If you’re a comic book fanatic, then the names Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner are likely familiar to you. Both have made significant contributions to the comic book industry, working on numerous iconic titles and bringing to life some of the most memorable characters in comic book history. Their work spans decades, genres, and publishing houses, making them truly influential figures in the world of comic books. This article will delve into their biographies, trivia, and the legacies they’ve left behind.
Gerry Conway is a writer and editor best known for co-creating the Punisher for Marvel Comics and writing the death of Gwen Stacy during his run on ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’. He’s also worked on titles like ‘Justice League of America’ and ‘The Incredible Hulk’. Bob Oksner, on the other hand, was an artist who had a long and illustrious career at DC Comics, drawing characters like Supergirl, Jimmy Olsen, and Lois Lane. He was known for his clean, detailed style and his ability to infuse humor into his work.
Early Life and Career – Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner
Gerry Conway was born in New York City in 1952, and from a young age, he had a passion for storytelling. He began writing for DC Comics at the tender age of 16, making him one of the youngest professional comic book writers. Bob Oksner was born in 1916, also in New York City. He studied art at the Art Students League and the National Academy of Design, before finding work as a comic book artist in the 1940s.
Conway’s early career at DC Comics saw him writing stories for titles like ‘The House of Secrets’ and ‘The Phantom Stranger’. He then moved to Marvel, where he penned some of the most significant storylines in comic book history. Oksner, meanwhile, began his career at Fawcett Comics, working on characters like Captain Marvel and Bulletman, before moving to DC Comics in the 1950s. There, he became known for his work on humor and romance titles, as well as his contributions to ‘Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane’ and ‘The Adventures of Jerry Lewis’.
Are Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner still alive?
As of this writing, Gerry Conway is still alive and continues to contribute to the comic book industry. He’s also found success as a writer for television, working on shows like ‘Law & Order’ and ‘The Simpsons’. Sadly, Bob Oksner passed away in 2007 at the age of 90. His contributions to the comic book industry continue to be celebrated, with his work being reprinted in various collections and anthologies.
Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner: The 5 best comics
Determining the best comics by Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner is no easy task, given the sheer volume and quality of their work. However, some standouts include:
- ‘The Amazing Spider-Man #121-122’: Conway’s storyline involving the death of Gwen Stacy is a landmark moment in comic book history, demonstrating the medium’s capacity for emotional storytelling.
- ‘Justice League of America #200’: Conway’s run on ‘Justice League of America’ is highly regarded, but issue 200, featuring an epic battle between the Justice League and their most formidable foes, is a standout.
- ‘Adventures of Jerry Lewis #101-124’: Oksner’s work on this title is a testament to his versatility as an artist, showcasing his knack for comedy and character work.
- ‘Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane #1-137’: Oksner’s defining run on this title cemented Lois Lane as an iconic character in her own right, separate from her association with Superman.
- ‘Shazam! #1-35’: Oksner’s work on this title, featuring the original Captain Marvel, is a testament to his ability to blend action, drama, and humor.
Intriguing Tidbits about Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner
There’s no shortage of fascinating trivia when it comes to these two comic book legends. For instance, did you know that Conway was only 19 when he wrote the death of Gwen Stacy? Or that Oksner was one of the few artists who worked on both the Golden Age and Silver Age of comics? Conway also co-wrote the screenplay for the 1989 animated film ‘Fire and Ice’, while Oksner was a teacher at New York’s School of Visual Arts for many years.
Love life and friendships of Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner
Conway has been married twice and has two daughters. He’s also had a long-standing friendship with fellow comic book writer and editor Roy Thomas, with whom he co-created the superhero team the All-Star Squadron. Oksner, meanwhile, was married to his wife Jean for over 60 years, and among his friends in the comic book industry were the likes of Joe Orlando and Carmine Infantino.
Financial Status: Were Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner Rich or Poor?
While financial specifics are often private, it’s safe to say that both Conway and Oksner enjoyed successful careers in the comic book industry. Conway’s work has been adapted into various forms of media, including films and TV shows, which likely provided additional income. Oksner, meanwhile, enjoyed a career that spanned several decades, working on numerous high-profile titles.
Inspiring Quotes from Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner
Both Conway and Oksner have provided words of wisdom during their careers. Conway once said, “The ultimate goal of all art is to start a conversation,” highlighting his belief in the importance of storytelling. Oksner, meanwhile, is quoted as saying, “You draw with your head, not your hands,” emphasizing the importance of creativity and imagination in his work.
Main Settings in Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner’s Comics
Conway and Oksner’s comics have taken readers to a wide variety of settings. From the bustling streets of New York City in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ to the farthest reaches of outer space in ‘Justice League of America’, their storytelling abilities have brought numerous locales to life. Oksner’s work, meanwhile, often featured everyday settings, like the offices of the Daily Planet in ‘Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane’.
The First and Last Comics of Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner
Conway’s first professional comic book work was on ‘The House of Secrets’ for DC Comics, while his most recent work includes a contribution to the ‘Marvel #1000’ anthology. Oksner’s first work was on ‘Bulletman’ for Fawcett Comics, while one of his final projects was a contribution to the ‘Bizarro Comics’ anthology for DC.
The Order of Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner’s Comics
Given their extensive bodies of work, listing all of their comics in order would be a daunting task. However, some key titles include Conway’s ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’, ‘Justice League of America’, and ‘The Incredible Hulk’, and Oksner’s ‘Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane’, ‘The Adventures of Jerry Lewis’, and ‘Shazam!’.
Comic books have a rich history and a vibrant present, thanks in no small part to the contributions of creators like Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner. Their work has inspired countless others and continues to be celebrated by fans and peers alike. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their work, there’s no denying the impact they’ve had on the world of comic books.
The Screen Adaptation of Vixen
When it comes to the screen adaptations of comic books, one cannot overlook the spectacular portrayal of Vixen, a character co-created by Gerry Conway. Vixen gained prominence through her appearances in animated television series and video games, showcasing the profound influence Conway and Oksner’s creations have had on popular culture.
The character of Vixen was groundbreaking in many ways, being one of the first African female superheroes in mainstream comics. Her unique powers of mimicking the abilities of any animal she chooses made her an intriguing character, both on the page and on the screen. The transformation of Vixen from comic book pages to animation has been a testament to the pioneering vision of Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner.
Artists who Inspired Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner
Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner were inspired by a multitude of artists throughout their careers. Conway cites the likes of Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and John Romita Sr. as significant influences on his work, while Oksner was greatly inspired by artists such as Alex Toth, Joe Kubert, and Carmine Infantino. Both Conway and Oksner built upon the work of their predecessors, shaping their unique styles and narratives.
The duo’s work often paid homage to the artists who inspired them. You can see Kirby’s influence in Conway’s dynamic storytelling and Oksner’s penchant for expressive characters, a trait he picked up from Kubert. These inspirations not only shaped their individual styles but also contributed to the evolution of comic book art as a whole.
5 Other Comic Writers to Explore If You Liked Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner
If you’re a fan of Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner, there are several other comic book writers and artists you might want to explore. These include Roy Thomas, known for his work on ‘Conan the Barbarian’ and ‘The Avengers’; Len Wein, the co-creator of Wolverine and Swamp Thing; Marv Wolfman, renowned for his work on ‘The New Teen Titans’; Denny O’Neil, famous for his stories on Batman, and Steve Englehart, who is best known for his work on ‘Doctor Strange’ and ‘The Avengers’.
Each of these writers and artists brought a distinct flavour to their work, as Conway and Oksner did. They’ve created memorable characters and woven intricate stories that have stood the test of time, just like our dynamic duo.
Buying Guide & Gift Ideas for Fans of Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner
If you’re looking to buy gifts for fans of Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner, there are several options to consider. Comic book collections featuring their most iconic characters would undoubtedly be well-received. You could also consider merchandise related to their characters, such as action figures, T-shirts, or posters.
For a more personal touch, consider buying signed memorabilia or original comic book art. These items are not only unique gifts but also potentially valuable collectables. Remember, the best gifts are ones that reflect the recipient’s passions and interests, making items related to Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner perfect for their fans.
Conclusion
Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner have left an indelible mark on the world of comic books. Their innovative storytelling, memorable characters, and distinct artistic styles have inspired countless other creators and delighted generations of fans. Exploring their work offers a journey into some of the most exciting and influential periods in comic book history. Whether you’re a seasoned comic book reader or a newcomer to the medium, there’s a wealth of enjoyment and inspiration to be found in the work of this dynamic duo.
