| George Wildman | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1927-07-31)July 31, 1927 |
| Died | May 23, 2016(2016-05-23) (aged 88) |
| Nationality | American |
| Area | Cartoonist,Penciller,Inker, Editor |
Notable works | Popeye |
| Awards | National Cartoonists Society, "Best Cartoonist, Humor Division" Popeye Fan Club's Lifetime Achievement Award |
| http://www.GeorgeWildman.com | |
George Wildman (July 31, 1927 – May 22, 2016)[1] was an Americancartoonist most noted for his work in thecomic books industry. From 1971 until 1985, he was a top editor atCharlton Comics, where he also became the long-time regular artist onPopeye comic books.
Wildman, a lifelong resident ofConnecticut,[2] served in the United States Navy in bothWorld War II and theKorean War. During World War II, he worked as a Navyrecruiter, and after the end of World War II, he joined theNaval Reserves. Recalled to duty in Korea, he served on theUSS New Jersey.
Returning home, Wildman studied advertising at what later became thePaier College of Art. In the 1950s, he worked as a commercial artist, first at an ad agency and then as a freelance artist. During this time, he began producing art for Charlton Comics inDerby, Connecticut.
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WhenKing Comics ceased publication of itsPopeye title, Charlton acquired the rights. Longtime writer-artistBud Sagendorf was busy with both thedaily comic strip andSunday newspaper comic strips and declined the job of continuing. Wildman was offered a contract to draw thePopeye comic,[3] with the prolificJoe Gill scripting. The first Charlton issue ofPopeye was published in 1969, the final one in 1977. Hired as an assistant editor to Sal Gentile, Wildman was promoted in 1971 to managing editor and eventually executive editor.[4] Assistant editorNicola Cuti wrote several of the laterPopeye scripts for Charlton.
Wildman's tenure as editor continued through 1985, whileWestern Publishing picked upPopeye under itsGold Key and Whitman trademarks.Bill Pearson, by then assistant editor at Charlton, began writing scripts, and Wildman produced illustrations while off-duty from Charlton.
In 1979, the release ofRobert Altman'sPopeye film led to a demand for Popeye-related merchandise. ForRandom House, Wildman illustrated a "Pop-Up Book" that was later displayed at theSmithsonian Institution. Wildman was also invited to produce a painted wooden Easter egg for theWhite House Easter event; this egg was also donated to the Smithsonian.
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Western Publishing ceased its comics line in the early 1980s, and Wildman retired from Charlton Comics in 1985, moving into a freelance comic book and children's book illustration career. His pencils, inks and paints graced publications featuringDisney,Hanna-Barbera,Harvey andWarner Bros. characters along with countless designs for various businesses.
In 1994, Wildman and his wife Trudy were guests of honor at a festival inChester, Illinois, celebrating the 100th birthday of Popeye's creator,Elzie Crisler Segar. Wildman received the Popeye Fan Club's Lifetime Achievement Award. Wildman was also a guest of the 2004 festival, which celebrated the 75th anniversary of Popeye.
As of the late 2000s, Wildman and his son Karl operated their own ad agency, producing computer animation, greeting cards and other products. Wildman's work was seen regularly in the "Hidden Pictures" ofHighlights for Children.
TheNational Cartoonists Society awarded him "Best Cartoonist, Humor Division" in 1981.[5] His contributions have been recognized with a nomination for theShazam Award for Best Penciller (Humor Division) in 1974, and another nomination for the Shazam Award for Best Inker (Humor Division) that same year.[6]
George Wildman died at the age of 88 on May 22, 2016.[7]
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