The remarkable Carmine Infantino has died at the age of 87 (1925-2013).
What would the comics you read be without Batgirl, Barry Allen, Black Canary, Animal Man and so many others? What would the landscape of the DC Universe look like if not for the Silver Age that Carmine Infantino pioneered? And what of Batman, the character you come to this very site to read about? We have Carmine Infantino to thank for pulling Neal Adams and Denny O'Neil away from other publishers to commence a new era for the Dark Knight.
Carmine Infantino began in comics in the 1940's and in his long career he served the industry as inker, penciller, editorial director, and publisher. Though he is gone his legacy will endure for as long as there are comics to read.
Here is DC Comics' official statement on the passing and I have also included a link to Infantino's official biography for those who would like to learn more about the man who was so vital to DC's most formative years.
With one image, Carmine Infantino defined a comic book era. SHOWCASE #4 – featuring the Silver Age Flash bursting through a reel of film, almost jumping off the page – heralded a new chapter for some of the most iconic characters in the world, and it was due in large part to Carmine’s refined craft, knack for design and ability to create covers that demanded a reader’s response. Everyone at DC Entertainment would like to send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
It’s not a stretch to say Carmine was one of the most influential artists of our time. Whether he was bringing the first appearance of Barry Allen to life, or building a bridge between Earth-One and Two in the legendary “The Flash of Two Worlds” story, chronicling the adventures of Adam Strange and reinventing the look of Batman and his entire family, he breathed new life into every character he encountered, and also made a name for himself as a respected and skilled publishing executive. A supreme talent and versatile creator, Carmine stands tall among the legends of comics.
A designer, draftsman, skilled dealmaker and a master of the comic book page, Carmine’s influence is impossible to quantify. From redesigning the Flash – from a metal-hat-wearing speedster to the sleek, scarlet speedster we know today – to bringing Jack “King” Kirby over to DC to create his epic New Gods saga in his role as Publisher at DC Comics, his legend is one that will live on for decades, with its influence still affecting the books fans pick up today.
“The entire DC Entertainment family is saddened by the loss of Carmine Infantino,” said Diane Nelson, DC Entertainment President. “His contributions to the comics industry and to DC Comics in particular are immense and impossible to quantify. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans during this difficult time.”
Jim Lee, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher commented, “Carmine was a legend. The number of classic covers he created are innumerable. His influence, reach and impact is humbling and will always live on.”
“There are few people in this world that have had as much of an impact on the industry as Carmine,” added DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Dan DiDio. “He bridged both the Golden and Silver Ages of comics, shepherding in some of the most successful periods in our history and setting the course of our characters that is still seen today. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will remain forever.”
