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.
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…
Comment by Deep Shock — November 6, 2007 @ 10:20 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.
Comment by Jerry — November 6, 2007 @ 11:15 am
Many blessings to you, Mr. Norris. You did some timeless work that’ll certainly outlive all of us.
Comment by Rev. O.J. Flow — November 6, 2007 @ 12:29 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.
Comment by PreCrisiDc — November 6, 2007 @ 12:38 pm
So sad….R.I.P. Mr. Norris, you gave us so much!!
Comment by Domenic Falcone — November 6, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
He’s vastly underappreciated, and it’s a damn shame. Rest in peace, good sir. We shall remember you.
Comment by Bill Reed — November 6, 2007 @ 2:07 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.
Comment by Andrew Pepoy — November 6, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
Thank you Mr. Norris, R.I.P….
Comment by coldwarmyth — November 6, 2007 @ 7:48 pm
Peace to you Mr. Norris.
Comment by Jason — November 6, 2007 @ 9:12 pm
My condolences to the friends and family of Mr Norris. May he rest in peace.
Comment by astronato — November 6, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
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.
Comment by darthdad — November 7, 2007 @ 12:27 am
Though I wasn’t aware of the guy, my heartful condolescences go to his friends and family.
Comment by Roy — November 7, 2007 @ 10:05 am
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.
Comment by J.D. Lombardi — November 7, 2007 @ 2:35 pm
We just wanted to thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and condolences. My Grandfather was a wonderful man. He will be sorely missed.
Comment by Mari Ann Gadra — November 7, 2007 @ 9:45 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
Comment by Bucky — November 8, 2007 @ 1:14 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
Comment by Ian — November 8, 2007 @ 9:52 pm
Thank U For Aquaman, Mr. Norris…Your Memory shall live through HIM!!!
Comment by NEREUS — November 19, 2007 @ 12:36 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.
Comment by Dominique LEONARD — November 27, 2007 @ 6:29 am