With Avatar about to officially announce the July launch of Frank Miller's Robocop and with the Free Comic Book Day release of the Frank Miller's Robocop / Stargate SG-1 coming May 3, it's time for a profile of one of the most important figures in modern comics, Frank Miller:

Considered by many to be one of the primary architects of the modern comics era alongside the likes of Alan Moore and others, artist and writer Frank Miller is the innovative creator of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City, Elektra: Assassin, and numerous other influential works.

Miller got his start in comics in the late 1970's with a variety of short story work for titles at several companies including now-defunct publisher Gold Key's Twilight Zone (Twilight Zone #84 cover-dated June 1978 is often cited as Miller's first work), DC Comics' Weird War Tales, and Marvel's John Carter Warlord of Mars.

The creator got his first shot at a major character as artist on Marvel's Spectacular Spider-Man title in 1979, but it was his stint on Daredevil beginning later that year -- first as artist, and then as writer/artist over the next two years -- that was to catapult the creator to prominence.  Miller's realistic and sophisticated approach to the title layered the characters and their conflicts with emotional complexity, maturity of theme, and a level of heart, soul, and intelligence not often attempted in mainstream comics previously.

This effort was well-received on a mainstream comics scene eager for change.  The comics industry itself was in a period of rebirth during this same period, as comic shops began to spring up around the country in the wake of the early results of the direct market (non-returnable) distribution model.  And with these shops came a professional community ready to embrace its adult readership.  Efforts like Miller's Daredevil were exactly what that readership was looking for. (...continued on Frank Miller profile page).
[ posted Sunday, March 30, 2003 10:49:24 PM  |  permanent link to this item ]