Rich Buckler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rich Buckler |
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Buckler at the 2015 East Coast Comicon in Secaucus, New Jersey
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| Born | February 6, 1949 Detroit, Michigan |
| Died | May 19, 2017 (aged 68) |
| Nationality | American |
| Area(s) | Writer, Penciller |
| Pseudonym(s) | Ron Validar |
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Notable works
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All-Star Squadron Astonishing Tales (Deathlok) Fantastic Four Superman vs. Shazam! World's Finest Comics |
Rich Buckler (February 6, 1949 – May 19, 2017) was an American comics artist. He was a talented penciller, which means he drew the first sketches for comic book pages. Rich Buckler was best known for his work on Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four in the mid-1970s. He also created the cool character Deathlok in Astonishing Tales #25. Buckler drew many of the most famous characters at both Marvel and DC, often creating the amazing artwork for their comic book covers.
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Becoming a Comic Artist
As a teenager in Detroit, Rich Buckler was a big fan of comics. He loved reading them and being part of the comics community. He even helped run a big comic convention called the Detroit Triple Fan Fair in 1969 and 1970.
Early Comic Work
Rich's first comic art appeared when he was a teenager. It was a short, four-page story called "Freedom Fighters: Washington Attacks Trenton." This story was published in the Flash Gordon comic book #10 in 1967.
Later, in 1971, he started working for Skywald Publications. After that, he drew stories for DC Comics. He worked on the "Rose and the Thorn" backup stories in Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane from late 1971 to early 1972.
Marvel Comics Success
Rich Buckler drew the first three issues of the Black Panther series for Marvel Comics. These appeared in Jungle Action vol. 2, #6–8, from 1973 to 1974. This series was very popular and is still remembered today.
In 1974, Rich achieved a big dream: he was chosen to draw Marvel's main superhero team, the Fantastic Four. He worked on this famous comic for two years. During this time, he created the cyborg hero Deathlok. Deathlok first appeared in Astonishing Tales #25 in 1974 and quickly became a fan favorite. Rich also hired a young artist named George Pérez to be his studio assistant during this busy period.
Working for DC Comics
Rich Buckler also worked on exciting projects for DC Comics. He teamed up with writer Gerry Conway to create a special "Superman vs. Shazam!" story. This big comic was published in All-New Collectors' Edition #C-58 in 1978.
He also drew the newspaper comic strip The Incredible Hulk for about six months in 1979. Rich was one of several artists who drew the comic book version of the movie Xanadu in Marvel Super Special #17 in 1980.
Rich Buckler and writer Roy Thomas created a new superhero team called the All-Star Squadron. This team of World War II heroes first appeared in a special preview in Justice League of America #193 in 1981. The All-Star Squadron then got its own comic book series the very next month.
Later Work and Books
In 1983 and 1984, Rich Buckler worked for Archie Comics. He helped them bring back their Red Circle Comics superhero line. He even asked Cary Burkett to write the Mighty Crusaders comic.
In 1985, Rich went back to Marvel Comics. He briefly drew The Spectacular Spider-Man with writer Peter David. Together, they created a famous storyline called "The Death of Jean DeWolff." Rich also worked as an editor for a short time at Solson Publications. In 1987, he created a comic series there called Reagan's Raiders.
In 2011, Rich Buckler drew a short story for the Italian comic market called Djustine.
Rich Buckler also shared his knowledge by writing books about how to draw comics. He wrote How to Become a Comic Book Artist and How to Draw Superheroes in 1986. Later, in 2007, he wrote How to Draw Dynamic Comic Books.
In 2015, he became an Ambassador for the Inkwell Awards, which celebrates comic book inkers. Sometimes, when he worked for Marvel while also having a special contract with DC, he would use a different name, like Ron Validar. This allowed him to work on more projects. His covers signed with "Ron Validar" were often inked by Ernie Chan.
Death
Rich Buckler passed away on May 19, 2017, after a long illness.
