Madame Butterfly 0 Posted July 20, 2005 'Batman' DC Comics Illustrator Dies Aparo Also Drew Other Action Heros SOUTHINGTON, Conn. (July 20) - James N. Aparo, an illustrator for DC Comics for more than 30 years who drew Batman, the Green Arrow and other action heroes, has died. Aparo died Tuesday at home after a short illness, said his daughter, Donna Aparo. He was 72. Aparo, who grew up in New Britain, brought characters to life in his home studio in Southington, corresponding with DC Comics through the mail. He retired about four years ago, his daughter said. Besides Batman and the Green Arrow, Aparo also did illustrations for Aquaman, the Brave and the Bold, Phantom Stranger and Spectre. His big break came in the late 1960s when he was working for Charlton Press and his editor got a job at DC. The editor, (Please stop me from cursing) Giordano, brought Aparo with him to the comic book maker. In a 2000 interview with Jim Amash for Comic Book Artist, Aparo said he went to Hartford Art School for a semester, but was mostly self-taught. "I just drew as a kid and went with it," he said. "I studied and copied comic strips and comic books. I grew up with Superman, Batman, and Captain Marvel. I really liked Captain Marvel Jr. by Mac Raboy. That was beautiful stuff. I liked Alex Raymond, Milton Caniff ... all of those guys." Aparo is survived by his wife, Julieann, and three children. 07/20/05 04:11 EDT Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eratosthenes 0 Posted July 20, 2005 People are dying all over the place. :crybaby: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Itchygomba69 0 Posted July 21, 2005 another bummer for the Batman Franchise Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Validus 0 Posted July 21, 2005 Jim's credits were considerable: Brave and Bold Batman Detective Comics The Spectre Batman and the Outsiders Sergeant Rock Justice League of America -and many others- :down: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites