"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

Quote:

Dark Horse Comics representative has confirmed sad news CBR received earlier today -- Dave Stevens, 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/ne...m.cgi?id=13312

Alex · 03-11-2008, 01:50 PM

More here:

http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2...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

Quote:

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by flippyshark

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.

03-11-2008, 01:50 PM	#2
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	More here: http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2...11.html#014911
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03-11-2008, 03:52 PM	#3
mousepod You broke your Ramadar! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 4,635	How very sad. I used to see him at the WonderCons in SF... __________________ "Give the public everything you can give them, keep the place as clean as you can keep it, keep it friendly" - Walt Disney
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03-11-2008, 03:55 PM	#4
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	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.
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03-11-2008, 06:40 PM	#6
CoasterMatt BRAAAAAAAINS! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: One Step Beyond... Posts: 8,802	__________________ Do you like my photography? Visit photosbymatt.tumblr.com to purchase prints!
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03-12-2008, 12:37 AM	#7
NickO'Time Missed it by that much.. Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 678	I could watch this movie often and never get tired of it. Love the era. Sorry to see this talented man go. __________________ Yeah, right. Last edited by NickO'Time : 03-12-2008 at 12:59 AM.
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03-12-2008, 01:05 AM	#8
flippyshark Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 2,852	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!
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03-12-2008, 11:37 AM	#9
lizziebith Wishing these titles could be longe Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pearblossom CA Posts: 984	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. __________________ $ DO \|\| !$ DO ; TRY TRY: COMMAND NOT FOUND
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