Today in Comics History, April 1: Happy birthday, Bill Oakley!

Born on this day in 1964: letterer Bill Oakley!


from Marvel Age #57, 88, and 100 (Marvel, December 1987, May 1990, and May 1991)



One of these descriptions of Bill's job is true, and the other one is a joke! Can you guess which is which?


from (left) Marvel Age #46 (Marvel, January 1987);
(right) Marvel/New Universe titles cover-dated June 1987
Like paste-up artist Rich DuFour (birthday: February 11), in the 616, Bill was a front-page reporter for the Daily Threat or Menace!



cover from Daredevil (1964 series) #242 (Marvel, May 1987), pencils and inks by Keith Pollard
Here's the sad bit: He didn't have medical insurance (because he had a previous medical condition and the insurance companies refused to cover him), and forced to letter comics from his hospital bed to pay bills before he died of cancer in February 2004. (Wikipedia.)

I recommend that you contribute to Hero Initiative, which benefits comics creators "who may need emergency medical aid , financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work." You can find their website and donate here.


Please support Hero Initiative — to help prevent future cases like Bill Oakley's. Do it for his birthday; do it whenever you can. That's no April Fools'.


Happy birthday, Bill. We wish you were still here.