Today in Comics History, February 6: Happy birthday, Rich Buckler!

Born on this day in 1949: comics artist Rich Buckler (Justice League of America, All-Star Squadron, Mighty Crusaders, Secret Society of Super Villains, The Warlord, The Unexpected, World's Finest Comics, The Avengers, Astonishing Tales (where he created Deathlok), Black Panther (where he co-created Killmonger), Fantastic Four, The Spectacular Spider-Man, The Big Bang, Eerie, Creepy, and many more)! He's also the author of three books about working in the industry: How to Become a Comic Book Artist, How to Draw Superheroes, and How to Draw Dynamic Comic Books. He certainly was an expert in all three!


from Mighty Marvel Calendar 1976 and 1977 (Marvel, 1975 and 1976), and Marvel Age #98 (Marvel, March 1991), text by Chris Eliopolous and Barry Dutter, pencils and inks by Ron Zalme



Here's a backup story from the first appearance of Deathlok, starring writer Doug Moench and creator/artist Rich Buckler, but it's drawn by a different artist: a soon-to-be-superstar in thius, his first comics story. Can you guess who it is before you read the credits below?



from Astonihsing Tales (1970 series) #25 (Marvel, August 1974), script by Doug Moench, pencils by George Pérez, inks by Mike Esposito
How about a little FOOM feature on Mr. B?

from FOOM #5 (Marvel, 1974), by Doug Moench
(Click pictures to buckle-size)
Rich Buckler died in May 2017 following a long battle with cancer.


from Marvel Comics cover-dated September 2017
A lovely essay by Don MgGregor on co-creating Killmonger with Rich:

from Marvel's Voices: Legacy #1 one-shot [Expanded Edition] (Marvel, January 2021), by Don McGregor
(Click picture to Wakanda-size)
Happy birthday, Rich Buckler! We miss you, but as long as we have your artwork and creations to read and experience, you're still with us.


"DC Profiles #35: Rich Buckler" in DC Comics cover-dated July 1978