Real NYers Appearing at Comic Con 2007

We talked about the New York Comic Con before, but we didn’t know just how many New Yorkers have had a major influence on that business. It shouldn’t be a surprise, since the world’s two biggest comic book publishers are based here. Marvel Comics‘ offices are on 5th Ave. between 37th and 38th St; DC Comics is on Broadway, between 53rd and 54th. Still, we didn’t know how many New Yorkers have had an effect on the comics we read and loved as kids. We’re all about bringing attention to the New Yorkers you may not hear about, so here’s a quick look at four Real New Yorkers who’ve made a splash in the comics business. All four will be appearing at the Comic Con, so go out & support them.

• The Bronx’s George Perez is among most influential artists in comics history. In his 30 years as an illustrator he’s drawn every major character in comics, from Superman to The Avengers. His art is noted for its detail and realism, adding new depth to stories and paving the way for the more complex and literate comics that dominate the market now. “Perez Park” in City Of Heroes is named after him.
• Manhattan native Neal Adams graduated from the Art and Design High School on 2nd Ave. After that, he went into comics where he spent the ’70s drawing classic comic & magazine covers. Easily the most influential artist of his time, he redesigned characters like Batman and the Green Lantern, updating them and bringing them into the modern era.
• Queens native and SVA graduate Kyle Baker is a noted cartoonist and animator. He illustrated a comic strip for New York magazine called “Bad Publicity” before moving on to critically-acclaimed graphic novels. He also animated and directed a video for fellow Real New Yorker KRS-One. Most recently, he wrote & drew some Plastic Man stories that were hilarious.
• Irwin Hasen is one of the godfathers of superheroes. He started drawing popular features like The Green Hornet and The Flash in 1940, before serving in World War II. He worked on a military paper until the war’s end, returning to comics in 1946. He defined the look of the first superhero team, the Justice League, while drawing the Flash and Green Lantern’s solo adventures. He also co-created Dondi, a big newspaper strip in the ’50s and ’60s.

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