Today in Comics History, March 15: Happy birthday, Bob Haney!

This is an expanded and updated version of a post originally published March 15, 2012.

Born on this day in 1926: America's only comic book scripter: Bob Haney, co-creator of the Teen Titans, Metamorpho, the Super Sons, Cain, Negative Man, Sgt. Rock, Tula, Vulko and Eclipso, and long-time writer of many DC Comics, including Aquaman, Blackhawk, The Brave and the Bold, Metamorpho, Teen Titans (and the wonderful Teen Titans Lost Annual #1), Unknown Soldier and many more.


from DC Comics cover-dated July 1977




from Limited Collectors' Edition #C-23 (DC, Winter 1973)
How popular is Bob Haney? So popular that Batman himself sent Bob birthday cards.


from "Invasion of the Deathless Brain" in World's Finest Comics #251 (DC, June 1978), script by Bob Haney, pencils by George Tuska, inks by Vince Colletta, colors by Jerry Serpe, letters by Ben Oda
(See you again in two days, comics panel!)

Yes, it's true: Bob Haney exists within the DC Universe! Here he is assisting artist Jim Aparo against terrorists intent on killing Batman and Sgt. Rock!


from Brave and the Bold #124 (DC, January 1976); script by Bob Haney; pencils, inks and letters by Jim Aparo
And that pretty much sums up a great Bob Haney story: anything can happen, even the wackiest and wildest.



Haney as a hero is certainly a nicer portrayal than his first comics appearance as a jealous lover in this romance comic! Truth in advertising: this is not the real Bob Haney. (But it's always possible this character was named after him!)




from "Weekend of Remorse" in Untamed Love #2 (Quality, March 1950), pencils and inks by Aldo Rubano (?)
Pleaee join me in wishing a happy birthday to one of the most imaginative and entertaining creators of comics, Mister Bob Haney! Remember: "Without Bob Haney, the Super-Sons Would Be Impossible!"


from Brave and the Bold #113 (DC, June 1974), by Bob Haney
Happy birthday, Bob!