Arnold Drake, prolific comic book writer of the silver age, has been in the hospital due to what one member of his family has described as “a touch of pneumonia.” He appeared to be recovering slowly. Here is an update from Mecy Van Vlack

“I just heard from Pam Drake, Arnold's daughter, that Arnold Drake passed away 12:05 pm today, Monday, March 12, 2007. The doctors say pneumonia and septic shock were the causes.”

Mr. Drake has been a regular at the Big Apple Convention in recent years. He is perhaps best remembered for creating the characters Deadman and the Doom Patrol. He also wrote a few early issues of Marvel Comics’ first Captain Marvel. His friendliness and memories make being in his presence always a pleasure.

Ken Gale, comic book historian and host of the radio show “‘Nuff Said!” on WBAI had been sending updates on his condition. Here is how he described Mr. Drake:


Arnold has been writing comics since the late '40s. He's written humor and adventure for all age groups from Batman to Jerry Lewis, from X-Men to Little Lulu. He is the creator of Deadman, Stanley and His Monster, Doom Patrol and Beast Boy. He also wrote what is probably the first American graphic novel; "It Rhymes with Lust" was published in 1950 with art by Matt Baker and is due to be re-released by Dark Horse soon (March, 2007). Much of his DC work was for editors Jack Schiff and Murray Boltinoff and aimed at a lower age group than his work for Stan Lee and Julie Schwartz. He's a very versatile writer who puts a lot of thought into his writing even before he begins the actual scripting.

Sadly,
Mercy Van Vlack, subbing for
Ken Gale, producer, interviewer and host
'Nuff Said!, WBAI-FM, NYC
www.comicbookradioshow.com
nuffsaid@riseup.net
P.O. Box 1028, Gracie Station, NYC 10028