Gwin Bails (June 26, 1933 – November 23, 2006) was an American popular culturist. Known as the "Father of Comic Book Fandom," he was one of the first to approach the comic book field as a subject worthy of academic study, and was a primar ...
, and starting one of the first comics
fanzines
A fanzine (blend word, blend of ''fan (person), fan'' and ''magazine'' or ''-zine'') is a non-professional and non-official publication produced by fan (person), enthusiasts of a particular cultural phenomenon (such as a literary or musical genre) ...
, ''Headline'', at age 13 or 14, Gerber attended college at the
University of Missouri–St. Louis
The University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) is a public research university in St. Louis, Missouri. Established in 1963, it is one of four universities in the University of Missouri System and its newest. Located on the former grounds of Bel ...
, the
University of Missouri
The University of Missouri (Mizzou, MU, or Missouri) is a public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in Columbia, Missouri. It is Missouri's largest university and the flagship of the four-campus Universit ...
in
Columbia, Missouri
Columbia is a city in the U.S. state of Missouri. It is the county seat of Boone County and home to the University of Missouri. Founded in 1821, it is the principal city of the five-county Columbia metropolitan area. It is Missouri's fourth ...
, and St. Louis University, where he finished his
communications
Communication (from la, communicare, meaning "to share" or "to be in relation with") is usually defined as the transmission of information. The term may also refer to the message communicated through such transmissions or the field of inquir ...
degree.
Career
Gerber began work as a
copywriter for a St. Louis
advertising agency
An advertising agency, often referred to as a creative agency or an ad agency, is a business dedicated to creating, planning, and handling advertising and sometimes other forms of promotion and marketing for its clients. An ad agency is generally ...
.
During this time he wrote short stories, some of which, such as "And the Birds Hummed Dirges," later appeared in ''
Crazy Magazine
''Crazy Magazine'' is an illustrated satire and humor magazine that was published by Marvel Comics from 1973 to 1983 for a total of 94 regular issues (and two ''Super Special''s (Summer 1975, 1980)). It was preceded by two standard-format comic b ...
'' during his stint as editor.
In early 1972, Gerber asked Thomas, by this time Marvel editor-in-chief, about writing comics; Thomas sent him a writer's test – six pages of a ''
Daredevil'' car-chase scene drawn by
Gene Colan
Eugene Jules Colan (; September 1, 1926 – June 23, 2011)[Eugene Colan]
at the Social Security Death Index via ...
– which Gerber passed. He accepted a position as an associate editor and writer at Marvel Comics. Thomas said in 2007,
Gerber's comics writing career at Marvel began with three comic books
cover-date
The cover date of a periodical publication is the date displayed on the cover, which is not necessarily the true date of publication (the on-sale date or release date); later cover dates are common in magazine and comic book publishing. More unusu ...
d December 1972: ''
Adventure into Fear
''Adventure into Fear'' is an American horror comic book series published by Marvel Comics from cover dates November 1970 through December 1975, for 31 issues. This is its trademarked cover title for all but its first nine issues, though the ser ...
'' #11, ''
The Incredible Hulk
The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of '' The Incredible Hulk'' (May 1962). In his comic book a ...
'' #158, and a collaboration with writer
Carole Seuling on ''
Shanna the She-Devil''.
Gerber initially penned superhero stories for titles such as ''Daredevil'' (20 issues), ''
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby. The charact ...
'' (three issues) and ''
Sub-Mariner'' (11 issues). Gerber penned
anthological
In book publishing, an anthology is a collection of literary works chosen by the compiler; it may be a collection of plays, poems, short stories, songs or excerpts by different authors.
In genre fiction, the term ''anthology'' typically categ ...
horror-
fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving Magic (supernatural), magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by mythology and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy ...
stories for ''
Creatures on the Loose
''Tower of Shadows'' is a horror/fantasy anthology comic book published by the American company Marvel Comics under this and a subsequent name from 1969 to 1975. It featured work by writer-artists Neal Adams, Jim Steranko, Johnny Craig, and Wal ...
'' (adaptations of
Lin Carter
Linwood Vrooman Carter (June 9, 1930 – February 7, 1988) was an American author of science fiction and fantasy, as well as an editor, poet and critic. He usually wrote as Lin Carter; known pseudonyms include H. P. Lowcraft (for an H. P. L ...
's
Thongor Thongor is a character in a series of sword-and-sorcery novels and stories written by Lin Carter, stylized after Conan the Barbarian and set in ancient Lemuria. The character was picked up by Marvel Comics in the 1970s for its series ''Creatures ...
), ''
Monsters Unleashed'', ''
Chamber of Chills
''Chamber of Chills'' is the name of two anthology horror comic books, one published by Harvey Publications in the early 1950s, the other by Marvel Comics in the 1970s.
Harvey Publications
The first ''Chamber of Chills'' was a 10-cent horror anth ...
'' and ''
Journey into Mystery
''Journey into Mystery'' is an American comic book series initially published by Atlas Comics, then by its successor, Marvel Comics. Initially a horror comics anthology, it changed to giant-monster and science fiction stories in the late 1950s. ...
'' and humor pieces for ''Crazy Magazine'', becoming editor of that satirical magazine for issues #11–14.
The Man-Thing and Howard the Duck
Gerber scripted one of his signature series, ''
Man-Thing
The Man-Thing (Dr. Theodore "Ted" Sallis) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writers Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, and Gerry Conway and artist Gray Morrow, the character first appeared in ''S ...
'', about a
swamp-monster empath, beginning in ''
Adventure into Fear
''Adventure into Fear'' is an American horror comic book series published by Marvel Comics from cover dates November 1970 through December 1975, for 31 issues. This is its trademarked cover title for all but its first nine issues, though the ser ...
'' #11 (Dec. 1972).
On page 11 of that issue, he created the series' narrative tagline, used in captions: "Whatever knows fear burns at the Man-Thing's touch!" After issue #19 (Dec. 1973), Man-Thing received a solo title, which ran 22 issues (Jan. 1974 – Oct. 1975), of which issue #1 was originally intended for ''Adventure into Fear'' #20. Gerber and Mayerik introduced the original
Foolkiller
The Foolkiller is the name of four different fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Gregory Salinger made his live-action debut in the third season of the Marvel Cinematic Universe television series ''J ...
in issue #3 (March 1974). In the final issue, Gerber appeared as a character in the story, claiming he had not been inventing the Man-Thing's adventures but simply reporting on them and that he had decided to move on.
With
penciler
A penciller (or penciler) is an artist who works on the creation of comic books, graphic novels, and similar visual art forms, with a focus on the initial pencil illustrations, usually in collaboration with other artists, who provide inks, colors ...
Val Mayerik
Val Mayerik (born March 29, 1950) is an American comic book and commercial artist, best known as co-creator of the satiric character '' Howard the Duck'' for ''Marvel Comics''.
Biography
Early life and career
Val Mayerik was born in Youngstow ...
, Gerber created
Howard the Duck
Howard the Duck is a fictional Character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Steve Gerber and artist Val Mayerik. Howard the Duck first appeared in ''Adventure into F ...
as a secondary character in a
Man-Thing
The Man-Thing (Dr. Theodore "Ted" Sallis) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writers Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, and Gerry Conway and artist Gray Morrow, the character first appeared in ''S ...
story in ''Adventure into Fear'' #19 and ''Man-Thing'' #1 (Dec. 1973 - Jan. 1974). Howard graduated to his own backup feature in ''Giant-Size Man-Thing'' #4-5, confronting such bizarre horror-parody characters as Garko the Man-Frog and Bessie the Hellcow, before acquiring his own comic-book title with ''Howard the Duck'' #1 (Jan. 1976). Gerber wrote 27 issues of the series, penciled initially by
Frank Brunner
Frank Brunner (born February 21, 1949) is an American comics artist and illustrator best known for his work at Marvel Comics in the 1970s.
Early life
Brunner attended Manhattan's High School of Art and Design. He was in the same graduating class ...
and shortly afterward by
Gene Colan
Eugene Jules Colan (; September 1, 1926 – June 23, 2011)[Eugene Colan]
at the Social Security Death Index via ...
. The series gradually developed a substantial
cult following
A cult following refers to a group of fans who are highly dedicated to some person, idea, object, movement, or work, often an artist, in particular a performing artist, or an artwork in some medium. The lattermost is often called a cult classic. ...
, which Marvel helped to promote by Howard's satiric entry into the
1976 U.S. presidential campaign under the auspices of the All-Night Party.
Marvel attempted a spin-off with a short-lived ''Howard the Duck''
syndicated comic strip
A comic strip is a sequence of drawings, often cartoons, arranged in interrelated panels to display brief humor or form a narrative, often serialized, with text in balloons and captions. Traditionally, throughout the 20th and into the 21st ...
from 1977 to 1978, initially scripted by Gerber and drawn by Colan then Mayerik and finally
Alan Kupperberg
Alan Kupperberg (May 18, 1953 – July 16, 2015) was an American comics artist known for working in both comic books and newspaper strips.
Early life
Alan Kupperberg was born on May 18, 1953 in New York City. He graduated from the High School o ...
. Gerber was replaced on the strip in mid-1978, by another comic book writer,
Marv Wolfman
Marvin Arthur Wolfman (born May 13, 1946) is an American comic book and novelization writer. He worked on Marvel Comics's ''The Tomb of Dracula'', for which he and artist Gene Colan created the vampire-slayer Blade, and DC Comics's '' The New Te ...
, creating acrimony. Marvel's then editor-in-chief,
Jim Shooter
James Shooter (born September 27, 1951) is an American writer, editor and publisher for various comic books. He started professionally in the medium at the age of 14, and he is most notable for his successful and controversial run as Marvel Comic ...
, blamed Gerber's chronic tardiness, saying the creative team was "producing strips within six days of their publication dates," which he said caused several newspapers to drop the strip.
Shooter added that while the syndicate threatened to drop the strip if a new writer were not brought in, "Steve can tell you a good number of horror stories – and they're all true – about the trouble we had getting artists."
=Other comics work
=
Gerber often collaborated with writer
Mary Skrenes
Mary Skrenes is a comic book writer and screenwriter. She may be best known as co-creator (with Steve Gerber) of Omega the Unknown for Marvel Comics, although she worked on other Marvel characters such as the Defenders and Guardians of the Galax ...
during this period. Among other Marvel projects, Gerber created ''
Omega the Unknown
Omega the Unknown is an American comic book published by Marvel Comics from 1976 to 1977, featuring the eponymous fictional character. The series, written by Steve Gerber and Mary Skrenes and illustrated by Jim Mooney, ran for 10 issues befor ...
'' with Skrenes and artist
Jim Mooney
James Noel Mooney (August 13, 1919 – March 30, 2008) was an American comics artist best known for his long tenure at DC Comics and as the signature artist of Supergirl, as well as a Marvel Comics inker and Spider-Man artist, both during wh ...
, which explored the strange link between a cosmic superhero and a boy, and wrote the first issue of ''
Marvel Comics Super Special
''Marvel Comics Super Special'' was a 41-issue series of one-shot comic-magazines published by Marvel Comics from 1977 to 1986. They were cover-priced $1.50 to $2.50, while regular color comics were priced 30 cents to 60 cents, Beginning with issu ...
'' featuring the rock band
KISS
A kiss is the touch or pressing of one's lips against another person or an object. Cultural connotations of kissing vary widely. Depending on the culture and context, a kiss can express sentiments of love, passion, romance, sexual attraction, ...
. He created the characters of
Starhawk
Starhawk (born Miriam Simos on June 17, 1951) is an American feminist and author. She is known as a theorist of feminist Neopaganism and ecofeminism.
In 2013, she was listed in Watkins' ''Mind Body Spirit'' magazine as one of the 100 Most Spir ...
,
Aleta Ogord
Aleta Ogord, briefly also known as Starhawk, is a fictional character, a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is depicted in a future of the Marvel Universe and is the adoptive sister of Starhawk. ...
, and (with Skrenes)
Nikki
Nikki may refer to:
Arts and entertainment Fictional characters
* Nikki (Barbie), a fashion doll in the Barbie toy line
* Nikki (comics), a Marvel Comics character
* Nikki and Paulo, from the TV series ''Lost''
* Nikki, the mascot of Swapnote
* N ...
. He scripted the adventures of
Daimon Hellstrom (a.k.a. the Son of Satan),
Morbius the Living Vampire
Morbius the Living Vampire, real name Michael Alexander Morbius, Doctor of Medicine, M.D.,''Morbius the Living Vampire'' (vol. 1) #1. Marvel Comics. Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D., is a fictional Character (arts), character appearing in American comi ...
, and
Dracula's daughter
Lilith
Lilith ( ; he, Wiktionary:לילית, לִילִית, Līlīṯ) is a female figure in Mesopotamian Mythology, Mesopotamian and Jewish mythology, Judaic mythology, alternatively the first wife of Adam and supposedly the primordial she-demon. ...
.
Gerber often revived forgotten characters. In ''The Defenders,'' he revived three pre-superhero characters, the
Headmen
The Headmen is a group of supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Publication history
The Headmen first appearance, first appeared (as a team) in ''The Defenders (comic book), The Defenders'' #21 (March 1975) a ...
. He reintroduced the 1969 one-time feature ''
Guardians of the Galaxy
The Guardians of the Galaxy is a fictional superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
It may more specifically refer to:
Comic book teams
* Guardians of the Galaxy (1969 team), the original 31st-century team fr ...
'', first as guest stars in ''
Marvel Two-in-One'' and ''The Defenders'', then as a feature in ''
Marvel Presents
''Marvel Presents'' was an American comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics. Twelve issues were published from October 1975 to August 1977.
Publication history Bloodstone
''Marvel Presents'' began publication with an October 197 ...
''.
Toward the end of his work at Marvel, he wrote
Hanna-Barbera
Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, Inc. ( ) was an American animation studio and production company which was active from 1957 to 2001. It was founded on July 7, 1957, by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera following the decision of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to c ...
stories for
Mark Evanier
Mark Stephen Evanier (; born March 2, 1952) is an American comic book and television writer, known for his work on the animated TV series ''Garfield and Friends'' and on the comic book ''Groo the Wanderer''. He is also known for his columns and bl ...
under the joint
anagrammatic
pseudonym
A pseudonym (; ) or alias () is a fictitious name that a person or group assumes for a particular purpose, which differs from their original or true name (orthonym). This also differs from a new name that entirely or legally replaces an individua ...
Reg Everbest. Only two of these, featuring
Magilla Gorilla
Magilla Gorilla is a fictional gorilla and the star of ''The Magilla Gorilla Show'' by Hanna-Barbera that aired from 1963 to 1965.
Character description
Magilla Gorilla (voiced by Allan Melvin) is a fun-loving yet trouble-prone anthropomorphic ...
and the
Clue Club
''Clue Club'' is an American animated television series produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions and broadcast on CBS from September 4 to December 11, 1976.
Overview
The series follows a group of four teenage detectives, the Clue Club – Larry, Pe ...
, were published in English.
Battle for Howard the Duck
In the first half of 1978, Gerber was fired from first the newspaper strip and then the comic book series for failure to meet deadlines.
On August 29, 1980, after learning of Marvel's efforts to license Howard for use in film and broadcast media, Gerber filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Marvel corporate parent Cadence Industries and other parties, alleging that he was the sole
owner
Ownership is the state or fact of legal possession and control over property, which may be any asset, tangible or intangible. Ownership can involve multiple rights, collectively referred to as title, which may be separated and held by different ...
of the character.
DC work
During the mid-1970s and early 1980s, Gerber worked for
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. (doing business as DC) is an American comic book publisher and the flagship unit of DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery.
DC Comics is one of the largest and oldest American comic book companies, with thei ...
, including an issue of ''
Metal Men
The Metal Men are a group of superheroes that appear in DC Comics. The characters first appeared in ''Showcase'' #37 (March–April 1962) and were created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Ross Andru. Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Boo ...
'', the last three issues of ''
Mister Miracle
Mister Miracle (Scott Free) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He first appeared in ''Mister Miracle'' #1 (April 1971) and was created by Jack Kirby.
Publication history
Mister Miracle debuted in ...
'', ''The
Phantom Zone
The Phantom Zone is a prison-like parallel dimension appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is mainly associated with stories featuring Superman. It first appeared in '' Adventure Comics'' #283 (April 1961), and was created ...
''
limited series Limited series may refer to:
*Limited series, individual storylines within an anthology series
*Limited series, a particular run of collectables, usually individually numbered
*Limited series (comics), a comics series with a predetermined number of ...
, and a run of "
Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate (also known as Fate) is the name of multiple superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original version of the character was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, debuting in ''More F ...
" backup stories in ''
The Flash
The Flash (or simply Flash) is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert, the original Flash first appeared in ''Flash Comics'' #1 (cover date ...
'' co-written with
Martin Pasko
Martin Joseph "Marty" Pasko (born Jean-Claude Rochefort; August 4, 1954– May 10, 2020) was a Canadian comic book writer and television screenwriter.
Pasko worked for many comics publishers, but is best known for his superhero stories for DC Com ...
. Gerber had planned to write for DC's ''
Time Warp
Time travel is a common theme in fiction, mainly since the late 19th century, and has been depicted in a variety of media, such as literature, television, film, and advertisements.
The concept of time travel by mechanical means was popularize ...
'' science fiction anthology series, but objected to the submission guidelines for that series. Gerber wrote for independent comic companies. One of Gerber's first major works away from Marvel was the original
graphic novel
A graphic novel is a long-form, fictional work of sequential art. The term ''graphic novel'' is often applied broadly, including fiction, non-fiction, and anthologized work, though this practice is highly contested by comic scholars and industry ...
''
Stewart the Rat
''Stewart the Rat'' is a graphic novel written by Steve Gerber, penciled by Gene Colan, and inked by Tom Palmer. It was published in November 1980 by Eclipse Enterprises. ''Stewart the Rat'' was reprinted in January 2003 by About Comics
Abo ...
'' for
Eclipse Comics
Eclipse Comics was an American comic book publisher, one of several independent publishers during the 1980s and early 1990s. In 1978, it published the first graphic novel intended for the newly created comic book specialty store market. It was ...
, with art by
Gene Colan
Eugene Jules Colan (; September 1, 1926 – June 23, 2011)[Eugene Colan]
at the Social Security Death Index via ...
and
Tom Palmer. For ''
Eclipse Magazine
''Eclipse, The Magazine'' (or simply ''Eclipse'') was a black-and-white comics anthology magazine published by Eclipse Comics from 1981 to 1983. The magazine introduced several new characters and series — including Coyote, Ms. Tree, and Masked ...
,'' Gerber and Mayerik created the anti-censorship horror story, "Role Model/Caring, Sharing, and Helping Others".
Resolution of the court case
In 1981 he teamed with
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby (born Jacob Kurtzberg; August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994) was an American comic book artist, writer and editor, widely regarded as one of the medium's major innovators and one of its most prolific and influential creators. He gr ...
at Eclipse to create ''
Destroyer Duck
''Destroyer Duck'' was an anthology comic book published by Eclipse Comics in 1982, as well as the title of its primary story, written by Steve Gerber and featuring artwork by Jack Kirby and Alfredo Alcala.
The book was published as a way to he ...
'', a satirical comic created to raise funds for his court case against Marvel.
The lawsuit was settled on September 24, 1982. Gerber acknowledged that his work on the character had been done as
work-for-hire
A work made for hire (work for hire or WFH), in copyright law in the United States, is a work that is subject to copyright and is created by employees as part of their job or some limited types of works for which all parties agree in writing to the ...
and that Marvel parent Cadence Industries owned "all right, title and interest" to Howard the Duck and related material. On November 5, 1982, Judge
David Kenyon approved the motion and dismissed the case.
1980s and 1990s career
In the early 1980s, Gerber and
Frank Miller
Frank Miller (born January 27, 1957) is an American comic book writer, penciller and inker, novelist, screenwriter, film director, and producer known for his comic book stories and graphic novels such as his run on ''Daredevil'' and subsequen ...
made a joint proposal to revamp DC's three biggest characters, namely Superman,
Batman
Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on ...
and
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a superhero created by the American psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston (pen name: Charles Moulton), and artist Harry G. Peter. Marston's wife, Elizabeth Holloway Marston, Elizabeth, and their life partner, Olive Byr ...
;.
The proposal was not accepted.
After Marvel had cancelled his contract in May 1978, he returned to Marvel in 1983 with the short-lived ''
Void Indigo
''Void Indigo'' was a short-lived and controversial comic book series written by Steve Gerber and drawn by Val Mayerik. It was published by Epic Comics from 1983 to 1984.
''Void Indigo'' focuses on an alien named Jhagur (he is known on Earth as " ...
''.
Gerber was slated to write a new ''
Spectre
Spectre, specter or the spectre may refer to:
Religion and spirituality
* Vision (spirituality)
* Apparitional experience
* Ghost
Arts and entertainment Film and television
* ''Spectre'' (1977 film), a made-for-television film produced and writ ...
'' series in 1986, but he missed the deadline for the first issue so that he could watch the last day of shooting on the
''Howard the Duck'' film and DC assigned another writer to the series in response.
Gerber scripted assorted projects for Marvel, including the controversial creator-owned book ''
Void Indigo
''Void Indigo'' was a short-lived and controversial comic book series written by Steve Gerber and drawn by Val Mayerik. It was published by Epic Comics from 1983 to 1984.
''Void Indigo'' focuses on an alien named Jhagur (he is known on Earth as " ...
'' (1984) for
Epic Comics
Epic Comics (also known as the Epic Comics Group)Shooter, Jim. "Bullpen Bulletins: The Truth About the Epic Comics Group!" Marvel comics cover-dated November 1982. was an imprint of Marvel Comics from 1982 to 1996. A spin-off of the publisher's ...
, a serialized, eight-page Man-Thing feature in the anthology series ''
Marvel Comics Presents'' (Sept. 1988–Feb. 1989), ''
The Legion of Night'' and the 1991 ''Suburban Jersey Ninja She-Devils'' one-shot issue. For DC, his works include ''
A. Bizarro''.
At Marvel, Gerber scripted a 12-issue run on ''
The Sensational She-Hulk'' (which featured Howard the Duck). He also scripted three issues of ''
Cloak and Dagger
"Cloak and dagger" was a fighting style common in the Renaissance involving a knife hidden beneath a cloak. The term later came into use as a metaphor, referring to situations involving intrigue, secrecy, espionage, or mystery.
Overview
In " Th ...
'', a
Hawkeye story in ''
Avengers Spotlight
''Solo Avengers'' was an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics, and was a spin-off from the company's superhero team title '' The Avengers''. It was published for 20 issues (December 1987–July 1989) until it was renamed ''Avenger ...
'', and two issues of ''
Toxic Crusaders
''Toxic Crusaders'' is a 1991 animated series aimed at children, loosely based on '' The Toxic Avenger'' films. It features Toxie, the lead character of the films, leading a group of misfit superheroes who combat pollution. This followed a trend o ...
''. During this time he did a serial in ''
Marvel Comics Presents'' featuring
Poison
Poison is a chemical substance that has a detrimental effect to life. The term is used in a wide range of scientific fields and industries, where it is often specifically defined. It may also be applied colloquially or figuratively, with a broa ...
, a character he had created in "
The Evolutionary War
"The Evolutionary War" was a comic book fictional crossover, crossover which ran through most of the 1988 in comics, 1988 annual publication, annuals published by Marvel Comics. Principal writers included Gerry Conway, Steve Englehart, Louise Simo ...
"
crossover
Crossover may refer to:
Entertainment
Albums and songs
* ''Cross Over'' (Dan Peek album)
* ''Crossover'' (Dirty Rotten Imbeciles album), 1987
* ''Crossover'' (Intrigue album)
* ''Crossover'' (Hitomi Shimatani album)
* ''Crossover'' (Yoshino ...
. He scripted a
''A Nightmare on Elm Street'' black and white magazine format comic book which detailed the backstory of the character of
Freddy Krueger
Freddy Krueger () is a fictional character and the primary antagonist in the ''A Nightmare on Elm Street'' film series. He was created by Wes Craven and made his debut in Craven's '' A Nightmare on Elm Street'' (1984) as the malevolent spirit ...
.
Television work
In collaboration with
Beth Woods
Elizabeth Jean Woods (born 18 October 1955) is an agriculture expert and the former Director-General of the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. She was also the Chair of the WorldFish Board of Trustees, an internationa ...
(later Slick), Gerber wrote the
"Contagion" episode of the
syndicated television series ''
Star Trek: The Next Generation''.
Gerber's work in television animation included
story editor duties on ''
The Transformers'', ''
G.I. Joe
''G.I. Joe'' is an American media franchise and a line of action figures owned and produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the U.S. armed forces with the Action Soldier ( U.S. Army), Ac ...
'' and ''
Dungeons & Dragons
''Dungeons & Dragons'' (commonly abbreviated as ''D&D'' or ''DnD'') is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG) originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. The game was first published in 1974 by TSR (company)#Tactical Studies Rules ...
''; creating ''
Thundarr the Barbarian
''Thundarr the Barbarian'' is an American Saturday morning animated series, created by Steve Gerber and produced by Ruby-Spears Productions. The series ran for two seasons on ABC from October 4, 1980, to October 31, 1981, and was rerun on NBC ...
''; and sharing a 1998
Daytime Emmy Award
The Daytime Emmy Awards, or Daytime Emmys, are part of the extensive range of Emmy Awards for artistic and technical merit for the American television industry. Bestowed by the New York–based National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences ...
for Outstanding Special Class – Animated Program, for the
WB program ''The New Batman/Superman Adventures''.
Ultraverse
He was one of the founders of the
Malibu Comics
Malibu Comics Entertainment, Inc. (also known as Malibu Graphics) was an American comic book publisher active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, best known for its Ultraverse line of superhero titles. Notable titles published by Malibu included '' ...
superhero setting the
Ultraverse
The Ultraverse is a defunct comic book imprint published by the American company Malibu Comics which is currently owned by Marvel Comics. The Ultraverse is a shared universe in which a variety of characters – known within the comics as Ultras ...
and co-created ''
Sludge
Sludge is a semi-solid slurry that can be produced from a range of industrial processes, from water treatment, wastewater treatment or on-site sanitation systems. For example, it can be produced as a settled suspension obtained from conventional ...
'' and ''
Exiles''. For
Image Comics
Image Comics is an American comic book publisher and is the third largest comic book and graphic novel publisher in the industry in both unit and market share. It was founded in 1992 by several high-profile illustrators as a venue for creator-ow ...
, he co-created ''The
Cybernary
''Cybernary'' is a comic book series created by comic book artist Nick Manabat with writer Steve Gerber and published by American company Wildstorm Productions in 1995. It tells the story of ''Katrina Cupertino,'' a cybernetic anti-heroine carryi ...
'' with
Nick Manabat
Nicholas Anthony Manabat (2 September 1972 – 5 November 1995) was a Filipino comic book artist, best known for co-creating ''Cybernary''.
Early life
Manabat was born in British Hong Kong. He was raised and educated in Brisbane, Australia from ...
and disbanded ''
Codename: Strykeforce'', in addition to guest-writing ''
Pitt''.
2000s work
In 2002, he created a new ''Howard the Duck'' miniseries for Marvel's
MAX line.
For DC, he created ''
Nevada
Nevada ( ; ) is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States, Western region of the United States. It is bordered by Oregon to the northwest, Idaho to the northeast, California to the west, Arizona to the southeast, and Utah to the east. N ...
'' for the
Vertigo
Vertigo is a condition where a person has the sensation of movement or of surrounding objects moving when they are not. Often it feels like a spinning or swaying movement. This may be associated with nausea, vomiting, sweating, or difficulties w ...
imprint in 1998 with artist
Phil Winslade
Phil Winslade (born 1965) is a British comic book artist.
Biography
Winslade was born in Surrey in 1965 and spent a lot of time indoors as a child because of a heart murmur. His main source of entertainment were Marvel Comics, Marvel like ''Howa ...
and ''
Hard Time
Hard may refer to:
* Hardness, resistance of physical materials to deformation or fracture
* Hard water, water with high mineral content
Arts and entertainment
* ''Hard'' (TV series), a French TV series
* Hard (band), a Hungarian hard rock supe ...
'' with long-time collaborator Mary Skrenes, which outlasted the short-lived imprint
DC Focus, but slow sales led ''Hard Time: Season Two'' to be cancelled after only seven issues.
Later, Gerber wrote the ''Helmet of Fate:
Zauriel
Zauriel is a fictional superhero in the DC Universe. Originally a guardian angel who served Heaven for millions of years, he willingly falls to Earth to serve humanity as their champion and joins the Justice League.
Publication history
Zauriel f ...
'' one-shot and continued writing the Doctor Fate serial in the ''
Countdown to Mystery
''Countdown'', also known as ''Countdown to Final Crisis'' for its last 24 issues based on the cover, was a comic book limited series published by DC Comics. It debuted on May 9, 2007, directly following the conclusion of the last issue of '' 52' ...
'' limited series for DC Comics up to the time of his death, working on stories in the hospital. Gerber died before being able to write the concluding chapter of the serial; in his honor, four separate writers (
Adam Beechen,
Mark Evanier
Mark Stephen Evanier (; born March 2, 1952) is an American comic book and television writer, known for his work on the animated TV series ''Garfield and Friends'' and on the comic book ''Groo the Wanderer''. He is also known for his columns and bl ...
,
Gail Simone
Gail Simone (aka Gladys Simonetti) is an American writer best known for her work in comics on DC's ''Birds of Prey'', '' Batgirl'', Dynamite Entertainment's Red Sonja, and for being the longest running female writer on Wonder Woman to date. Othe ...
, and
Mark Waid
Mark Waid (; born March 21, 1962) is an American comic book writer best known for his work on DC Comics titles ''The Flash'', '' Kingdom Come'' and '' Superman: Birthright'' as well as his work on ''Captain America'', ''Fantastic Four'' and '' Dar ...
) provided their own conclusions to the story.
In 2010,
Comics Bulletin
Comics Bulletin was a daily website covering the American comic-book industry.
History Silver Bullet Comicbooks
The site was founded in January 2000 as Silver Bullet Comicbooks by its New Zealand-based publisher/editor Jason Brice.
During this ...
ranked Gerber's run on ''The Defenders'' first on its list of the "Top 10 1970s Marvels", while ''Omega the Unknown'' was 10th on the same list.
Gerber's posthumous Man-Thing story "The Screenplay of the Living Dead Man", with art by
Kevin Nowlan
Kevin Nowlan (born 1958) is an American comics artist who works as a penciler, inker, colorist, and letterer. He has been called "one of the few artists who can be called 'artists's artist'", a master of the various disciplines of comic producti ...
, originally planned as a 1980s graphic novel before being left uncompleted by the artist,
was revived in the 2010s and appeared as a three-issue miniseries cover-titled ''The Infernal Man-Thing'' (early Sept.-Oct. 2012). The story was a sequel to Gerber's "Song-Cry of the Living Dead Man" in ''Man-Thing'' #12 (Dec. 1974).
Death
In 2007, Gerber was diagnosed with an early stage of
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), or (formerly) fibrosing alveolitis, is a rare, progressive illness of the respiratory system, characterized by the thickening and stiffening of lung tissue, associated with the formation of scar tissue. It is ...
, and was eventually hospitalized while continuing to work. He had gotten onto the waiting list for a lung transplant at
UCLA Medical Center
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (also commonly referred to as ''UCLA Medical Center'', "RRMC" or "Ronald Reagan") is a hospital located on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles, in Westwood, Los Angeles, California, United ...
. On February 10, 2008, Gerber died in a Las Vegas hospital from complications stemming from his condition. His final comics work was writing ''Countdown to Mystery:
Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate (also known as Fate) is the name of multiple superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original version of the character was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, debuting in ''More F ...
'' for
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. (doing business as DC) is an American comic book publisher and the flagship unit of DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery.
DC Comics is one of the largest and oldest American comic book companies, with thei ...
, having briefly worked with a version of the character in 1982.
At the time of his death, Gerber was separated from his wife, Margo Macleod.
He had a daughter, Samantha Gerber.
In fiction
One of Gerber's working
pen-names
A pen name, also called a ''nom de plume'' or a literary double, is a pseudonym (or, in some cases, a variant form of a real name) adopted by an author and printed on the title page or by-line of their works in place of their real name.
A pen na ...
, Reg Everbest, was the inspiration behind the first
Foolkiller
The Foolkiller is the name of four different fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Gregory Salinger made his live-action debut in the third season of the Marvel Cinematic Universe television series ''J ...
's real name, which was revealed as Ross G. Everbest. Gerber used the
anagrammatic Reg Everbest pseudonym for Marvel-published Hanna-Barbera stories after he was banned from Marvel by Jim Shooter. Roger Stern named the original, deceased Foolkiller "Ross G. Everbest" in ''
The Amazing Spider-Man
''The Amazing Spider-Man'' is an ongoing American comic book series featuring the Marvel Comics superhero Spider-Man as its main protagonist. Being in the Earth 616, mainstream continuity of the franchise, it began publication in 1963 as a bim ...
'' #225, in homage to Gerber, using Gerber's middle name as the character's first name, the middle initial restoring the anagram save for a
silent e
In English orthography, many words feature a silent (single, final, non-syllabic ‘e’), most commonly at the end of a word or morpheme. Typically it represents a vowel sound that was formerly pronounced, but became silent in late Middle En ...
. The character's real name never appeared in the two Gerber stories, but is seen on a computer screen in the second Foolkiller's van, next to the face of the original user of that identity.
The Marvel Universe villain
Thundersword (by
Jim Shooter
James Shooter (born September 27, 1951) is an American writer, editor and publisher for various comic books. He started professionally in the medium at the age of 14, and he is most notable for his successful and controversial run as Marvel Comic ...
,
Al Milgrom
Allen L. Milgrom (born March 6, 1950) is an American comic book writer, penciller, inker and editor, primarily for Marvel Comics. He is known for his 10-year run as editor of ''Marvel Fanfare''; his long involvement as writer, penciler, and inker ...
and
Steve Leialoha
Steve Leialoha (born January 27, 1952) is an American comics artist whose work first came to prominence in the 1970s. He has worked primarily as an inker, though occasionally as a penciller, for several publishers, including Marvel Comics and late ...
) is considered a parody of Gerber and his creation
Thundarr the Barbarian
''Thundarr the Barbarian'' is an American Saturday morning animated series, created by Steve Gerber and produced by Ruby-Spears Productions. The series ran for two seasons on ABC from October 4, 1980, to October 31, 1981, and was rerun on NBC ...
.
Stewart Cadwall is a TV scriptwriter who acquires superpowers, becomes Thundersword and fights the current state of the media.
Awards and nominations
*1977:
Eagle Award for Favourite Single Comicbook Story for ''
Howard the Duck
Howard the Duck is a fictional Character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Steve Gerber and artist Val Mayerik. Howard the Duck first appeared in ''Adventure into F ...
'' #3: "Four Feathers of Death", with artist
*1977: Also nominated for same award for ''Howard the Duck'' #1: "Howard the Barbarian", with artist
Frank Brunner
Frank Brunner (born February 21, 1949) is an American comics artist and illustrator best known for his work at Marvel Comics in the 1970s.
Early life
Brunner attended Manhattan's High School of Art and Design. He was in the same graduating class ...
*1977: Nominated for Eagle Award for Favourite Comicbook Writer
*1977: Nominated for Eagle Award for Favourite Continued Comicbook Story for ''
The Defenders'' #31–40 and ''The Defenders Annual'' #1, with artist
Sal Buscema
Sal Buscema (; ; born Silvio Buscema, January 26, 1936) is an American comics artist, primarily for Marvel Comics, where he enjoyed a ten-year run as artist of '' The Incredible Hulk'' and an eight-year run as artist of ''The Spectacular Spider-M ...
*1977: Eagle Award for ''Howard the Duck'' as Favourite Comicbook – Humour
*1977: Eagle Award for ''Howard the Duck'' as Favourite New Comic Title
*1977: Howard the Duck nominated for Eagle Award for Favourite Comicbook Character
*1978:
Inkpot Award
The Inkpot Award is an honor bestowed annually since 1974 by Comic-Con International. It is given to professionals in the fields of comic books, comic strips, animation, science fiction, and related areas of popular culture, at CCI's annual c ...
*1978: Nominated for Eagle Award for Favourite Comicbook Writer
*1978: Nominated for Eagle Award for Favourite Single Comicbook Story for ''Howard the Duck'' #16: "The Zen and Art of Comic Book Writing"
*1978:
Beverly Switzler
Beverly Switzler is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She is mostly a companion and sometimes girlfriend to Howard the Duck.
Beverly Switzler was portrayed by Lea Thompson in the 1986 film '' Ho ...
nominated for Eagle Award for Favourite Supporting Character
*1978: Howard the Duck nominated for Eagle Award Roll of Honour
*1979: Nominated for Eagle Award for Best Comicbook Writer (US)
*1979: Howard the Duck nominated for Eagle Award Favourite Character (US)
*1979:
Doctor Bong nominated for Eagle Award for Favourite Villain
*1979: Beverly Switzler nominated for Eagle Award for Favourite Supporting Character
*1979: Nominated for Eagle Award for Favourite Single Story for ''The Avengers'' #178: "The Martyr Perplex", with artist
Carmine Infantino
Carmine Michael Infantino (; May 24, 1925 – April 4, 2013) was an American comics artist and editing, editor, primarily for DC Comics, during the late 1950s and early 1960s period known as the Silver Age of Comic Books. Among his character creat ...
*1979: Nominated for Eagle Award Roll of Honour
*1980: Nominated for Eagle Award Roll of Honour
*2002: Nominated for
Bram Stoker Award for Best Illustrated Narrative
Nominees are listed below the winner(s) for each year.
* 1998: (no award)
** ''Sergio Aragones' Dia de las Muertos (Day of the Dead)'' by Sergio Aragones & Mark Evanier
** ''Preacher'' by Garth Ennis
** ''The Son of Man'' (''Hellblazer'' 129-133) ...
for ''Howard the Duck'' vol. 2, #1–6
*2010: Inducted into the
Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame
*2013: Received the
Bill Finger Award
Bibliography
Comic books
DC Comics
* ''
A. Bizarro'' #1–4 (1999)
* ''
Countdown to Mystery
''Countdown'', also known as ''Countdown to Final Crisis'' for its last 24 issues based on the cover, was a comic book limited series published by DC Comics. It debuted on May 9, 2007, directly following the conclusion of the last issue of '' 52' ...
'' #1–7 (
Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate (also known as Fate) is the name of multiple superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original version of the character was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, debuting in ''More F ...
) (2007–2008)
* ''
DC Comics Presents
''DC Comics Presents'' is a comic book series published by DC Comics from 1978 to 1986 which ran for 97 issues and four ''Annual''s. It featured team-ups between Superman and a wide variety of other characters in the DC Universe. A recurring back ...
'' #97 (1986)
* ''
The Flash
The Flash (or simply Flash) is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert, the original Flash first appeared in ''Flash Comics'' #1 (cover date ...
'' #310–313 (Doctor Fate backup stories, reprinted in ''The Immortal Doctor Fate'' #3) (1982)
* ''
Hard Time
Hard may refer to:
* Hardness, resistance of physical materials to deformation or fracture
* Hard water, water with high mineral content
Arts and entertainment
* ''Hard'' (TV series), a French TV series
* Hard (band), a Hungarian hard rock supe ...
'' #1–12 (2004–2005)
* ''Hard Time: Season Two'' #1–7 (with Mary Skrenes; the first issue noted that she was denied credit on the first series) (2006)
* ''Heartthrobs'' #4 (1999)
* ''Helmet of Fate:
Zauriel
Zauriel is a fictional superhero in the DC Universe. Originally a guardian angel who served Heaven for millions of years, he willingly falls to Earth to serve humanity as their champion and joins the Justice League.
Publication history
Zauriel f ...
'' #1 (2007)
* ''
Metal Men
The Metal Men are a group of superheroes that appear in DC Comics. The characters first appeared in ''Showcase'' #37 (March–April 1962) and were created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Ross Andru. Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Boo ...
'' #45 (1976)
* ''
Mister Miracle
Mister Miracle (Scott Free) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He first appeared in ''Mister Miracle'' #1 (April 1971) and was created by Jack Kirby.
Publication history
Mister Miracle debuted in ...
'' #23–25 (1978)
* ''
Nevada
Nevada ( ; ) is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States, Western region of the United States. It is bordered by Oregon to the northwest, Idaho to the northeast, California to the west, Arizona to the southeast, and Utah to the east. N ...
'' #1–6 (1998)
* ''
Phantom Zone
The Phantom Zone is a prison-like parallel dimension appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is mainly associated with stories featuring Superman. It first appeared in '' Adventure Comics'' #283 (April 1961), and was created ...
'' #1–4 (1982)
* ''
Superman: Last Son of Earth'' #1–2 (2000)
* ''Superman: Last Stand on Krypton'' #1 (the sequel to ''Superman: Last Son of Earth'') (2003)
* ''Vertigo: Winter's Edge'' #1–2 (Nevada stories; Leonard the Duck cameo) (1998–1999)
* ''
Weird War Tales
''Weird War Tales'' was a war comic book title with supernatural overtones published by DC Comics. It was published from September–October 1971 to June 1983.
Publication history
The original title ran for 12 years and 124 issues. It was ...
'' #80 (1979)
Eclipse Comics
* ''
Destroyer Duck
''Destroyer Duck'' was an anthology comic book published by Eclipse Comics in 1982, as well as the title of its primary story, written by Steve Gerber and featuring artwork by Jack Kirby and Alfredo Alcala.
The book was published as a way to he ...
'' #1–5 (1982–1983) (also editor in #6–7)
* ''
Eclipse: The Magazine'' #2–3 (1981) ("Role Model: Caring, Sharing, and Helping Others" (horror story))
* ''
Miracleman Book One'' (introduction only) (1988)
* ''
Stewart the Rat
''Stewart the Rat'' is a graphic novel written by Steve Gerber, penciled by Gene Colan, and inked by Tom Palmer. It was published in November 1980 by Eclipse Enterprises. ''Stewart the Rat'' was reprinted in January 2003 by About Comics
Abo ...
'' graphic novel (1980)
* ''
Total Eclipse
An eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs when an astronomical object or spacecraft is temporarily obscured, by passing into the shadow of another body or by having another body pass between it and the viewer. This alignment of three ce ...
'' #3 (1988) (''Tachyon'' backup; first appearance)
Image Comics
* ''
Codename: Strykeforce'' #10–14 (1995)
* ''
Cyberforce, Strykeforce; Opposing Forces'' #1–2 (1995)
* ''
Cybernary
''Cybernary'' is a comic book series created by comic book artist Nick Manabat with writer Steve Gerber and published by American company Wildstorm Productions in 1995. It tells the story of ''Katrina Cupertino,'' a cybernetic anti-heroine carryi ...
'' #1–5 (1995–1996)
* ''
Deathblow'' #1–4 (
Cybernary
''Cybernary'' is a comic book series created by comic book artist Nick Manabat with writer Steve Gerber and published by American company Wildstorm Productions in 1995. It tells the story of ''Katrina Cupertino,'' a cybernetic anti-heroine carryi ...
backup stories) (1993–1994)
* ''
Pitt'' #9–10 (1995)
* ''
Savage Dragon
The Savage Dragon is a fictional superhero created by Erik Larsen, published by Image Comics and taking place in the Image Universe. The comic features the adventures of a superheroic police officer named the Dragon. The character first appeared ...
/ Destroyer Duck'' #1 (1996)
Malibu Comics
* ''
Exiles'' #1–4 (1993)
* ''
Sludge
Sludge is a semi-solid slurry that can be produced from a range of industrial processes, from water treatment, wastewater treatment or on-site sanitation systems. For example, it can be produced as a settled suspension obtained from conventional ...
'' #1–3, 6–11 (1993–1994)
* ''Sludge Red X-Mas'' #1 (1994)
Marvel Comics
* ''
Adventure into Fear
''Adventure into Fear'' is an American horror comic book series published by Marvel Comics from cover dates November 1970 through December 1975, for 31 issues. This is its trademarked cover title for all but its first nine issues, though the ser ...
'' #11–19 (the Man-Thing), #21–25 (
Morbius) (1972–1974)
* ''
Avengers Spotlight
''Solo Avengers'' was an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics, and was a spin-off from the company's superhero team title '' The Avengers''. It was published for 20 issues (December 1987–July 1989) until it was renamed ''Avenger ...
'' #30–34, 36 (
Hawkeye) (1990)
* ''
The Avengers'' #178 (the
Beast) (1978)
* ''
Captain America
Captain America is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by cartoonists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''#Golden Age, Captain America Comics'' #1 (cover ...
'' #157, 221–223, 225 (1973–1978)
* ''
Chamber of Chills
''Chamber of Chills'' is the name of two anthology horror comic books, one published by Harvey Publications in the early 1950s, the other by Marvel Comics in the 1970s.
Harvey Publications
The first ''Chamber of Chills'' was a 10-cent horror anth ...
'' #2 (1973) "Thirst"
* ''
Cloak and Dagger
"Cloak and dagger" was a fighting style common in the Renaissance involving a knife hidden beneath a cloak. The term later came into use as a metaphor, referring to situations involving intrigue, secrecy, espionage, or mystery.
Overview
In " Th ...
'' (vol. 3) #14–16 (1990–1991)
* ''
Crazy Magazine
''Crazy Magazine'' is an illustrated satire and humor magazine that was published by Marvel Comics from 1973 to 1983 for a total of 94 regular issues (and two ''Super Special''s (Summer 1975, 1980)). It was preceded by two standard-format comic b ...
'' #2–14 (1974–1975)
* ''
Creatures on the Loose
''Tower of Shadows'' is a horror/fantasy anthology comic book published by the American company Marvel Comics under this and a subsequent name from 1969 to 1975. It featured work by writer-artists Neal Adams, Jim Steranko, Johnny Craig, and Wal ...
'' #28–29 (
Thongor Thongor is a character in a series of sword-and-sorcery novels and stories written by Lin Carter, stylized after Conan the Barbarian and set in ancient Lemuria. The character was picked up by Marvel Comics in the 1970s for its series ''Creatures ...
,
Lin Carter
Linwood Vrooman Carter (June 9, 1930 – February 7, 1988) was an American author of science fiction and fantasy, as well as an editor, poet and critic. He usually wrote as Lin Carter; known pseudonyms include H. P. Lowcraft (for an H. P. L ...
adaptation) (1974)
* ''
Daredevil'' #97–101, 103–117 (1973–1975)
* ''
The Defenders'' #20–29, 31–41, ''Annual'' #1 (1975–1976)
* ''
Dracula Lives
''Dracula Lives!'' was an American black-and-white horror comics magazine published by Magazine Management, a corporate sibling of Marvel Comics. The series ran 13 issues and one '' Super Annual'' from 1973 to 1975, and starred the Marvel version o ...
'' #1–2, 6, 10–11 (1973–1975)
* ''
Foolkiller
The Foolkiller is the name of four different fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Gregory Salinger made his live-action debut in the third season of the Marvel Cinematic Universe television series ''J ...
'' #1–10
* ''
Freddy Krueger's A Nightmare on Elm Street
Freddy Krueger's A Nightmare on Elm Street was a short lived black-and-white comic book set in the A Nightmare on Elm Street (franchise), ''A Nightmare on Elm Street'' universe and published by Marvel Comics in late 1989. Chronologically, its even ...
'' #1–2 (1989)
* ''Giant-Size Defenders'' #3–5 (1975)
* ''Giant-Size Man-Thing'' #1–5 (1974–1975)
* ''Haunt of Horror'' #1–3 (1974) ("In the Shadows of the City;" 2-part round-table discussion of ''
The Exorcist
''The Exorcist'' is a 1973 American supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin and written for the screen by William Peter Blatty, based on his 1971 novel of the same name. It stars Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty ...
'')
* ''
Howard the Duck
Howard the Duck is a fictional Character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Steve Gerber and artist Val Mayerik. Howard the Duck first appeared in ''Adventure into F ...
'' #1–29, ''Annual'' #1 (1976–1979)
* ''Howard the Duck'' (vol. 2) #1–6 (2002)
* ''
The Incredible Hulk
The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of '' The Incredible Hulk'' (May 1962). In his comic book a ...
'' #158 (1972)
* ''The Infernal Man-Thing'' #1–3 (2012)
* ''
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby. The charact ...
'' #56–58, ''Annual'' #3 (1973–1976)
* ''
Journey into Mystery
''Journey into Mystery'' is an American comic book series initially published by Atlas Comics, then by its successor, Marvel Comics. Initially a horror comics anthology, it changed to giant-monster and science fiction stories in the late 1950s. ...
'' (vol. 2) #4 (1973) ("The Price Is Flight!")
* ''
The Legion of Night'' #1–2 (1991)
* ''
Man-Thing
The Man-Thing (Dr. Theodore "Ted" Sallis) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writers Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, and Gerry Conway and artist Gray Morrow, the character first appeared in ''S ...
'' #1–22 (1974–1975)
* ''
Marvel Comics Presents'' #1–12 (Man-Thing serial), #60–67 (
Poison
Poison is a chemical substance that has a detrimental effect to life. The term is used in a wide range of scientific fields and industries, where it is often specifically defined. It may also be applied colloquially or figuratively, with a broa ...
serial) (1988–1990)
* ''
Marvel Comics Super Special
''Marvel Comics Super Special'' was a 41-issue series of one-shot comic-magazines published by Marvel Comics from 1977 to 1986. They were cover-priced $1.50 to $2.50, while regular color comics were priced 30 cents to 60 cents, Beginning with issu ...
'' #1 (
KISS
A kiss is the touch or pressing of one's lips against another person or an object. Cultural connotations of kissing vary widely. Depending on the culture and context, a kiss can express sentiments of love, passion, romance, sexual attraction, ...
) (1977)
* ''
Marvel Fanfare
''Marvel Fanfare'' was an anthology comic book series published by American company Marvel Comics. It was a showcase title featuring a variety of characters from the Marvel universe.
Volume one
''Marvel Fanfare'' featured characters and settings ...
'' #56–59 (Shanna the She-Devil) (1991)
* ''
Marvel Graphic Novel
''Marvel Graphic Novel'' (''MGN'') is a line of graphic novel trade paperbacks published from 1982 to 1993 by Marvel Comics. The books were published in an oversized format, 8.5" x 11", similar to French albums. In response, DC Comics establi ...
'' #11 (
Void Indigo
''Void Indigo'' was a short-lived and controversial comic book series written by Steve Gerber and drawn by Val Mayerik. It was published by Epic Comics from 1983 to 1984.
''Void Indigo'' focuses on an alien named Jhagur (he is known on Earth as " ...
) (1984)
* ''
Marvel Presents
''Marvel Presents'' was an American comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics. Twelve issues were published from October 1975 to August 1977.
Publication history Bloodstone
''Marvel Presents'' began publication with an October 197 ...
'' #3–7, 9 (
Guardians of the Galaxy
The Guardians of the Galaxy is a fictional superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
It may more specifically refer to:
Comic book teams
* Guardians of the Galaxy (1969 team), the original 31st-century team fr ...
) (with
Mary Skrenes
Mary Skrenes is a comic book writer and screenwriter. She may be best known as co-creator (with Steve Gerber) of Omega the Unknown for Marvel Comics, although she worked on other Marvel characters such as the Defenders and Guardians of the Galax ...
) (1976–1977)
* ''
Marvel Preview
''Marvel Preview'' is a black-and-white comics magazine published by Magazine Management for fourteen issues and the affiliated Marvel Comics Group for ten issues. The final issue additionally carried the imprint Marvel Magazines Group.
Publica ...
'' #12, 16 (
Lilith, Daughter of Dracula) (1977–1978)
* ''
Marvel Spotlight
''Marvel Spotlight'' is a comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics as a try-out book. It stood out from Marvel's other try-out books in that most of the featured characters made their first appearance in the series. The series origin ...
'' #14–23 (
Daimon Hellstrom
Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Daimon made his live-action debut in the Hulu television series '' Helstrom'', played by Tom ...
, the Son of Satan) (1974–1975)
* ''
Marvel Treasury Edition
''Marvel Treasury Edition'' is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics from 1974 to 1981. It usually featured reprints of previously published stories but a few issues contained new material. The series was published in an oversi ...
'' #12 (Howard the Duck; The Defenders) (1976)
* ''
Marvel Two-in-One'' #1–9 (1974–1975) (tying in with his ''Man-Thing'', ''Sub-Mariner'', ''Daredevil''/''Shanna the She-Devil'' and ''Guardians of the Galaxy''/''Defenders'' storylines; plus
Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider is the name of multiple antiheroes and superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Marvel had previously used the name for a Western character whose name was later changed to Phantom Rider.
The first s ...
and
Thor
Thor (; from non, Þórr ) is a prominent god in Germanic paganism. In Norse mythology, he is a hammer-wielding god associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred groves and trees, strength, the protection of humankind, hallowing, an ...
)
* ''
Midnight Sons Unlimited
Midnight is the transition time from one day to the next – the moment when the date changes, on the local official clock time for any particular jurisdiction. By clock time, midnight is the opposite of noon, differing from it by 12 hours ...
'' #9 (1995) (The Legion of Night)
* ''
Monsters Unleashed'' #4, 8–9 (1974) (
Golem
A golem ( ; he, , gōlem) is an animated, Anthropomorphism, anthropomorphic being in Jewish folklore, which is entirely created from inanimate matter (usually clay or mud). The most famous golem narrative involves Judah Loew ben Bezalel, the l ...
story; Man-Thing prose story, "Several Meaningless Deaths")
* ''
Omega the Unknown
Omega the Unknown is an American comic book published by Marvel Comics from 1976 to 1977, featuring the eponymous fictional character. The series, written by Steve Gerber and Mary Skrenes and illustrated by Jim Mooney, ran for 10 issues befor ...
'' #1–6, 9–10 (with Mary Skrenes) (1976–1977)
* ''
The Rampaging Hulk'' #7–9 (1978) (backups starring the Man-Thing,
Ulysses Bloodstone
Ulysses Bloodstone is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is an immortal monster-hunter.
Ulysses Bloodstone appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe / Disney+ television special ''Werewolf by Ni ...
and Shanna the She-Devil, respectively)
* ''
Sensational She-Hulk
She-Hulk (Jennifer "Jen" Walters) is a fictional Character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she first appeared in ''The Savage She-Hulk'' #1 (cov ...
'' #10–11, 13–23 (1990–1991)
* ''
Shanna the She-Devil'' #1, 4–5 (1972–1973)
* ''
Spider-Man Team-Up'' #5 (1996)
* ''Spoof'' #3–4 (1973) ("
The Part-Rich Family" and "What If Famous People Were
Santa Claus
Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa, is a Legend, legendary figure originating in Western Christianity, Western Christian culture who is said to Christmas gift-bringer, bring ...
?")
* ''Spotlight'' #4 (
Magilla Gorilla
Magilla Gorilla is a fictional gorilla and the star of ''The Magilla Gorilla Show'' by Hanna-Barbera that aired from 1963 to 1965.
Character description
Magilla Gorilla (voiced by Allan Melvin) is a fun-loving yet trouble-prone anthropomorphic ...
) (1979)
* ''
Sub-Mariner'' #58–69 (1973–1974)
* ''Suburban Jersey Ninja She-Devils'' #1 (1991)
* ''
Supernatural Thrillers
''Supernatural Thrillers'' was an American horror fiction comic book published by Marvel Comics in the 1970s that adapted classic stories of that genre, including works by Robert Louis Stevenson and H. G. Wells, before becoming a vehicle for a su ...
'' #5, 7 (
N'Kantu, the Living Mummy
N'Kantu the Living Mummy is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character's first run was from 1973 to 1975, and was based on the popular undead mummy trope of horror fiction.
Publication his ...
) (1974)
* ''
Tales of the Zombie
''Tales of the Zombie'' was an American black-and-white horror comics magazine published by Magazine Management, a corporate sibling of Marvel Comics. The series ran 10 issues and one '' Super Annual'' from 1973 to 1975, many featuring stories of t ...
'' #1–8, ''Annual'' #1
ll reprints(1973–1975); also letter response in #10
* ''
Toxic Crusaders
''Toxic Crusaders'' is a 1991 animated series aimed at children, loosely based on '' The Toxic Avenger'' films. It features Toxie, the lead character of the films, leading a group of misfit superheroes who combat pollution. This followed a trend o ...
'' #3, 5 (1992)
* ''TV Stars'' #4 (the
Clue Club
''Clue Club'' is an American animated television series produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions and broadcast on CBS from September 4 to December 11, 1976.
Overview
The series follows a group of four teenage detectives, the Clue Club – Larry, Pe ...
) (1979)
* ''
Vampire Tales
''Vampire Tales'' was an American black-and-white horror comics magazine published by Magazine Management, a corporate sibling of Marvel Comics. The series ran 11 issues and one annual publication from 1973 to 1975, and featuring vampires as both ...
'' #1, 6 (Morbius and Lilith, respectively) (1973–1974)
* ''
Void Indigo
''Void Indigo'' was a short-lived and controversial comic book series written by Steve Gerber and drawn by Val Mayerik. It was published by Epic Comics from 1983 to 1984.
''Void Indigo'' focuses on an alien named Jhagur (he is known on Earth as " ...
'' #1–2 (1984–1985)
* ''
Web of Spider-Man
''Web of Spider-Man'' is the name of two different monthly comic book series starring Spider-Man that have been published by Marvel Comics since 1985, the first volume of which ran for 129 issues between 1985 and 1995, and the second of which ran ...
Annual'' #4 (1988) (featuring the Man-Thing and introducing Poison)
Star*Reach
* ''Quack'' #2 (1977) (assistance with Alan Kupperberg story)
Television credits
(Series head writer denoted in bold)
*''
The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show
''The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show'' is an animated television series produced by Ruby-Spears Productions from 1979 to 1981; it was shown right after ''Super Friends'' on the ABC Network.
The show featured various adventures of the DC Comic ...
'' (1979)
*''
Thundarr the Barbarian
''Thundarr the Barbarian'' is an American Saturday morning animated series, created by Steve Gerber and produced by Ruby-Spears Productions. The series ran for two seasons on ABC from October 4, 1980, to October 31, 1981, and was rerun on NBC ...
'' (1980-1981)
*''
Goldie Gold and Action Jack
''Goldie Gold and Action Jack'' is a 30-minute Saturday morning animated series produced by Ruby-Spears Enterprises that aired for one season on ABC from September 12 to December 5, 1981.
The show was rerun on Cartoon Network in 1994, and Boom ...
'' (1981)
*''
The Scooby & Scrappy-Doo/Puppy Hour
''The Scooby & Scrappy-Doo/Puppy Hour'' is a 60-minute Saturday morning animated package show co-produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions and Ruby-Spears Enterprises and broadcast on ABC from September 25, 1982 to December 18, 1982. The show contain ...
'' (1982)
*''
Dungeons & Dragons
''Dungeons & Dragons'' (commonly abbreviated as ''D&D'' or ''DnD'') is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG) originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. The game was first published in 1974 by TSR (company)#Tactical Studies Rules ...
'' (1983)
*''
Mister T
Mr. T (born Laurence Tureaud, May 21, 1952), is an American actor. He is known for his roles as B. A. Baracus in the 1980s television series ''The A-Team'' and as boxer Clubber Lang in the 1982 film ''Rocky III''. He is also known for his di ...
'' (1983)
*''
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' (1985): season 1 head writer
*''
The Transformers'' (1986-1987): season 3 head writer
*''
Superman
Superman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and debuted in the comic book ''Action Comics'' #1 (cover-dated June 1938 and publi ...
'' (1988)
*''
Star Trek: The Next Generation'' (1989)
*''
Superman: The Animated Series'' (1997)
*''
The New Batman Adventures
''The New Batman Adventures'' (often shortened as ''TNBA'') is an American superhero animated television series based on the DC Comics superhero Batman, which aired on Kids' WB from September 13, 1997 to January 16, 1999. Produced by Warner Bro ...
'' (1997)
*''
Yu-Gi-Oh!
is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kazuki Takahashi. It was serialized in Shueisha's ''Weekly Shōnen Jump'' magazine between September 1996 and March 2004. The plot follows the story of a boy named Yugi Mutou, w ...
'' (2000)
References
Further reading
* "Steve Gerber's ''Crazy'' Days" (in ''
Comic Book Artist'' #7, February 2000, reprinted in ''Comic Book Artist Collection Volume 3'',
TwoMorrows Publishing
TwoMorrows Publishing is a publisher of magazines about comic books, founded in 1994 by John and Pam Morrow out of their small advertising agency in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Its products also include books and DVDs.
List of magaz ...
, 2005)
External links
*
*
Steve Gerberat the Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
Steve Gerberat Mike's Amazing World of Comics
at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators
*
WebCitation archive
* Hatcher, Greg
"Trapped in a Friday He Never Made" ''
Comic Book Resources
''Comic Book Resources'', also known by the initialism CBR, is a website dedicated to the coverage of comic book–related news and discussion.
History
Comic Book Resources was founded by Jonah Weiland in 1995 as a development of the Kingdom Co ...
'', August 5, 2006
WebCitation archive
*McLellan, Dennis
"Steve Gerber, 1947–2008: Comic-book writer created Howard the Duck and worked on TV series" ''
Los Angeles Times
The ''Los Angeles Times'' (abbreviated as ''LA Times'') is a daily newspaper that started publishing in Los Angeles in 1881. Based in the LA-adjacent suburb of El Segundo since 2018, it is the sixth-largest newspaper by circulation in the Un ...
'', February 15, 2008
WebCitation archive
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gerber, Steve
1947 births
2008 deaths
20th-century American writers
21st-century American writers
American comics writers
American satirists
American television writers
Deaths from pulmonary fibrosis
Inkpot Award winners
Bill Finger Award winners
American male television writers
Marvel Comics writers
University of Missouri alumni
University of Missouri–St. Louis alumni
Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame inductees
Writers from St. Louis
20th-century American male writers
21st-century American male writers
Screenwriters from Missouri
Jewish American writers
20th-century American screenwriters