In Memoriam: Carmine Infantino (1925-2013)

Carmine Infantino (1925-2013)

Carmine Infantino (1925-2013)
Photo: Seth Kushner

Today we lost one of the great pencillers in comics history, indeed one of the most influential draftsman in the grand tradition of superhero art.

As reported by IGN, Carmine Infantino, the man who introduced one Flash to another and helped unveil DC Comics’ multiverse to countless awestruck readers, has died at the age of 87.

During his decades of artistry, he co-created such lasting characters as Animal Man, Barbara Gordon, Black Canary, Deadman and, most notably, Barry Allen. He’s also responsible for designing, perhaps, my own favorite DC characters in Flash rogues like Captain Cold, Mirror Master, Gorilla Grodd and more. And those are just the heroes and villains he helped devise. He also had storied runs on books like Detective Comics and contributed landmark cover and interior art to the full pantheon. He rendered gods, mortals and galaxies far, far away. As Editorial Director and then Publisher of DC Comics during the late 60s and 70s, he brought in new talent like Neal Adams, Denny O’Neil, and a guy from across the street named Jack Kirby.

Simply put, if you’ve ever enjoyed a DC comic, Mr. Infantino almost certainly had something to do with it, if not directly, than through his influence as a founding father and guiding spirit. He chronicled legends and in the process, became one.

Godspeed, Mr. Infantino.

 

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Comments

  1. What an incredibly talented individual. He will truly be missed but his influence in the comics industry will continue to be felt for many, many years to come. God bless you Mr. Infantino.

  2. The most underrated Batman artist ever. Did so many amazing things with the character. A true legend.

  3. Coming from someone who is still relatively new to the comic world, Rest in Peace Mr. Infantino. I have a great appreciation for the work he put into creating one of my favourite characters Barry Allen, and all of his Rogues, so again Rest in Peace good sir

  4. I remember seeing him at a panel in Wizard World Chicago in 2008. He blew a few minds with his frank appraisal of the current mainstream comic industry just being about servicing trademarks. What a legacy though. Rest in Peace Mr. Infantino.

  5. Going to listen to The Ballad of Barry Allen and cry a bit

  6. Safe Journey, Mr. Infantino. One of the greats.

  7. Thank you for all that you gave us. You left the world a better place for having been a part of it.

  8. Comic Book Vahalla just admitted one of the True Giants! Godspeed Sir and thank you for the amazing art, for the Multiverse and all those wonderful characters.

  9. Wow I didn’t even know he was still alive. He was one of the first artists I recognized when he was doing the old Star Wars comics which were actually pretty good. What is the last thing he drew? Did he do anything after the 1980’s?

  10. This is very sad news. Without Carmine’s talent and imagination, there’s a good chance that a lot of us wouldn’t even be posting on this site. Comics have lost a true master. R.I.P

  11. An excellent artist who helped build DC Comics. May he rest in peace.

  12. Thank you for one of my favorite super heroes Mr. Infantino, and for all you did to help create such a wonderful world that I visit every day. See you in the speed force sir, RIP.

  13. Thanks for everything Mr Infantino. R.I.P.

  14. Thanks Mr. Infantino for being the artist on The Flash when I got into comics. You will be missed!

  15. This is a bummer of a day. First Roger Ebert passes and minutes later it’s Infantino.

    I must admit I haven’t read a whole lot with his art and I’m pissed to admit that. I will definitely be getting some trades of his work to admire him more. But it is a real shame to see a legend pass and a man who had such a big influence for DC back in the day.

  16. One of the greats. Sad to hear of his passing.

  17. Just caught this. Very shocked and sadden. Mr. Infantino is one of the greats, no question. That cover of Superman #199 with Flash and Supes racing is one of my all-time favorites. It’d be good for guys like Morrison to come through with a few good words for the man. May you rest in peace.

  18. Truly one of my favorite silver age artists! I took a class on comic book illustration and visual storytelling that he taught at the School of Visual Arts many years ago. I was a mediocre artist, I just took the class to meet one of my idols. As a teacher, Mr. Infantino was rather a salty and grumpy character but a genius at layout, perspective, and pacing. He could elevate the most pedestrian story and make it more exciting with his illustrations. He made everything he drew worth reading. I am truly saddened by his passing. Rest in peace sir!

  19. He wasn’t the first to illustrate Star Wars in comic form, but he was one of the first to bring it alive. I didn’t appreciate his work as a kid, but I grew to enjoy it as an adult.

  20. Thank you, sir.

    Superman 199 – I adored that cover as a child. One of the first back issues I ever bought. Brings back great memories to see it here.

  21. Sad news. I hate to hear about these fine older gentlemen draftsmen pass on. He made his contribution and I’m sure had many fans. RIP.

  22. The definitive Flash artist. One of the greatest artists to ever pick up a pencil.

    Godspeed, sir.

  23. Thanks to Mr Infantino for what i know as the DC Universe: Barry Allen is the Flash and Hal Jordan is Green Lantern and Ray Palmer is the Atom and Dick Grayson as Robin !!!

  24. Just look at that Batman and Robin pose! It’s so iconic! And the classic race between Flash and Superman! I loved his Adam Strange stories. Such a loss to the world of comics. Sad day.

  25. Mr Infantino, thankyou for all the art and joy you brought into all our lives. You were a titan of the comics world and your legend and legacy will live on.

  26. So glad I had the chance to introduce my son to Carmine at a NY con many years ago. I am happy to have had a laugh with him and shake his hand. He’ll be missed.

    Don’t miss a chance to meet your favorite comics creators when you go to cons! Don’t be shy! Step up and say hi!

  27. So sad to read this! His name was the first one I remembered as a kid from reading his Star Wars comics. His style was so different from what I was used to. That Star Wars cover shown here represents everything I love about his artwork.