Steve Orlando is an American
comic book
A comic book, also called comicbook, comic magazine or (in the United Kingdom and Ireland) simply comic, is a publication that consists of comics art in the form of sequential juxtaposed panels that represent individual scenes. Panels are of ...
writer, known for his work 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 ...
writing characters such as
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 ...
,
Martian Manhunter
The Martian Manhunter (J'onn J'onzz) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Joseph Samachson and designed by artist Joe Certa, the character first appeared in the story "The Manhunter from Mars" ...
, 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 ...
, and two series starring
Midnighter
Midnighter is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books first published by WildStorm and later DC Comics once it absorbed the former. The character was created by writer Warren Ellis and artist Bryan Hitch. The character made hi ...
, which were nominated for a
GLAAD Media Award
The GLAAD Media Award is an accolade bestowed by GLAAD to recognize and honor various branches of the media for their outstanding representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their live ...
.
Early life
Steve Orlando attended
Hamilton College
Hamilton College is a private liberal arts college in Clinton, Oneida County, New York. It was founded as Hamilton-Oneida Academy in 1793 and was chartered as Hamilton College in 1812 in honor of inaugural trustee Alexander Hamilton, following ...
in
Clinton, where he studied Russian language and creative writing, obtaining a degree in the latter.
Career
Beginning in 2000, Orlando began attending conventions seeking work in the comics industry. Between 2000 and 2014, with the release of his first longform work, ''Undertow'', he created and revised comics under the mentorship of
Man of Action Studios
Man of Action Entertainment (also known as Man of Action Studios) is an American writer collective specializing in various brands of media ranging from television, films, comic books, and animation. The studio is best known for their animated act ...
and
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 ...
editor Will Dennis, as well as publishing with 215 Ink, Poseur Ink, and working as a submissions editor for Leagues of Talent.
In 2009 and 2014, Orlando was part of the ''Outlaw Territory Anthology'' series at
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 ...
, Volume 3 of which was nominated for
Eisner and
Harvey Award
The Harvey Awards are given for achievement in comic books. Named for writer-artist Harvey Kurtzman, the Harvey Awards were founded by Gary Groth in 1988, president of the publisher Fantagraphics, to be the successor to the Kirby Awards that were ...
s. After releasing shorts for DC/Vertigo's ''Mystery in Space'' and ''CMYK:Yellow'' Anthologies, he released ''Undertow'' at Image Comics in 2014, followed by the original graphic novel ''Virgil'' in 2015.
In 2015, Orlando launched ''Midnighter'' for DC Comics as part of the
DC You publishing initiative, with art by ACO. ''Midnighter'' named by
io9
''io9'' is part of Gizmodo media since 2015, and it began as blog launched in 2008 by Gawker Media. The site initially focused on the subjects of science fiction, fantasy, futurism, science, technology and related areas but over the years has ...
as one of the "20 Best Comics of 2015" and "The Best Portrayal of a Gay Superhero in Mainstream Comics." This series was followed by ''Midnighter and Apollo'', celebrated for "...Just
avingthe Realest Romantic Relationship in Superhero Comics." Following ''Midnighter'', Orlando was part of the ''Batman and Robin Eternal'' weekly event series, before launching both ''Supergirl'' and ''Justice League of America'' as part of the
DC Rebirth
DC Rebirth is a 2016 relaunch by the American comic book publisher DC Comics of its entire line of ongoing monthly superhero comic book titles. Using the end of The New 52 initiative in May 2016 as its launching point, DC Rebirth restored the D ...
initiative.
In 2017 Orlando co-wrote the ''Batman/Shadow'' crossover event for DC Comics, followed by writing the sequel ''Shadow/Batman'' himself for
Dynamite Entertainment
Dynamite Entertainment is an American comic book publisher founded by Nick Barrucci in 2004 at Mount Laurel, New Jersey. It is best known as the owners of '' The Boys'' franchise across several IP medias. Dynamite primarily publishes adaptation ...
. He was part of both the ''Kamandi Challenge,'' and ''Kirby 100'' publishing events celebrating the 100th birthday of
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 ...
.
In 2018, he worked with
Gerard Way
Gerard Arthur Way (born April 9, 1977) is an American singer, songwriter, and comic book writer. He is best known as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the rock band My Chemical Romance. He released his debut solo album, ''Hesitant Alien'', i ...
on the ''Milk Wars'' series, a crossover between the DC Universe and the
DC Young Animal characters. In June 2018, he and
Ryan Sook
Ryan Sook is an American comic book artist, known for his work on books such as ''Seven Soldiers: Zatanna'', ''X-Factor'' and '' The Spectre''. His style has been compared to that of Mike Mignola, Adam Hughes, and Kevin Nowlan.
Career
Sook's fir ...
began writing ''The Unexpected'', as part of the New Age of DC Heroes Publishing initiative.
Also in 2018, Orlando guest-wrote DC's monthly ''
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 ...
'', Issues 51-55, with Issue 51 named as "one of the best standalone issues of Wonder Woman
he reviewer'sever read, ever, and it tells a compelling story that speaks directly to the core of a classic and long-tenured character yet is also strikingly-relevant for 2018." and "Wonder Woman #51 is probably one of the best Wonder Woman single issues
he reviewer'sread in a long long time." In June 2019, Orlando returned for
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 ...
Issue 73. In October 2019, Orlando returned to Wonder Woman, with the departure of G. Willow Wilson. In January 2020, his work with Jesus Merino opened the anniversary 750th issue of Wonder Woman, kicking off the return of classic numbering for the series.
Late 2018 saw the launch of ''
Martian Manhunter
The Martian Manhunter (J'onn J'onzz) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Joseph Samachson and designed by artist Joe Certa, the character first appeared in the story "The Manhunter from Mars" ...
'', a 12-issue maxiseries and Orlando's third collaboration with
Riley Rossmo. Its December-debuting first issue was named as one of 2018's best by
Tor Books
Tor Books is the primary imprint of Tor Publishing Group (previously Tom Doherty Associates), a publishing company based in New York City. It primarily publishes science fiction and fantasy titles, and is the largest publisher of Chinese scien ...
. Upon release, Forrest Hollingsworth of Adventures in Poor Taste wrote "Martian Manhunter's character redefining debut is a complete and total success - both narratively and artistically it exceeds all expectations and delivers something both alien and welcoming."
Orlando has written for ''
Hello Mr.
''Hello Mr.'', stylized as ''hello mr.'', was a semiannual American lifestyle magazine focused on topics of interest to gay men. The magazine described itself as being "about men who date men," though the magazine tackled both queer and queer-adj ...
'', with a short story illustrated by Sina Grace, in the magazine's first release in comic book format. In 2019, he provided the English Language script for Mirka Andolfo's ''MERCY'' live action series trailer.
In September 2022, it was announced Orlando would be writing ''
Scarlet Witch
Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. Her first appearance was in ''The X-Men'' #4 (March 1964) ...
'' in January 2023, with
Sara Pichelli
Sara Pichelli (born 15 April 1983) is an Italian comics artist best known for first illustrating the Miles Morales version of ''Ultimate Spider-Man''. After starting her career in animation, Pichelli entered the comic book industry working for I ...
providing the art.
Personal life
Orlando is Jewish. He is bisexual.
Selected bibliography
Marvel Comics
*''Avengers: Curse of the Man-Thing'' Vol. 1 #1 (2021)
*''King in Black: Planet of the Symbiotes''Vol. 1 #3 (2021)
*''Spider-Man: Curse of the Man-Thing'' Vol. 1 #1 (2021)
*''X-Men: Curse of the Man-Thing'' Vol. 1 #1 (2021)
*''Heroes Reborn: Magneto and the Mutant'' Vol. 1 #1 (2021)
*''
Marauders'' Annual #1, Vol. 2 #1- (2022-Present)
DC Comics
*''Mystery In Space'' Vol. 3 #1 (2012)
*''Vertigo Quarterly: Yellow'' (2014)
*''American Vampire Anthology'' Vol. 1 #2 (2016)
*Aquaman
**''Aquaman Giant'' Vol. 1 #1,#3,#4 (2020)
**''Aquaman Deep Dives'' Vol. 1 #1,#3,#5-#7 (2020)
*Batman
**''
Batman and Robin Eternal
''Batman and Robin Eternal'' is a 6-month weekly limited series published by DC Comics, that began in October 2015 and concluded in March 2016. The series featured Batman, Robin, and their allies, and was a follow up series to ''Batman Eternal'' ...
'' #4–5 (with James Tynion IV, Scott Snyder, 2015–2016)
**''
Gotham Academy
Gotham may refer to:
Places
United Kingdom
* Gotham, Dorset, a hamlet near Verwood, Dorset, England
* Gotham, Nottinghamshire, England
United States
* New York City; see Nicknames of New York City
* Gotham, Wisconsin
* Gotham Comedy Club, a ...
'' #18 (2016)
**''Batman: Night of the Monster Men''
***''
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 ...
'' Vol. 3 #7–8 (with Tom King, 2016)
***''
Nightwing
Nightwing is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character has appeared in various incarnations; the identity was adopted by Dick Grayson when he left his role as Batman's vigilante partner Robin.
Although ...
'' Vol. 4 #–6 (with Tim Seeley, 2016)
***''
Detective Comics
''Detective Comics'' is an American comic book series published by Detective Comics, later shortened to DC Comics. The first volume, published from 1937 to 2011 (and later continued in 2016), is best known for introducing the superhero Batman i ...
'' #941–942 (with James Tynion IV, 2016)
**''
Batman Beyond
''Batman Beyond'' (known as ''Batman of the Future'' outside the United States) is an American superhero animated television series developed by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Alan Burnett. It was produced by Warner Bros. Animation in collaboration ...
'' Vol. 6 #12 (with Vita Ayala, 2017)
**''Batman Annual'' Vol. 3 #1 (2017)
**''
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 ...
/
The Shadow
The Shadow is a fictional character created by magazine publishers Street & Smith and writer Walter B. Gibson. Originally created to be a mysterious radio show narrator, and developed into a distinct literary character in 1931 by writer Walter ...
'' #1–6 (with Scott Snyder, 2017)
**''
Batman Secret Files'' Vol. 2 #2 (2019)
**''Gotham City Monsters'' #1–6 (2019–2020)
*Midnighter
**''
Midnighter
Midnighter is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books first published by WildStorm and later DC Comics once it absorbed the former. The character was created by writer Warren Ellis and artist Bryan Hitch. The character made hi ...
'' Vol. 2 #1–12 (2015–2016)
**''
Midnighter and Apollo
''Midnighter and Apollo'' is a six-issue American comic book limited series published by DC Comics. It is written by Steve Orlando and illustrated by Fernando Blanco, with covers by ACO. The series debuted in October 2016 and finished in March ...
'' #1–6 (2016–2017)
*Justice League
**''Justice League: Darkseid War: Shazam!'' (2016)
**''Justice League of America: The Ray Rebirth ''(2017)
**''Justice League of America: The Atom Rebirth ''(2017)
**''Justice League of America: Vixen Rebirth ''(with
Jody Houser
Jody Houser is an American professional comics writer known for her work on licensed properties. She was nominated for the Eisner Award in 2017 for her writing in the comic series ''Faith'' (2016). She was also the writer on the second volume ...
, 2017)
**''Justice League of America: Killer Frost Rebirth ''(with Jody Houser, 2017)
**''
Justice League of America
The Justice League (also known as The Justice League of America) are a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The team first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (March 1960). The team was conceived ...
'' Vol. 5 #0–29 (2017–2018)
*Superman
**''Supergirl: Rebirth'' (2016)
**''
Supergirl
Supergirl is the name of several fictional superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original, current, and most well known Supergirl is Kara Zor-El, the cousin of superhero Superman. The character made her fir ...
'' Vol. 7 #1–20 (with Jody Houser: #15–18, 20), (with Vita Ayala: #19), 2016–2018)
**''
Superman Giant'' #11, #14 (2019)
*''The Kamandi Challenge'' #6 (2017)
*''DC Rebirth Holiday Special'' (2017)
*''Kirby 100: The Sandman Special'' (2017)
*Martian Manhunter
**''Martian Manhunter / Marvin the Martian'' (with Frank J. Barbiere, 2017)
**''
Martian Manhunter
The Martian Manhunter (J'onn J'onzz) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Joseph Samachson and designed by artist Joe Certa, the character first appeared in the story "The Manhunter from Mars" ...
'' Vol. 5 #1–12 (2018–2020)
*Wonder Woman
**''
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 ...
'' Vol. 5 #51–#55, #73, #82-#83 (2018–2020)
**''
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 ...
'' Vol. 1 #750–758 (2020)
**''
Wonder Woman Annual'' Vol. 5 #3–#4 (2019,2020)
*''DC Nuclear Winter Special'' (2018)
*''Electric Warriors'' #1–6 (2018–2019)
*''Milk Wars''
**''
Milk Wars: Doom Patrol/JLA'' (with Gerard Way, 2018)
**''
Milk Wars: JLA/Doom Patrol'' (with Gerard Way, 2018)
*''
The Unexpected'' Vol. 2 #1–8 (2018)
*''Young Monsters in Love''Vol 1 #1(2018)
*''Doom Patrol: Weight of Worlds'' #3 (with Gerard Way and Jeremy Lambert, 2019)
*''DC's Crimes of Passion''Vol 1 #1 (2020)
*''Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Crisis on Infinite Earths'' (2020)
TKO Studios
The Pull(2020)
Aftershock Comics
* "PROJECT PATRON" (With Phillip Kennedy Johnson, 2021)
* "KILL A MAN" (With Phillip Kennedy Johnson, 2020)
* "S.O.S. Save Our Shops" (2020)
* "Dead Kings" #1–5 (2018–2019)
Heavy Metal
* ''Starward'' (2021)
* ''String Theory'' (2021)
215 Ink
* ''The Kitchen Witch'' (2021)
Boom Studios
* ''Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers'' #0–12 "Bulk and Skull" (2015–2016)
* ''Namesake'' #1–4 (2017)
Image Comics
* ''Commanders in Crisis'' #1–12 (2020–2021)
* ''Crude'' #1–6 (2018)
* ''Virgil'' (2015)
* ''Undertow'' #1–6 (2014)
*''Outlaw Territory'' Vol. 1 #1 (2009)
* ''Outlaw Territory'' Vol. 3 #1 (2013)
Dynamite Entertainment
* ''The Shadow/Batman'' #1–6 (2017–2018)
IDW Publishing
* ''Love is Love'' (2017)
* ''
Transformers: King Grimlock'' (2021)
Hello Mr.
* ''Hello Mr''. #7 (2017)
House Spirit Press
* ''The Liberator'' (2018)
Poseur Ink
* ''Side B: A Music Lover's Anthology'' (2009)
Awards and nominations
Awards
*2015
Broken Frontier
''Broken Frontier'' is a web-magazine which publishes news, interviews, and essays about the comic book industry, with a focus on the British small press scene. It was founded by Frederik Hautain in 2002. In 2017 the site came under the ownership ...
Award for Best New Series for ''Midnighter''.
*2018
Tor Books
Tor Books is the primary imprint of Tor Publishing Group (previously Tom Doherty Associates), a publishing company based in New York City. It primarily publishes science fiction and fantasy titles, and is the largest publisher of Chinese scien ...
Best Comics of 2018 for ''Martian Manhunter''.
Nominations
*
2017 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book for ''Midnighter/Midnighter and Apollo''
*2015 All-Comic Award for Best New Series for ''Midnighter''.
*2014 Eisner Award for
Best Anthology for ''Outlaw Territory Volume 3''
*2014 Harvey Award for Best Anthology for ''Outlaw Territory Volume 3''
References
External links
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Orlando, Steve
1985 births
Living people
American comics writers
Writers from Syracuse, New York
Bisexual men
LGBT comics creators
American LGBT writers
Bisexual writers
Jewish American writers
American writers of Italian descent
American writers of Russian descent
American science fiction writers
21st-century American Jews