PDA

View Full Version : "THE ROCKETEER" CREATOR DAVE STEVENS DIES AT 53

Bornieo: Fully Loaded
03-11-2008, 01:15 PM
I really loved the movie and the comics were fantastic. I think the film was really underated. RIP :(

Dark Horse Comics representative has confirmed sad news CBR received earlier today -- Dave Stevens (http://www.davestevens.com/), best known as the creator of The Rocketeer and his "good girl" art, died yesterday following a long and private battle with Leukemia. He was 53.


First published in 1982 by Eclipse Comics and then by Comico and finally Dark Horse, “The Rocketeer” instantly earned Stevens many loyal fans. The book showcased his exquisite artwork, which combined an obvious affection for pulp heroes and sexy '50s pin-up girls and helped re-popularize interest in the classic pulp adventure aesthetic and is credited by many as almost single-handedly igniting the late 20th century resurgence of ‘50s pin-up and fetish model Bettie Page, who served as inspiration for the Rocketeer’s love interest Jenny Blake.
After drawing her classic image for many years, Stevens eventually befriended the real-life and hugely reclusive Bettie Page, becoming one of her closest friends and financial supporters, having recognized his own success was due in no small part to his use of her likeness...

http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=13312
Alex
03-11-2008, 01:50 PM
More here:

http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2008_03_11.html#014911
mousepod
03-11-2008, 03:52 PM
How very sad. I used to see him at the WonderCons in SF...
innerSpaceman
03-11-2008, 03:55 PM
Aw. I never read the comics, but I'm one of the few who didn't underrate the movie.


I believe it was the first film screened at The El Capitan when Disney bought the theater, and for years and years afterwards, they still used The Rocketeer score for the "pre-show" ritual opening of several layers of screen curtains.


R.I.P.
Eliza Hodgkins 1812
03-11-2008, 04:10 PM
I believe it was the first film screened at The El Capitan when Disney bought the theater, and for years and years afterwards, they still used The Rocketeer score for the "pre-show" ritual opening of several layers of screen curtains.


It was! My parents took my brother and I to see the movie opening weekend. It was very, very fun. And I still enjoy the movie. It had a great score.
CoasterMatt
03-11-2008, 06:40 PM
:(
NickO'Time
03-12-2008, 12:37 AM
I could watch this movie often and never get tired of it. Love the era. :)

Sorry to see this talented man go.
flippyshark
03-12-2008, 01:05 AM
The Rocketeer, as far as I know, exists on DVD only in a shameful, lazy non-anamorphic port of an old (and not that great) laserdisc transfer. This movie badly needs a full-blooded re-release. (If that has already happened, hurray.)

Betty Page, *sigh*, my kind of gal!
lizziebith
03-12-2008, 11:37 AM
We were over helping Dave get ready for his move to be near his folks just a couple of weeks ago. Even though he was so sick, he insisted on unpacking a little to show us his latest paintings, which were phenomenal. I am really missing him, but am grateful to have had the chance to give him a goodbye hug.

:(
mousepod
03-12-2008, 12:49 PM
The Rocketeer, as far as I know, exists on DVD only in a shameful, lazy non-anamorphic port of an old (and not that great) laserdisc transfer. This movie badly needs a full-blooded re-release. (If that has already happened, hurray.)

Betty Page, *sigh*, my kind of gal!

The R2 import of Rocketeer was anamorphic, but now appears to be OOP.
Bornieo: Fully Loaded
03-12-2008, 09:07 PM
The DVD I have is in widescreen 2:35.1.

LizzieBeth - I am quick to remember he was part of your husbands "generation." I am sorry for your personal loss. His work was just amazing and I wish there was more of it.
CoasterMatt
03-12-2008, 09:30 PM
The DVD I have is in widescreen 2:35.1.


But it's still the lousy non-anamorphic transfer from the laserdisc.