by Joshua H. Stulman

Russ Heath is probably as famous for his detailed and realistic comic book illustrations as he is famous for being plagiarized by Pop Art Icon, Roy Lichtenstein. Russ Heath died this past week at the age of 91. He leaves behind a long career as one of the greatest war illustrators in comics.

Like many Golden Age Comic artists, Heath began his career in high school illustrating back up features at the onset of World War II. Upon graduating high school Heath immediately joined US Air Force as part of the war effort. After 9 months serving stateside, Heath returned to the comic industry to work for Timely (Marvel Comics) in the emerging Western genre. Heath, whose father was a cowboy, adored the “wild west” and the paintings of Charlie Russell.

Throughout the 1950’s-60’s, Russ Heath made his career as one of the top technical illustrators. He was a natural for war comics, bringing a realistic attention to detail of machinery, tanks and planes. His figures were well proportioned and he excelled at dramatic but natural lighting. Heath’s studio was filled with references and military artifacts to assist in accurately portraying his subjects. Although not credited, Heath was responsibile for the commercial artwork advertising historical figurines that was a mainstay on the backcover of comics in the 1950’s-1970’s.

Heath found work at all the major comic companies including Marvel, DC and EC comics. He occasionally worked on superhero stories including some of the last Marvel Boy and Human Torch stories of the 1950’s. However, Heath is best remembered for his long association with DC ‘s war comics including G.I. Combat and All-American Men Of War. It was his artwork on All-American that failed comic book artist turned Pop Art icon, Roy Lichtenstein, looked to for some of his most famous paintings.

Roy Lichtenstein used Russ Heath’s artwork on All-American Men Of War as the basis for his most famous Pop Art oil paintings including Blam, Okay Hot-Shot, Okay!, Brattata and perhaps his best known painting, Whaam! The pop art paintings sold for millions without Russ Heath receiving any recognition, compensation or royalties on merchandise still being sold by institutions like the Tate and the Museum Of Modern Art to this day. At one point he was invited to the Museum Of Modern Art for a pop art opening that he declined due to work deadlines.

I met Russ Heath only once at his final appearance at the Baltimore Comic Con. He had a bawdy sense of humor, probably why he was such a perfect fit to illustrate Playboy’s 1960’s satire “Little Annie Fanny.” His portfolio was filled with a mix of beautiful female nude studies and western/military themed sketches. He joked with the fans in a line that stretched the entire convention aisle. He was a comic book legend respected by fans of all ages. Even-though the larger art world ignored his significant contribution to modern art, we know, and we remember Russ Heath!

Joshua H. Stulman

Owner, BrooklynComicShop.com