Guide Note
American artist Dave Stevens is a former storyboard illustrator and creator of The Rocketeer.
Fast Facts
- Born: July 29, 1955
- Birthplace: Lynwood, California
- Died: March 11, 2008
- Age at death: 52
- Disciplines: Pencils, inks
- Awards: 1986 Inkpot Award and Jack Kirby Award
- First recipient of the Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award1
- Admirer of model Bettie Page2
Career
Originally a comic strip artist, Dave Stevens began drawing storyboards for films (Raiders of the Lost Ark) and music videos (Michael Jackson's "Thriller").
In 1982, he created The Rocketeer, a 1930s hero who wore a gold helmet and flew with a rocket pack strapped to his back. The series was made into a film in 1991 by The Walt Disney Company.
Stevens died in 2008 of leukemia.
Quotes
- "I'd always loved the idea of a guy flying like a bird, with just a combustible contraption strapped to his back. The image really appealed to me... I wanted to do a real period aviation strip, but with one small element of science-fiction added: The rocket-pack!"2
