Remembering Mark Bright and Ramona Fradon
The world of comics is vast. This applies to every aspect of the industry. From the characters and stories, to the creators and time periods covered. It’s those latter two which are the focus here. As time passes, we realize the talented creators who’ve created iconic characters and stories, who’ve inspired us, won’t be around forever.
Give people their flowers while they’re around and honor them when they’re gone. With that in mind, let’s celebrate some who have passed on this year.
Mark Bright, a.k.a. M.D. Bright, can be credited with many fan-favorites. Some of the standouts include Marvel Comics’ Armor Wars story-line and co-creating Quantum and Woody for Valiant Comics (then Acclaim Comics).
One of his most known pieces is his classic painted cover for Transformers #5. A haunting image that still stands up today. Mark would’ve been 69 this year.
Being the co-creator of Metamorpho was one of Ramona Fradon’s many accomplishments throughout her storied career. Another being her lengthy run on the comic strip Brenda Starr, Reporter.
Though she just retired this year, her status was cemented long ago when she was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2006. She was 97 years old.
Rest in peace, Mark and Ramona. My condolences to their loved ones. Their work and memories live on.