Today in Comics History, October 10: Happy birthday, Ed Wood!

Born on this day in 1924: filmmaker, actor, writer and cross-dresser Ed Wood Jr., maker of some of the finest bad movies (or worst good movies) in Hollywood (Glen or Glenda, Bride of the Monster, Plan 9 from Outer Space, Night of the Ghouls, and more)!


from "The Edward D. Wood, Jr. Players Trading Cards" in Any Similarity to Persons Living Or Dead Is Purely Coincidental (Fantagraphics, 1986), by Drew Friedman
Me, I like Ed Wood's films. They're passionate, goofy, and at least fun. And no matter what anybody tells you, they are not the worst films ever made.




from The Big Book of Weirdos (DC/Paradox, April 1995), script by Carl Posey, pencils and inks by Mitch O'Connell, letters by Rod Ollerenshaw
Happy birthday, Ed! I hope you're in Cashmere Heaven.


Fan-made video of the RiffTrax version of Plan 9 from Outer Space (Reynolds Pictures, Inc., 1957), edited to look like a Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode

Today in Comics History, September 28: Happy birthday, Ed Sullivan!

Born on this day in 1901: reporter, syndicated columnist, radio and TV personality and host Ed Sullivan! (You should mentally sing along to the song as you read that name.)


"Ed Sullivan" from Bye Bye Birdie (Columbia, 1963), song by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams, featuring Paul Lynde
By the man with a really big shew also had some big appearances...well, okay, medium guest-starring roles...would you believe, cameos?...in comic books throughout the years. Look, he's gettin' bounced by a seal!


cover of Miss Melody Lane of Broadway #3 (DC, June 1950), pencils and inks by Bob Oksner
Ed's also in that comic, but guess what?

I DON'T HAVE IT.

Today in Comics History, October 4: Happy birthday, Buster Keaton!

Born on this day in 1895: Buster Keaton, my favorite silent comedian actor and director! He is just absolutely brilliant.


from Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #162 (DC, February 2003); script by John Arcudi; pencils, inks, and letters by Roger Langridge, colors by James Sinclair

Today in Comics History, August 18: Happy birthday, Robert Redford!

Born on this day: actor, director, and whatta dreamboat Robert Redford! He was on the cover of a Marvel comic book issue #1!


from ALF #1 (Marvel, March 1988), photograph plus pencils by Dave Manak, inks by Marie Severin
But it's true: the real Bob hasn't appeared in many comic books, but here's a genuine modeling job that paid off big for him in the comics world!


cover of Young Love (1949 series) v. 4 #1 [#31] (Prize, March 1952), photographer uncredited and unknown