Wayne Wright Howard
(March 29, 1949 – December 9, 2007)
trailblazing African-American comic book artist renowned for his contributions to the industry. His notable career, particularly during the 1970s, left a lasting impact.
Comic Book Innovation
Wayne Wright Howard gained recognition for his work at Charlton Comics, a pivotal period in his career. Notably, he achieved a significant milestone as American comic books’ first series creator to receive cover credits. The horror anthology “Midnight Tales” prominently featured the declaration “Created by Wayne Howard” on each issue’s cover. This distinctive recognition was a groundbreaking development in the comic book industry at the time. His groundbreaking achievement in securing cover credits opened doors for future comic book creators. His work at Charlton Comics and the acknowledgment of his creative contributions represent a significant moment in the history of American comic books.
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Wayne Howard’s artistic journey commenced in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was born to Sherman and nurse June Howard. His innate talent for drawing was evident from a young age, leading to his first professional art gig while still in high school. He illustrated public-service pamphlets for the city of Cleveland, covering topics like rat prevention. His early experiences fueled his passion for art.
Howard’s pursuit of education led him to Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. His academic endeavors laid the foundation for his future artistic career.
Entry into Comics
Wayne Howard’s introduction to the world of comics came through fanzines in the mid-1960s. His creative talents quickly garnered recognition, with one of his poems even making its way into Fantastic Four #22 (Jan. 1964), where the editor humorously dubbed him the “Poet Laureate of Yancy Street.”
His professional journey took a significant step when he became an art assistant at the studio of influential comics artist Wally Wood in Long Island, New York, around 1969. This experience further honed his skills and set the stage for his career in the comic book industry.
Credited Debut and Charlton Comics Era
Wayne Howard’s credited debut as a penciler and inker occurred in DC Comics’ House of Mystery #182 (Oct. 1969) with the story “Cain’s True Case Files: Grave Results,” written by Marv Wolfman. This marked the beginning of his noteworthy contributions to the comic book world.
His career blossomed when he started freelancing for Charlton Comics, known for providing creative freedom to its artists and writers. Over the next five years, Howard worked on around 200 covers and stories for various supernatural series, including Ghostly Haunts, Ghostly Tales, The Many Ghosts of Doctor Graves, Beyond the Grave, and more. His distinctive style, reminiscent of his mentor Wally Wood, made a significant impact in the realm of horror comics.
One of Wayne Howard’s most enduring legacies was the introduction of “created by” credits on comic book covers. His pivotal role in this development, notably in the horror anthology Midnight Tales, set a precedent for future comic creators and became a standard practice in the industry.
Other Ventures and Later Career
While Howard primarily contributed to Charlton Comics, he occasionally worked with other publishers. His portfolio includes collaborations with Gold Key, Warren Publishing, DC Comics, and Marvel Comics. His work ranged from inking cover art to penciling and inking various stories, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Personal Life and Legacy
Wayne Howard passed away at the age of 58 at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Connecticut. At the time of his passing, he resided in Oxford, Connecticut, and was married to Carol (Zavednak) Howard. Wayne Howard’s artistic contributions, especially his pioneering “created by” credits, continue to be celebrated as part of comic book history, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.