Sam Glanzman by Mark Wheatley, which featured in the 2016 collection of A Sailor’s Story
The team here at downthetubes were very sad to learn of the passing of the influential comics American comic creator Sam Glanzman, whose work we have highlighted on several occasions.
Here, his son Thom Glanzman pays tribute to his father…
Samuel (Sam) Joseph Glanzman of Maryland, New York, passed away Wednesday 12th July 2017, at 2.30am, of natural causes.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, 5th December 1924, to Gustave and Florence Glanzman, Sam was a professional illustrator and writer. Self-taught, Sam did freelance work for comic book companies and other publishing entities including DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Charlton Comics, Outdoor Life magazine, and many others.
The cover of Submarine Attack #39, 1963, by Sam Glanzman
Original cover art by Sam Glanzman from Army War Heroes #33, published by Charlton Comics, August 1969
Titles he worked on throughout his more than 65-year career included G.I. Combat, Sgt. Rock, Hercules, Jonah Hex, Fightin’ Army and Kona – Monarch of Monster Isle.
Jungle Tales of Tarzan, published in 1965
Art for Who’s Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe (1985) #10 by Sam Glanzman
Final page for Who’s Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe (1985) #10 by Sam Glanzman
Art from Sam Glanzman’s Attu Book One – The Forbidden Cave, published by 4Winds Publishing Group in 1989
Original cover art by Sam Glanzman from The Saigon Chronicles #1, published by ACG in 1998
Jonah Hex by Tim Truman and Sam Glanzman
His most recent work, published in 2016, USS Stevens – The Collected Stories, was nominated for the prestigious Eisner Award, the US comics’ industry equivalent of the Oscar Awards.
U.S.S. Stevens – The Collected Stories
Sam was a Navy veteran serving on the destroyer USS Stevens during World War Two from 1942-1946. He would later use his memories and experiences during this time as inspiration for two graphic novels and dozens of short stories.
The cover of the It’s Alive edition of Red Range by Joe R. Lansdale and Sam Glanzman
In addition to his comic creative prowess, Sam was an accomplished carpenter and furniture maker throughout his life. He had a great love for nature and never lost his passion for boating and camping. A dog owner throughout his life, his canine friends would often make appearances in his published works.
In 1985, In The Losers Special #1, written by Robert Kanigher and illustrated by Sam Glanzman, the Losers (along with Pooch) died in action during 1945 while destroying a German missile site. The story was told through The Losers mascot, Pooch. Via ComicArtFans
He was also an avid motorcycle enthusiast and loved to explore the back roads of his beloved upstate New York countryside.
A young Sam Glanzman at his drawing board
Sam is survived by his wife, Susan Ann; his daughter Bonnie Pewterbaugh; his sons, Steven Glanzman and Thom Glanzman; his grandchildren, Kimberly Glanzman, Josiah Pewterbaugh, Benjamin Pewterbaugh, Ian Glanzman and Alex Glanzman; in-laws, friends, and hundreds of fans and colleagues.
In lieu of sending cards and flowers, his wife Sue asks that his fans please consider make contributions to the GoFundMe page set up to create a tribute book for Mr. Glanzman, and help pay some bills.
• The GoFundMe Page is here: www.gofundme.com/samglanzman
• Publisher Drew Ford created this Facebook page dedicated to Sam here
The team at downthetubes extend our sympathies to Sam’s family and friends at this sad time
Our thanks to Thom for providing this tribute and Drew for organising it
John Freeman
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Star Trek Explorer (previously known as Star Trek Magazine) and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War and “Dan Dare”. He’s the writer of "Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies" for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features, Obituaries, US Comics
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