Alex Schomburg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alex Schomburg |
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Alex Schomburg, circa 1940s
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| Born | Alejandro Schomburg y Rosa May 10, 1905 Aguadilla, Puerto Rico |
| Died | April 7, 1998 (aged 92) Beaverton, Oregon, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Area(s) | Penciller, Inker |
| Pseudonym(s) | Xela |
Alexander A. Schomburg, born Alejandro Schomburg y Rosa, was a talented artist from Puerto Rico. He worked as a commercial artist, comic-book artist, and painter. His amazing career lasted for more than 70 years! He was born on May 10, 1905, and passed away on April 7, 1998.
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Life and Art of Alex Schomburg
Alex Schomburg was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. His father was a civil engineer. In 1917, Alex moved to New York City. There, he joined his older brothers and went to public school.
Starting as a Commercial Artist
In 1923, Alex began working as a commercial artist. He worked with three of his brothers. By 1928, their partnership ended. Schomburg then found a job with the National Screen Service. He created lantern slides and worked on movie trailers until 1944.
During the 1930s, Schomburg also worked as a freelance artist. He drew for "pulp magazines" like Thrilling Wonder Stories. These were inexpensive magazines printed on cheap paper. He was very good at drawing machines. This skill led him to illustrate aviation covers for Flying Aces. He also drew electronic equipment for Radio Craft magazine.
His first science fiction cover was for Startling Stories in September 1939. Alex loved reading the stories he illustrated. He believed that an illustration was very important. He said that different artists would draw the same scene in totally different ways.
Drawing Superheroes for Timely Comics
In the 1940s, Schomburg worked mostly for Timely Comics. This company later became Marvel Comics. He was amazing at drawing action scenes. His covers featured famous superheroes like Captain America, the Sub-Mariner, and the Human Torch.
His first comic book covers were for Daring Mystery Comics #1 and Marvel Mystery Comics #3. Both came out in January 1940. Schomburg drew most of Timely's covers until 1946. He also created covers for other publishers. These included Pines Publications and Harvey Comics. He drew heroes like the Black Terror and the Fighting Yank. For some Pines comics, he signed his covers as "Xela." Between the 1930s and 1940s, Schomburg drew over 500 comic book covers!
Later Career and Legacy
In the early 1950s, Schomburg stopped working on comics. He spent the rest of his career drawing covers and illustrations for science fiction magazines. He also worked on astrology publications and books.
In 1962, Schomburg moved to Newberg, Oregon. His home was later bought by George Fox University. It became student housing called "Schomburg House."
In 1977, Schomburg worked with other Golden Age comic artists. They collaborated on Invaders Annual #1. Schomburg drew a six-page story featuring the Golden Age Human Torch.
Alex Schomburg passed away in Beaverton, Oregon, on April 7, 1998.
Awards and Recognition
Alex Schomburg received many awards for his artistic talent:
- Nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist in 1962.
- Doc Smith Second Stage Lensman Award in 1979.
- Frank R. Paul Award in 1984.
- Inkpot Award in 1985.
- Named a Kentucky colonel in 1986.
- Chesley Award for Artistic Achievement in 1986.
- Guest of Honor at PulpCon 16 in 1987.
- Lifetime Achievement Award from Kansas City Comic Con in 1989.
- First Fandom Hall of Fame award in 1990.
- Special Committee Award (Lifetime Achievement Award) at 47th World Science Fiction Convention in 1989.
- Inducted into The Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 1999.
What People Said About His Art
Stan Lee, a famous comic book writer and editor, wrote about Alex Schomburg:
I always felt that Alex Schomburg was like Norman Rockwell for comic books. He was truly unique, with a very special style. You could always tell a Schomburg cover from any other artist's work. ... I remember Timely Comics publisher Martin Goodman often told me how great Alex was at drawing covers. He wished we had more artists like him. ... Even with all the work we gave him, and all the care he put into every cover, I can't remember Alex ever being late with an illustration.
See Also
- List of Puerto Ricans
