Russ Heath, DC War legend, passes away at 91 3 3

[RockMyAmadeus]

From Newsarama:

 

"The family of Russ Heath has confirmed the comic book legend passed away Thursday evening at the age of 91 in Long Beach, California, after battling cancer.

Born in 1927, Heath broke into comic books working on Western stories for Timely Comics (now Marvel Entertainment), including Two-Gun Kid.

Moving on to horror and war stories, Heath worked for EC Comics for a time before co-creating the Haunted Tank at DC Comics and drawing the first appearance of the Losers.

Heath’s illustrations were well known outside of comic books as well. Several panels of fighter jets from his work on DC war comic books were appropriated by Roy Lichtenstein for his paintings, including his works “Blam,” “Brattata,” and “Whaam.”

Heath also contributed to Playboy’s comic strip Little Annie Fanny – even living at the Playboy Mansion for a brief period.

Heath also worked in commercial art, illustrating battle scenes to advertise toy soldiers which ran in comic books for many years.

Credit: Russ Heath

In his career, Heath was recognized with a 1997 Inkpot award, a 2010 Comic Art Professional Society Sergio Award, and the National Cartoonists Society’s Milton Caniff Award in 2014. In 2009, he was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame."

I had the opportunity to get to know the crusty old guy earlier this year, for which I am immensely grateful. He lived about a mile away from where I moved last year, so I got to visit many times before he relocated to Long Beach in the spring. He was a kick in the pants, let me tell you. 
 

Thanks for letting me into your life, old fella, and I'll see you again.

[Senormac]

wow.  I chatted with him for awhile at SDCC a few years back.  He was all alone at his table.  

His line work on Sgt Rock was immensely pleasing 

[Tony D]

I am very sad to hear of Russ Heath's death. My condolrnces to his family and friends. Russ was an excellent artist and consummate professional. He will be missed.

[Artboy99]

RIP, I love your art.

[Senormac]

[Mystafo]

Lost another great...rest in peace, sir.

Astonishing 8 is one of my all time favorite PCH covers

[KPR Comics]

R.I.P, Mr. Heath.  One of the Greats!  

[NoMan]

Enjoyed his story in the 46th OSPG, page 1169. Poetic and sad. 

[Paul © ® ⚽️💙™]

Terrible news. A favourite artist of mine. I love his work in PCH.

RIP Mr.Heath

[DavidTheDavid]

 So sorry to hear this, such beautiful work from this man. Thanks to him for all the great stories.

@entalmighty1 will want to know this.

[The Lions Den]

39 minutes ago, RockMyAmadeus said:

From Newsarama:

 

"The family of Russ Heath has confirmed the comic book legend passed away Thursday evening at the age of 91 in Long Beach, California, after battling cancer.

Born in 1927, Heath broke into comic books working on Western stories for Timely Comics (now Marvel Entertainment), including Two-Gun Kid.

Moving on to horror and war stories, Heath worked for EC Comics for a time before co-creating the Haunted Tank at DC Comics and drawing the first appearance of the Losers.

Heath’s illustrations were well known outside of comic books as well. Several panels of fighter jets from his work on DC war comic books were appropriated by Roy Lichtenstein for his paintings, including his works “Blam,” “Brattata,” and “Whaam.”

Heath also contributed to Playboy’s comic strip Little Annie Fanny – even living at the Playboy Mansion for a brief period.

Heath also worked in commercial art, illustrating battle scenes to advertise toy soldiers which ran in comic books for many years.

Credit: Russ Heath

In his career, Heath was recognized with a 1997 Inkpot award, a 2010 Comic Art Professional Society Sergio Award, and the National Cartoonists Society’s Milton Caniff Award in 2014. In 2009, he was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame."

I had the opportunity to get to know the crusty old guy earlier this year, for which I am immensely grateful. He lived about a mile away from where I moved last year, so I got to visit many times before he relocated to Long Beach in the spring. He was a kick in the pants, let me tell you. 
 

Thanks for letting me into your life, old fella, and I'll see you again.

Very sad news indeed. A true legend, and one of my favorite artists of all time.  

[entalmighty1]

4 minutes ago, DavidTheDavid said:

 So sorry to hear this, such beautiful work from this man. Thanks to him for all the great stories.

@entalmighty1 will want to know this.

Very sad to hear this.  He was one of my all time favorites.  DC War wouldn't be worth looking at without Heath and Kubert.

 

[pemart1966]

Russ will always be remembered by me for his beautiful Star Spangled War Stories dinosaur covers and stories.  Couldn't get enough of those as a kid when they were being issued.

I had the pleasure of meeting him at an NYC comic book show a few years ago.  Got him to sign 131 (at the bottom of pg 1 NOT on the cover lol) - Russ cover and story...

Edited August 24, 2018 by pemart1966

[PUNYHUMAN]

RIP Russ. Truly one of the greats. Your work will live on.

[Ken Aldred]

He did some wonderful covers for this team.

A sad loss of a great comic artist. 

Edited August 24, 2018 by Ken Aldred

[MisterX]

R.I.P. Mr. Heath.

[entalmighty1]

[comicjack]

I loved this man's work oh how the world will miss him.Rip Mr Heath 

[Ryan.]

Damn. I feared his health was waning when he cancelled all of his con appearances this year.

[jimjum12]

24 minutes ago, comicjack said:

I loved this man's work oh how the world will miss him.Rip Mr Heath 

...and he was such a genuinely cool guy.... I wish I could have been at one of those SDCC Dinners …….. GOD BLESS....

-jimbo(a friend of jesus)