Mark Evanier reports on the death of Paul Norris, who co-created Aquaman in 1941 and later wrote and drew the Brick Bradford comic strip for 35 years. He was 93.
According to Evanier, Norris had been hospitalized after a series of strokes.
A native of Greenville, Ohio, Norris worked after college as an illustrator and cartoonist for the Dayton Daily News before being hired by DC Comics. There, in 1941, he co-created Aquaman with editor-writer Mort Weisinger.
Norris also worked on several King Features comic strips, including Flash Gordon, Secret Agent X-9 and Jungle Jim. In 1952, he took over Brick Bradford, and wrote and drew the strip until it ended in 1987.
Evanier has much more about Norris, including memories of working with him on a comic book version of the Dynomutt cartoon.
You can read more about Norris’ career at Lambiek.net, and at the website of his alma mater, Midland Lutheran College.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:20 am
So sad to hear this. I really dig Aquaman since Peter David gave him a make-over back in the 90s. I also like the new Kurt Busiek version. Not so thrilled about Will Pfeifer’s retro attempt though…
November 6th, 2007 at 11:15 am
Sorry to hear that he has passed away. Aquaman is a fine character, and I loved watching Dynomutt when I was kid and reading the comic book.
November 6th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Many blessings to you, Mr. Norris. You did some timeless work that’ll certainly outlive all of us.
November 6th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
My thought and praying to the Norris family….and thank you to a man who created one of the most endearing characters of all time.
November 6th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
So sad….R.I.P. Mr. Norris, you gave us so much!!
November 6th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
He’s vastly underappreciated, and it’s a damn shame. Rest in peace, good sir. We shall remember you.
November 6th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Only got to speak with him a few times. A very nice man and a very under-appreciated artist. The Brick Bradford Sunday I got from him many years ago hangs on my studio wall. I really enjoyed the interview with him in a recent issue of Alter Ego and recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about Mr. Norris.
November 6th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Thank you Mr. Norris, R.I.P….
November 6th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Peace to you Mr. Norris.
November 6th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
My condolences to the friends and family of Mr Norris. May he rest in peace.
November 7th, 2007 at 12:27 am
definetly bummed to hear about this. Aquaman is a character that I always really liked as a kid, but have never found the comic book adaptation to really draw me in. As everyone else here has said my condolensces to his friends and family at this difficult time.
November 7th, 2007 at 10:05 am
Though I wasn’t aware of the guy, my heartful condolescences go to his friends and family.
November 7th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
My condolences to the Norris family and all who were friends of Paul.
It’d be one nice of a tribute if DC listed the creators of Aquaman in his books like they do with some of the other large heroes, as tribute.
November 7th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
We just wanted to thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and condolences. My Grandfather was a wonderful man. He will be sorely missed.
November 8th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
My heart goes out to his family.
What a great character by a great creator. Thanks for so many years of great stories and many more to come. Luved many of the versions of Aquaman, from the golden age up until the recent Busiek/Williams run. 70s era had a lot of great stories too. Timeless character.
R.I.P. Paul Norris
November 8th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Totally dug the Will Pfeifer “retro” (and to point out retro just means original fyi.) was awesome, the way a super hero comic should be done. I think Mr. Norris probably appriciated the treatment of his creation during Pfiefier’s run than the diservice Kurt Busiek gave the character. RIP good sir
November 19th, 2007 at 12:36 am
Thank U For Aquaman, Mr. Norris…Your Memory shall live through HIM!!!
November 27th, 2007 at 6:29 am
I’m a Belgian fan of comics. I like Aquaman, Tarzan, Brick Bradford; some of the character Paul Norris drew. I contacted him a few years ago, he had been very sympatic with me. He was a great artist and a gentleman at the same time. My thought are with his family. Fortunatelly, Paul’s art ans stories will survive him.