R.I.P. Dave Cockrum, 1943-2006

[Dread]

RIP Dave Cockrum.....character and costume designer extraordinaire!

After seeing that Futurians pic, I was thinking about how many characters and costumes he helped create. Was he responsible for Colossus as well as Storm and Nightcrawler?

Did he also create the look of the Starjammers and the Shi'ar Imperial Guard just shortly after the new X-Men?

That's a lot of output in just a few years. Amazing work. I'll miss him.

Yes, Cockrum created or co-created (and designed) all three of those characters during his time with Len Wein. I also believe he had a hand in Mystique, too. His revamp of the LOSH in the 70's before his X-Men run was also key (Nightcrawler was originally designed to join the Legion). He also created Thunderbird I, whom at the con that I spoke to in 2002 or so he admitted "was basically the same as Wolverine so they felt the need to kill off one", and they went to keep the Canadian Wolverine. Granted, without Thunderbird, there'd probably be no Warpath, who Brubaker is currently making "hot" in his Uncanny run. Claremont & Bryne got a lot the credit for the "new" X-Men but Cockrum's role shouldn't be overlooked. He was also Marvel's key cover artist during the late 70's. After THE FUTURIANS failed to take off after 1983 he sort of slipped outside the limelight, which was a shame.

 

[LouFerignoDemon]

This is most saddening to hear of one such as Dave to pass on.

I just wish there were some sort of foundation I could donate to. =/

 

[Themanofbat]

This is most saddening to hear of one such as Dave to pass on.

I just wish there were some sort of foundation I could donate to. =/

The Diabetes Association would be a nice touch.

I'm sure that Dave would approve.

 

[LouFerignoDemon]

I donate there already. I meant a fairly specific one, though. As of where I am, it's really the only thing I CAN do. But thanks for the thought.

 

[Themanofbat]

Yes, Cockrum created or co-created (and designed) all three of those characters during his time with Len Wein. I also believe he had a hand in Mystique, too. His revamp of the LOSH in the 70's before his X-Men run was also key (Nightcrawler was originally designed to join the Legion). He also created Thunderbird I, whom at the con that I spoke to in 2002 or so he admitted "was basically the same as Wolverine so they felt the need to kill off one", and they went to keep the Canadian Wolverine. Granted, without Thunderbird, there'd probably be no Warpath, who Brubaker is currently making "hot" in his Uncanny run. Claremont & Bryne got a lot the credit for the "new" X-Men but Cockrum's role shouldn't be overlooked. He was also Marvel's key cover artist during the late 70's. After THE FUTURIANS failed to take off after 1983 he sort of slipped outside the limelight, which was a shame.

I had a chance to meet Dave Cockrum back around 1984 when he was promoting his new Futurians comic (on an independant label I can't remember). He was going to a comic shop about a 3 hour drive from my town. Even though I was 16, I still didn't have my driver's license and I never got a chance to go.

Unfortunately, that Futurians comic only lasted 3 issues, which I still have today.

 

[KingOfDreams]

This sucks. 63 is not that old. My condolences to Dave's friends and family. R.I.P. We've lost a legend.

 

[PaleRider]

This is indeed very sad news, R.I.P

 

[Arkady Rossovich]

Comics lost a legend today. At least his legacy and work will live forever.

Indeed,he was one of the men who helped modernize the X-Men,it is a shame.I wonder how Chris Claremont and John Byrne are taking this.

 

[Goldenage Batman]

I've never meet the man in real life...but I watched him talk about the X-men on the bounus dvd of the X3 movie...He was very sweet man...R.I.P. Dave Cockrum..

 

[iloveclones]

I also believe he had a hand in Mystique, too. His revamp of the LOSH in the 70's before his X-Men run was also key (Nightcrawler was originally designed to join the Legion)..

I never heard that before. Very interesting kind of cross-breeding between the companies.

I found an article about him at the Chicago Tribune, and it says that donations can be made to the following (I hope that isn't breaking any Hype rules ) :

http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

[roach]

we need more Cockrum art in this thread

 

[roach]

http://www.ragnoman.com/Uncanny_X-Men/UXM094.jpg

 

[2112ad]

 

[KAD]

I first was hooked on the Byrne art for uncanny and when Byrne left I figured I would drop the title but Dave kept me going. I then went back to the days before Byrne and realized just how much the X-men and Byrne owed to him.