Mark Evanier is reporting on his blog that comics legend Martin Nodell, creator of Green Lantern, passed away today at the age of 91. Evanier reports:
Marty was born 11/15/15 in Philadelphia. He attended the Art Institute of Chicago and later, Pratt Institute in New York. It was in New York that he began working as a freelance artist, in or around 1938. He soon started freelancing for several comic book companies that either didn’t pay or didn’t pay well. As he later told the story, he got tired of being stiffed by the smaller firms and decided to make an all-out effort to break into the majors. He called at the offices of the biggest publisher, DC Comics, and was told they were full up but that there might be work at an affiliated company, All American. The editor there was Sheldon Mayer.
Mayer gave him a little work. When Nodell asked what it would take to get steady assignments, Mayer, who was looking for a new feature for the company’s signature title, All-American Comics, told him to come up with a character. Nodell returned a few days later with sketches and the germ cell of a strip called Green Lantern. He said the idea had come to him on the subway when he saw a man waving — you guessed it — a green lantern. Nodell also said he wrote and drew the first few pages of the first story…but he wasn’t a writer so Mayer brought in one of comics’ top writers, Bill Finger, to rewrite and finish the first tale. The result was that Green Lantern, by Bill Finger and “Mart Dellon,” debuted in All-American Comics #16, cover dated July of 1940. The character, which drew inspiration from the legend of Aladdin, was an immediate hit on the magnitude of the firm’s other new superstars, The Flash and Wonder Woman, and soon received his own comic.
Nodell later drew Captain America, the Human Torch and Sub-Mariner for Timely, then went into advertising. His wife Carrie passed away in 2004.
December 9th, 2006 at 10:26 pm
If there is anyone out there who frequented the Big Apple Cons in New York City, you probably met Martin Nodell. As much as he was known for his comic book work, he was most proud of his newspaper comic strip, Dondi. He was an amusing gentleman, and I was glad to have met him.
December 9th, 2006 at 10:37 pm
Andrew, you may be talking about Irwin Hasen, who taught at the Joe Kubert School, created Dondi, and worked alongside Martin Nodell on Green Lantern.
December 9th, 2006 at 10:52 pm
Jesus, another legend gone. This has been a bad few years for Golden Age creators.
December 9th, 2006 at 11:29 pm
Waiting for the main page to of course pick up on this but RIP Mr. Nodell. Like all the other great creators, Alan Scott will live on forever. Be proud of your contribution.
December 9th, 2006 at 11:48 pm
Man, that’s a shame. I had the opportunity to meet the man, still going to cons even at his age. He was awesome.
December 10th, 2006 at 12:41 am
It was my very first time at the San Diego Comic Con. I managed to get an invite to a Diamond private party held outdoors. It was a lovely buffet, the evening was beautiful, with a mild ocean breeze coming in.
My boyfriend and a fellow we befriended rather quickly filled out plates up with buffet but we couldn’t find a place to sit. An elderly couple invited us to sit with them. As we were talking, the wife piped up “you kids don’t know who this man is, do you?”
My first thoughts were “Oh god, I am at a pro party, and sitting with an old man in a wheelchair, he must be a legend!” Heck, I only knew what Jack Kirby and Stan Lee looked like before this.
At that point, the woman introduced herself as Carrie Nodell and her husband Marty.
Oh. My, God.
As the night went on, I learned that Marty also created the Pillsbury doughboy! We enjoyed a lovely dinner with lots of stories and laughter with him and his wife.
With that, my very first art piece directly purchased from a creator was this one, that he signed and personalized.
Green Lantern and Doughboy
(note that the art did not all fit in the scanner, but basically the part that’s signed and GL’s feet were not scanned.)
Marty, thanks for the memories.
December 10th, 2006 at 1:04 am
well goddamnit.
December 10th, 2006 at 1:21 am
I was saddened when Carrie passed. I am saddened that Marty is gone too.
It was always a pleasure hanging out and talking to him at the Pittsburgh Comicon. My fondest memory is when they celebrated the Green Lantern anniversary, and at dinner a clown made him a lantern out of green balloons. He was so impressed with it, he had it at his table all weekend showing it off.
My heart goes out to Spence, and the rest of the family on their loss.
December 10th, 2006 at 12:26 pm
Yeah I’m a freaking idiont I met them both at the same damn table…I hope he doesn’t die too
December 10th, 2006 at 7:08 pm
A small tribute.
December 11th, 2006 at 6:06 am
I am truly saddened by this news. Mart was a great gentleman and ambassador for comics. He didn’t work the Con circuit to make a quick buck or to stroke his own ego, but rather to share his love of the medium with everyone around him. Thankfully, I still have Alan Scott around to remind me of Mart.
Safe journey, Mr Nodell.
December 11th, 2006 at 6:26 am
his green lantern has the best costume hands down in all of comicdom, hows that for a legacy?
December 11th, 2006 at 6:59 am
Well, this is truly sad news. But he should be proud. His legacy will forever live on. He created a legend, a symbol of hope. So R.I.P.
And thankyou.
December 11th, 2006 at 7:20 am
Every year in Chicago I used to buy something from Marty’s table. He was such a nice little old man.
What I didn’t like was who ever his handler was. He seemed rather gruff and acted like he couldn’t care less about being there.
December 11th, 2006 at 7:42 am
Recently read GA Green Lantern Archives. Thanks, Mr. Nodell. You created a work of fantasy that continues on. A rare thing.
December 11th, 2006 at 7:45 am
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Nodell’s passing. Green Lantern is one of my favorite characters. My thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.
December 11th, 2006 at 8:13 am
I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Nodell on two occasions on the convention circuit. He was always friendly and outgoing. One of the coolest things in my collection is a copy of Zero Hour #0 (the blank cover) upon which he sketched a Green Lantern and autographed it.
R.I.P., Mart. We’ve lost another great.
December 11th, 2006 at 8:44 am
I used to use Mr. Nodell every year at the Motor city Con. I always meant to meet him and thank him for his contributions to comics. I never did. Let that be a lesson. Next time you’re at a convention, take a break from the rows of cheap boxes and thank these people. They built the hobby you love. They were never the “rock star” creators that we have nowadays. They just worked because they loved what they did.
December 11th, 2006 at 9:03 am
I can’t get myself to comment on his art or his legacy…..I just think we are all the worse for his passing. He and his wife were sweet people. Nothing else need be said.
December 11th, 2006 at 9:13 am
I also met Martin and his wife at the Pittsburgh Comicon many years ago; I remember he was drawing green lanterns on the cover of Zero Hour issue #0 (because it was a completely blank white cover), and I wondered who he was. When I found out, I was so amazed! Every year after that, I managed to buy something from his booth — one year I bought an autographed Pillsbury Doughboy for my mom. I also have the Green Lantern and Pillsbury Doughboy artwork on the wall in my geek room. As someone said earlier, he and his wife were both very good people, and they will be missed.
December 11th, 2006 at 9:21 am
I first met Mr. Nodell at San Diego Con 1993. He drew and personalized a Green Lantern for me. I have it framed and upon my wall ever since as an inspiration to me.
I will miss him and his rich personality.
His legacy took a while to be truly recognized but I will always hold his work as the bright light in this seemly darker days.
My heart and prayers go out to him and his family.
May the heavens be a little brighter now that it just received one more of the Golden Age’s finest gentlemen.
December 11th, 2006 at 9:38 am
My consolences to the family. We certainly will Mr. Nodell. He created some incredible, enduring characters.
December 11th, 2006 at 9:41 am
Marty and Carrie were annual guests at the Pittsburgh Comicon. I got to know them well and was fortunate enough to receive a number of pieces of art and a number of autographed rings. Carrie was definitely as loss and Marty even more so. Hopefully, the media outlets will pick-up this story, as the creator of the Pillsbury Doughboy, and give him a proper sendoff. My condolences to his son and family, he will missed.
December 11th, 2006 at 9:49 am
December 11th, 2006 at 10:05 am
Oh my…what a loss. I’ve met Mr. Nodell numerous times over the years, and he & his wife were such lovely people. I had a great time speaking with him and Irwin Hasen, and Mr. Nodell was so happy when I came over with an Alan Scott power ring that I was wearing at the time. My deepest condolences to the Nodell family, and a great loss to the comics community.
December 11th, 2006 at 11:09 am
“I shall shed my light over dark evil, for the darkness cannot stand the light…the light of the GREEN LANTERN!”
December 11th, 2006 at 11:22 am
What a loss. Marty along with his lovely wife Carrie were nicest people you’ll ever meet. My deepest condolences to Martin’s son Spence and the whole family. Again, I am so sorry for your loss and am so glad I had the honor of meeting and spending time with the Great Martin Nodell.
December 11th, 2006 at 11:35 am
I met him at MegaCon a few years back with his wife. He was a true gentleman and a giant in his field. My condolences to his family.
December 11th, 2006 at 11:56 am
MARTY WAS A GREAT MAN—I’LL MISS HIM BUT HE’S WITH CARRIE NOW SO IT’S ALL GOOD
December 11th, 2006 at 12:12 pm
Hi everyone-I am one of Mart’s grand daughters, and I just want to thank everyone for their thoughts and wonderful memories. Thank you.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
I first met Marty and Carrie at a convention in Georgia around 13 years ago…. I went with my dad and my son Max (who was 5 at the time). While we were at the convention they had spent some time with Max… and Marty did a drawing of BATMAN for him. I’ve run into Marty and Carrie a number of times over the years and they would always ask how Max was doing. To this day, Max remembers what nice people they were. May they both rest in peace.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
The world has lost one of the last of a truly golden generation. I met Mr. Nodell and his wife in the 90s at Dragoncon. He will be missed.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:54 pm
The man created Green Lantern, for that, he has my eternal respect.
December 11th, 2006 at 1:13 pm
I met Mr. Nodell many times over the years at conventions here in Florida. I remember how proud Mrs. Nodell was of the GA Green Lantern ring that, in gold and emeralds, that she used to wear.
They were great and gracious and happy and great to talk to. We bought a poster and quite a few signed comics from them and I’m glad to have remembrances of them.
I’m very sad at their passing, but I’m glad that they’re together again.
December 11th, 2006 at 1:18 pm
I met them both at Motor City Con in 1994. Mrs. Nodell led me by the hand and took me backstage, insisting I get Mr Nodell’s signature right now on his Green Lantern sketch I bought. To this day, my favorite convention memory ever. Both were very sweet people, and may they both now rest in peace.
December 11th, 2006 at 1:23 pm
I had the great pleasure of meeting Marty back in 1993 when I was 23 years old, working as an employee at a store called Comics Plus in Augusta, Georgia. Not only was I fortunate enough to be able to talk to him on the phone and invite him to the convention (he was thrilled to be able to see Joey Kubert again) but he took the time to autograph a copy of Green Lantern #19-the 50th anniversary issue for me. Getting to meet him and receive such a precious memento is by far the greatest experience in comics that I ever had.
December 11th, 2006 at 1:48 pm
I met Martin a few times over the years. It was always easy to spend time with him because his booth was (sadly) short.
I once had him autograph a copy of All-American Comics (the number escapes me but it was Doiby Dickles 1st app). When he saw it I thought he was gonna faint. His eyes lit up like a kids at X-mas. As he explained he hadn’t seen that issue for decades and had really wanted to for a while. So he opens it up and…
…rips the cover.
He was so apologetic but all I could think of was – if anyone is going to ruin a valuable Golden Age book like that – whom better than the guy who made that very book.
The above story is worth more than the book now – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Rest in Peace Martin.
December 11th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
Marty Nodell was a genuinely sweet guy and a class act. He and Carrie used to come by the Dark Horse booth at every convention to say hi to the regular show staffers and collect whatever free goodies we had on hand. They were both extremely friendly, very personable, and truly interested in the people they met at the shows. They were also big comics fans and kids at heart when it came to checking out displays of new toys or meeting other creators. It was a treat to get to know those two. Marty leaves a legacy of great creativity and real kindness. He will be missed.
December 11th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
Back in the 90′s I met Mr. Nodell at a Dallas Fantasy fair. At that convention I asked for the only two comic book creator autographs I have evr asked for in my whole 45 years. One was from Julius Schwartz on a photo tpoye page in an Ambush Bug Special comic. The other was from Marty Nodell, I had no original art or comic with his work with me, but I had one of those cheap plastic Green Lantern rings DC put out as a promo. When I asked him to sign it, he smiled and he and his wife seemed so tickled that I asked him to do that. he signed it in gold ink, and when I saw him about 48 months later he asked me if I still had it. I told him yes and it sets in a special box over my Green Lantern Archives to this day. He was truly a gracious gentleman.
Bobb
December 11th, 2006 at 3:13 pm
Like many of you, I had the opportunity to meet Marty a one of the many comic conventions when I was first starting out in the industry and to this day, I still feel the impact he’s left on my life.
Having been a GL fan since I was very little and having the opportunity to meet “the man” that created one of my childhood favorites was more than a privlidge, it was an honor. Meeting and knowing Marty the way I did was one of the single greatest highlights of my career.
Not only have we lost the creator of so many classic character, we’ve all lost a dear friend!
Thank you Marty. Thank you for enriching our lives in a way that only you could. You will be missed my friend!
December 11th, 2006 at 3:45 pm
I only met Carrie once, but she was a sweet lady and I felt bad for Mart when she passed. I made it a point to stop by and see Mart at every convention I attended the last few years to say “thanks” and chat for a few minutes. He was always a true gentleman to fellow comics fans.
I have two stories that came to mind when I saw he had passed on. One show I went to with a friend, we were making a point to see Mart since my friend’s son is a huge GL fan at the age of 5. My friend related to Marty his son’s wide-eyed love of GL in all his incarnations to the point of wearing a green rubberband around his finger and trying ever-so-much to make something appear with will power. Marty was so happy to hear this, he looked 20 years younger, with a gleam in his eye. He made sure to tell us to tell the young ‘un that anything can be possible with enough drive and will power and to always strive for his goals. The signed green lantern we picked up is that boy’s prize possession, with him trying to charge his ring before school!
I also brought along a 1944 issue of Green Lantern for him to sign. From his expression, he hadn’t seen this since finishing the art. He gently read through the entire issue with a BIG smile on his face – I wasn’t sure I was going to get the book back! That memory makes the book priceless to me.
Sorry to be long-winded, but I wanted to share a couple moments. Thank you, Mr. Nodell.
December 11th, 2006 at 4:25 pm
God, I’m so sorry for this, I can’t believe it, we seem to be losing legends everyday lately. I remember the first time I ever saw a Green Lantern, I was 6 years old and we had just gotten Cartoon Network and I started watching this little show called The Super Friends. At any rate I remeber thinking that hero is the coolest, he could make anything, he was so cool. I always thought DC comics were a little poorer in quality but as god as my witness, I never dissed the Lantern, he was the exception to the rule.
Today when I read this I was shocked, you were a great man Marty, you really were. You create some of the greatest books ever, your early Captain America work was inspirational to so many. God rest your soul and you will forever live on in the pages of greatness.
Sincerely,
Keaton Raeder Connolly
December 11th, 2006 at 4:25 pm
What can I say about Marty and Carrie? They were a cross between Burns and Allen and The Bickersons, constantly playing off of each other that only old couples who have loved each other for decades can do. I just envision St. Peter looking down Marty’s list of deeds in Heaven, with Carrie at his shoulder going “Marty created Green Lantern in 1940.”
The last time I saw Marty was at the Baltimore Comic Con a year or two back and, although his health was far from well, he still had that child-like spark about him…the one fused with his radio announcer’s voice and inherent sense of wisdom.
We’ll all miss Marty, and continue to miss Carrie, but know that they both left enough convention stories behind to fill volumes!
December 11th, 2006 at 5:08 pm
My deepest sympathies to all of Martin Nodell’s family, friends and fans. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Nodell this year at the Motor City Con. From the few short minutes that I spent chatting with him, I knew that I met a terrific creator and artist but more importantly, a truly nice person. Thank you for all of your contributions to comics and advertising. You will be missed by many…
December 11th, 2006 at 5:58 pm
My sons and I had the honor of meeting Mr. Nodell last year at the Novi Mi. Comic-Con. At that time we expressed regrets over the passing of his wife and he seemed genuinely touched that we thought enough to mention it. He was a gentleman and a class act. Godspeed, Mr. Nodell.
December 11th, 2006 at 6:27 pm
A great talent, and a true gentleman. The shows won’t be the same without him, but thankfully his contribution to the medium will live on.
December 11th, 2006 at 10:03 pm
Mr. Martin Nodell…Marty to his friends, but always Mr. Nodell to me. I would like to imagine I was one of those friends but sadly cannot say for sure as he has come in and out of my life over the years, mostly at cons. You see, I lived next to Mr. Nodell when I lived in West Palm Beach Florida many, many years ago and embarassingly enough I never even knew it until years later when we were chatting at one of the cons. I always thought he and his wife Carrie were just the nice couple who were never there or that it was a winter home for them. I regret never taking the time to talk more. From a very young age I was drawn to Green Lantern for any number of reasons but most importantly it was because in his simplistic way as a superhero he could accomplish anything he could imagine through the power of his ring. How prophetic…to accomplish anything your mind could imagine…Now I do not have a power ring but that never stopped me from trying to accomplish all that I could. I had the distinct pleasure of telling Mr. Nodell during one of the last cons he attended that his creation saved my life. I had done some bad things with my life (drugs, guns, crime)and was on the road to destruction and felt that I could not escape what lied before me if something didn’t change. However, I knew that change had to begin with me, I just didn’t feel I had the strength to make that step. Then for some odd reason I remembered Mr. Nodell and Alan Scott-Green Lantern. Now I know this is gonna sound fanboyish buy I sought through my old Green Lantern stuff and I found one of my Green Lantern replica rings. I put it on and began the long journey to redeem myself. I am in a far better place today because of Mr. Nodell and Alan Scott. Over the years I stopped going to the cons as it was hard for me to see Mr. Nodell as the years were beginning to gain on him. During my final visit with him I decided to share that story of redemption and he graciously listened to every word. I was in tears when I finished and he simply smiled and hugged me, thanking me for this moment. Thanking me, imagine that. He wanted for me to remember this moment so he drew a picture for me of Alan Scott and Captain America. Carrie felt we should take pictures of this moment to remember. It is my most prized photo ever. I stopped going after that. As I sit and write this through tears, i recall a gentle man, a loving wife, a supportive family, and a Superhero who saved my life. I will forever remember Marty whenever I see the familiar ring on my left hand that has meant so much to me. Your light shines brightest Marty, rest well my friend. I will miss you.
December 11th, 2006 at 11:57 pm
And the comics world is again poorer from a celebrated icon’s passing. R.I.P. Martin You will always……ALWAYS!!!…. be remembered as one of the GREAT ones.( that is one fantastic artist community up THERE!!! )
December 12th, 2006 at 4:39 am
Truly sad news. Like many here, I met Mr. Nodell a few years back at a convention (Chicago). However, I was so intimidated by meeting an industry legend and the creator of one of my favorite characters that I hardly knew what to say to the man. Reading these stories, I wish I had gotten a chance to talk with him a little more. I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet him and his wife however. Rest in peace, Martin.
December 12th, 2006 at 5:16 am
Condolences to the Nodell Family.
December 12th, 2006 at 12:28 pm
I’ve met Mr Nodell several times, in Orlando at Megacon, Also met his wife before she passed away and I have to say out of all the creators I’ve met he was the nicest and kindest. He took the time to answer every quetion, offered me the issue#1 of Green Lantern to read, even sold his prints for a very low price considering who he was.. Last year I went yet again to the Megacon to see him and took my daughter this time to meet him. She was just a couple of months old but grabbed his nose just the same and he smiled at her. I named her Jade because of Alan Scott, and it meant a lot to me that she got to meet him before he passed away. Thanks for all the memories Mr Nodell and thanks for the patience you always had with this fan. My youngest daughter was just born and I was looking forward to taking her to Megacon to meet him as well..
December 13th, 2006 at 11:35 pm
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Nodell numerous times at the Pittsburgh comicon over the past few years. I too have the Zero Hour with the lantern sketched on the cover, along with a GL Shirt I bought from him and his wife, and a signed copy of GL #19, which featured his last GL art I believe. Another legend gone..
December 15th, 2006 at 12:17 am
I met Marty about 10 years ago at the Chicago Comicon (WizardWorld). My friend Scott introduced me to Marty and Carrie. They were both very wonderful and open. Marty drew a lantern in my sketchbook which I will always cherish. I remember Carrie showing off her emerald ring and I believe she also had a necklace that he had made for her as well. I felt so welcomed and never felt like I was just a person to make a buck off of. He is a true legend who was underated at times. It saddens me to learn of his death, but he and his wife will live on in our memories and in his creations. May you both rest in peace and my prayers go out to all the family and friends of a magnificent gentleman and his beautiful wife.
December 15th, 2006 at 7:07 am
I met him at Pittcon a couple of years ago. I remember thinking how all of my friends were going to be soooo envious of me. I got to talk to the man who created the Green Lantern.
I must have bought 6 of the signed lanterns from him.
Keep watching us from the stars, Mr. Nodell. And thanx.
Uncle Jason
December 16th, 2006 at 12:04 am
I met him and his wife 2 or 3 times a few years ago. He was always enjoyable to talk to and just to listen to. He will be missed.
Godspeed to you.
December 16th, 2006 at 11:54 am
I had the chance to meet Nodell at Wonder Con in Oakland, CA one year. I bought two sketches of GL that he had done and signed for the Con, and I have them framed and on my wall. Sad news to hear of his passing.
December 20th, 2006 at 9:29 am
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Nodell at a shabby little collectibles show in West Palm Beach back in the late 1990′s. My wife spent some time with Mrs Nodell discussing cats and life in general. Mr Nodell then went out of his way to autograph a green latern ring for my nephew. He was a genuinely nice person and was very approachable and answered all my questions about comics and his work. He was not only a credit to Comics for creating such a memorable character but he was also a very nice man. I have met about 25+ creators/artists/authors and he was by far the most memorable based on his qualities. More people should be like him. I think that is the best compliment you can give.