Shel Dorf facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shel Dorf |
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Dorf in April 1988
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| Born | Sheldon Dorf July 5, 1933 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | November 3, 2009 (aged 76) San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Area(s) | comic book convention pioneer, letterer |
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Notable works
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San Diego Comic-Con International Steve Canyon (lettering only) |
| Awards | Inkpot Award, 1975 |
| http://www.sheldorftribute.com/ | |
Sheldon "Shel" Dorf (born July 5, 1933 – died November 3, 2009) was an American comic book fan. He is best known for starting San Diego Comic-Con International, a very famous event for comic fans. Shel Dorf was also an artist and designer. He worked on the Steve Canyon comic strip, drawing the letters for its last 12 to 14 years.
Contents
Early Life and Interests
Shel Dorf was born in Detroit, Michigan. From a young age, he loved comic books and comic strips. He was a big fan of Chester Gould's Dick Tracy comic strip.
Dorf studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago. Later, he moved to New York to start his career. He worked as a freelance designer, creating art for different companies. In the 1960s, he met many comic creators, including the famous Jack Kirby.
Starting Comic-Con Events
The Detroit Triple Fan Fair
In 1964, a teenager named Robert Brosch organized a comic fan convention in Detroit. Shel Dorf and Jerry Bails, who is called the "father of comics fandom," went to this event. The next year, Dorf and Bails took over the convention. They named it the "Detroit Triple Fan Fair." This name came from its focus on fantasy books, fantasy movies, and comic art.
The Detroit Triple Fan Fair (DTFF) was one of the first regular conventions to feature comic books as a main part. Shel Dorf continued to organize the DTFF in 1967 and 1968.
Founding San Diego Comic-Con
In 1970, Dorf moved to San Diego, California, to care for his parents. Soon after, he planned a small, one-day convention. This was a test run for a bigger event he hoped to create. Forrest J Ackerman, a well-known science fiction fan, was the main guest.
Dorf's first three-day comic convention in San Diego was called the Golden State Comic-Con. It took place at the U.S. Grant Hotel from August 1 to 3, 1970. This event eventually grew into the huge San Diego Comic-Con International. Today, it is one of the most important comic conventions in the U.S. The convention moved to different locations over the years, including the El Cortez Hotel and the University of California, San Diego. In 1991, it found its permanent home at the San Diego Convention Center.
Later Work and Recognition
As the "Founding Father" of San Diego Comic-Con, Shel Dorf received an Inkpot Award in 1975. This award honors people who have made great contributions to comics.
In 1984, Dorf started collecting and editing Dick Tracy comic strips for Blackthorne Publishing. He was proud to publish 99 issues and 24 collections of the strips. Chester Gould's daughter, Jean Gould O'Connell, said Dorf helped bring "Tracy out to another generation."
Comics historian Mark Evanier shared that comic creators honored Shel Dorf. Milton Caniff made Dorf into a character named "Thud Shelley" in the Steve Canyon strip. Jack Kirby also created a character based on Shel, a father figure named Himon in Mister Miracle. In 1990, Dorf worked as a consultant for Warren Beatty's movie based on Dick Tracy.
Dorf also wrote interviews for comic and movie magazines. His talks with Milton Caniff and Mort Walker were even put into books. His interview with Wally Wood was one of the few to be printed.
Death and Lasting Impact
Shel Dorf passed away on November 3, 2009, at age 76. He died from problems related to diabetes in San Diego. His brother, Michael, survived him.
In 2010, the Shel Dorf Awards were created. These awards honor the best talents in the comic industry. Fans vote for the winners. From 2011 to 2013, the Detroit Fanfare convention presented these awards.
See also
In Spanish: Sheldon Dorf para niños
