Just wanted to note the recent passing of comic book writer
Dave Darrigo, best known for writing the 12-issue series
WORDSMITH, drawn by artist R. G. Taylor and published by Renegade Press from 1985 to 1988 (later reprinted by Caliber in two books in 1990). That was the story of Clay Washburn, a "penny-a-word" pulp fiction writer in Great Depression era New York, cranking out work under various pen-names and in multiple genres for the popular dime magazines of the era. Through a dozen issues the story follows Clay's life, mixed with segments of his writing, as the 30s go on, he deals with trying to break into more respectable writing, various relationships, as well as reacting to the increased global tensions ultimately leading to WWII.
It was an excellent series, with a lot of small stories evoking the feel of life in the era and how all of it becomes fodder for Clay's writing.
Darrigo was also a fixture of the Toronto comics scene as the original manager of the Dragon Lady comic book store in downtown Toronto. I only knew him casually through that, enough to say hi to, but enjoyed the times I got to talk to him. He was inducted into the Joe Shuster Awards Hall of Fame in 2010.
Darrigo and Taylor, as drawn by Taylor.
Some pages from WORDSMITH depicting the variety of opinions that Clay's writing inspired.
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