Remembering Ellie deVille, by Jenny Wackett

Editor Jenny Wackett pays tribute to comics letterer and friend Ellie deVille, who died on Christmas Eve. Our full tribute to Ellie is here

Ellie deVille. Photo courtesy Jenny Wackett. Used with permission

Ellie deVille. Photo courtesy Jenny Wackett. Used with permission

I first met Ellie DeVille in the summer of 1996 when I was an Editor at Marvel Comics. The venue was a flat in Baker Street in London and the event was a joint birthday party for her and DC Editor Art Young.

“Don’t worry, it’s just a small do with a handful of writers and artists,” said Simon Jowett, a close friend of theirs, as we walked down from Baker Street tube. “We’re a bit late,” I replied. It was almost 11.00pm. Simon chuckled.

When Art opened the door the flat was packed with people and the party was jamming! I handed Art a bunch of yellow roses and Ellie said: “You’re lovely!”. And that was the start of our 23-year-friendship… Our chippy lunches, when Ellie would deliver her lettering to Dave Bishop (2000AD, Egmont Fleetway), wild weekends, barbecues in the garden, walking to Brent Cross on speed, days out, long weekends in Wales, walking Billy (her dog), chilling out (freezing our arses off at Barry Island, February 2018), lettering comics, snuggling up, chatting, dancing, giggling, laughing lots and being besties.

The main thing I will remember most about the amazing Ellie DeVille is that her door, her home, her heart was open to everyone, and all those that entered fell in love with her – whether you were strangers, work buddies, next door neighbours or faraway friends from India, Mexico and Japan. Everyone was welcome.

Ellie was one of the most important people in my life. I feel so lucky that she was my friend. I love her now. I will love her forever. Ellie DeVille is/was my Oracle x

Jenny Wackett
Editor Marvel Comics / Egmont Fleetway / Freelance

Read our full tribute to Ellie deVille here

• Donations in memory of Ellie DeVille may be sent either to the Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale, Bridgeman Road, Penarth CF64 3YR or donate at www.mariecurie.org.uk/donate



Categories: British Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features, Obituaries

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1 reply

  1. I used to work with Ellie at Camden Council and am really saddened to hear of her death. She was one of the funniest, most vibrant people I ever knew and remember many goods times with her. Such sad news. Farewell Ellie De Ville x

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