Creig Flessel, R.I.P.

"PS I wuz in on th' fun - when it all begun!"

Creig Flessel, 1982

Mark Evanier reports the passing of cartoonist Creig Flessel at age 96, and has a good run-down of his life and career. Above is an older version of Flessel's NCS bio card (click to embiggen). A more recent version can be seen here.



Flessel is probably best known for the Golden Age Sandman, the gas-mask wearing version of the character that ran in ADVENTURE COMICS, always some good energetic fun in the issues I've read. He also contributed most of the early covers to the title that became the flagship, and contributed its initials to the name of the company now known as DC. Check here for some of those covers, a really great sense of drama and design on those covers that I'm sure would have made me hand over a dime even in those depression days.

In recent years, he frequently contributed some illustrations and memories to Robin Snyder's newsletter THE COMICS, including the logo artwork, which show a real joy of cartooning that I hope also comes across in these samples.

Finally, in 1982 Dick Giordano asked some of the guys who were there to share some letters in the 45th anniversary issue, DETECTIVE COMICS #512. Alongside Sheldon Mayer, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster was Creig Flessel, with the following:



Rest in Peace, Mr. Flessel, thanks for the cartoons, and condolences the family and friends.