Julius Schwartz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Julius Schwartz |
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Julius Schwartz, editor for DC Comics at the San Diego Comic-Con International in 2002
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| Born | June 19, 1915 The Bronx, New York |
| Died | February 8, 2004 (aged 88) New York City |
| Nationality | American |
| Area(s) | Editor, publisher, writer, literary agent |
| Pseudonym(s) | Julie Schwartz |
Julius "Julie" Schwartz (June 19, 1915 – February 8, 2004) was a famous American comic book editor. He also worked as a science fiction literary agent. He was born in The Bronx, New York.
Julie Schwartz is best known for his long career at DC Comics. He was the main editor for many of DC's most popular superheroes, like Superman and Batman. He played a huge role in bringing back superheroes in the 1950s, starting what is called the Silver Age of Comic Books.
He was honored for his work in comics. He joined the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1996. The next year, he was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame.
Contents
Early Life and First Steps in Publishing
Julius Schwartz was born on June 19, 1915. His parents, Joseph and Bertha, came from Romania. They lived in The Bronx, New York. He finished high school at Theodore Roosevelt High School when he was seventeen.
In 1932, Schwartz helped create Time Traveller. This was one of the very first science fiction fanzines. Fanzines are like fan magazines made by fans for other fans.
Schwartz and his friend Mort Weisinger also started a literary agency. It was called Solar Sales Service. They helped writers sell their stories. Some famous writers they worked with included Ray Bradbury and H. P. Lovecraft. Schwartz also helped organize the first ever World Science Fiction Convention in 1939.
Becoming a Comics Editor
In 1944, a writer he represented, Alfred Bester, suggested he apply for a job. Bester was writing for "Green Lantern" at the time. Schwartz became an editor at All-American Publications, which was part of DC Comics.
Starting the Silver Age of Comics
In 1956, Julie Schwartz helped bring superheroes back to comics. He worked with writer Robert Kanigher and artists Carmine Infantino and Joe Kubert. They created a new version of the Flash. This new Flash appeared in Showcase #4.
The success of the new Flash was huge. It led to many other superheroes returning. This period is known as the Silver Age of Comic Books. Schwartz also helped bring back other heroes:
- Green Lantern in Showcase #22 (1959)
- Hawkman in The Brave and the Bold #34 (1961)
- The Atom in Showcase #34 (1961)
Schwartz also created a new hero himself, Adam Strange. Adam Strange first appeared in Showcase #17 (1958). He was special because he used his smarts and science to solve problems, not superpowers.
Forming the Justice League
Schwartz had the idea to update the old Justice Society team. This idea became the Justice League of America. Writer Gardner Fox and artist Mike Sekowsky developed the team. The Justice League first appeared in The Brave and the Bold #28 (1960). It quickly became one of the most popular comic series.
Working with Batman and Superman
In 1964, Schwartz was put in charge of the Batman comics. He wanted to make Batman more serious again. He removed some of the sillier parts, like Ace the Bathound. This ""New Look"" for Batman started in Detective Comics #327.
Later, with the help of the popular Batman TV show, Schwartz helped introduce Barbara Gordon as a new Batgirl. She first appeared in Detective Comics #359 (1967).
Schwartz also worked with writers Dennis O'Neil and artist Neal Adams. They helped make Batman dark and mysterious again. Schwartz edited Detective Comics until 1979 and Batman until 1979.
From 1971 to 1986, Schwartz edited the Superman comics. He worked to make Superman's stories more modern. He wanted them to focus more on characters. He even tried to make Superman's powers a bit less strong. He also tried to use kryptonite less often.
How Julie Schwartz Edited
As an editor, Schwartz was very involved in the stories. He would discuss the plot with the writer. Then the writer would create the story panel by panel. Schwartz would then review and improve the script, often rewriting parts of it.
Later Career and Legacy
Schwartz retired from DC Comics in 1986. He had worked there for 42 years. But he stayed active in the world of comics and science fiction. He often attended many conventions each year.
In 2000, he published his autobiography, Man of Two Worlds: My Life in Science Fiction and Comics. He wrote it with Brian Thomsen.
Julie Schwartz passed away at 88 years old in 2004. He was still a "goodwill ambassador" for DC Comics.
Awards and Recognition
Julie Schwartz received many awards for his work in comics and science fiction.
- 1962 Alley Award for Best Editor
- 1972 Shazam Award for bringing the Marvel Family back into print.
- 1981 Inkpot Award
- 1985 Named one of the "Fifty Who Made DC Great" for DC Comics' 50th anniversary.
- 1997 Raymond Z. Gallun Award for "outstanding contributions in the genre of science fiction."
Appearances in Comics
Julie Schwartz appeared as himself in several comic books.
- The Flash #179 (1968): The Flash finds himself on "Earth Prime" (our real Earth). He meets Julie Schwartz, who helps him build a cosmic treadmill to get home.
- Justice League of America #123 and #124 (1975): Schwartz asks writers to create a new plot for the Justice League of America. They use the cosmic treadmill and travel to other Earths.
- Superman #411 (1985): This issue was a surprise tribute for Schwartz's 70th birthday. The cover shows him being surprised by Superman and his co-workers.
- Action Comics #583 (1986): Schwartz appears on the cover of this famous Superman story.
- Superman and Batman: World's Funnest (2000): The characters Mister Mxyzptlk and Bat-Mite find the "real" Earth and see Julie Schwartz working at the DC offices.
- DC Comics Presents (2004): After Schwartz passed away, DC Comics released special issues. Schwartz or a similar character appeared in all eight issues.
- Schwartz also appeared in the Ambush Bug comics, which he edited.
Images for kids
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Julius Schwartz, editor for DC Comics at the San Diego Comic-Con International in 2002
