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Tom DeFalco

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Tom DeFalco(born June 26, 1950) is an Americancomic bookwriter andeditorwell known for his association withMarvel Comics,with long runs onAmazing Spider-Man,Thor,andFantastic Four.

Tom DeFalco
DeFalco at the 2010New York Comic Con
Born(1950-06-26)June 26, 1950(age 74)
Queens,New York City,U.S.
Area(s)Writer, Editor
Notable works
The Amazing Spider-Man
Fantastic Four
Machine Man
Spider-Girl
Thor
Thunderstrike
New Warriors
AwardsInkpot Award(1990)[1]

Career

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While in college, DeFalco "wrote for a few local newspapers, a weekly comic strip and did a few short stories", and after graduation "got in touch with the various comic book companies", which led to him beginning his comics career as an editorial assistant withArchie Comicsin mid-1972.[2]During his tenure with Archie Comics, he "initiated and developed theArchie Comics Digest Series,which is still being produced today and remains the company's most profitable publishing series ". Learning fast, DeFalco was soon writing for the flagship titleArchieas well as for other titles includingScooby-DooandJosie and the Pussycats.[3]

DeFalco briefly wrote for DC Comics in the late 1970s.[4]He scripted severalJimmy OlsenandLois Lanestories for theSuperman Familytitle; the final issue ofStarfire(Oct.–Nov. 1977); and aCainstory inHouse of Mystery#258 (May–June 1978). DeFalco then moved to Marvel, where he would spend the next twenty years of his career. There he wrote two issues ofThe Avengersand the final five issues ofMachine Manplus a Machine Man issue ofMarvel Team-Up,before launchingDazzlerin March 1981. DeFalco wroteMarvel Two-In-Onestories featuring team ups with the Thing from 1981-1982. DeFalco later wrote aMachine Manlimited seriesin 1984, with art byHerb TrimpeandBarry Windsor-Smith.[5]

DeFalco was the chief designer and author forDazzler,[6][7]and later became one of the writers for theSpider-Mancomic book series while at the same time rising through the editorial ranks. While writingDazzler,he wrote a couple of issues ofMarvel Team-Up,before taking over fromDennis O'Neilas editor of that title, as well as assuming editorial duties onGhost Rider,What If...?and the Spider-Man titles,[8]which he edited throughout the early 1980s.[9]

G.I. Joe and Hasbro

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DeFalco worked closely with toy manufacturerHasbroin the early 1980s, heading the creative team that "produced the backstory and dossiers that served as the basis for therelaunchof the phenomenally successful G.I. Joe toy line andanimated television show",in 1985. As part of this relaunch, Marvel produced a comic titledG.I. Joe: A Real American Heroin June 1982. DeFalco personally edited the first six issues (handing over to Denny O'Neil in January 1983), as well as assorted issues of theG.I. Joeseries' throughout the 1980s. The coreG.I. Joe: A Real American Heroseries would run for 155 issues over the next 12 years.[3][10]

DeFalco was "part of the creative team that introduced theTransformersto the American public "in 1984.[3]

Spider-Man

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In August 1983, DeFalco wrote the first four issues of the third series ofRed Sonjaand after shedding his Spider-Man editorial duties toDanny Fingeroth,he took over fromRoger Sternas writer ofThe Amazing Spider-Man.The two collaborated on April–May's #251–252 (theSecret Warscrossover issues), before DeFalco took over fully with #253, for a two-year run, chiefly in collaboration with artistRon Frenz.Concurrent with editingJim Shooter'sSecret Wars,DeFalco introduced Spider-Man's "black costume" in the pages ofAmazing.[11]DeFalco co-created theRose,[12]Black Fox,andSilver Sable[13]during his tenure on the series.

DeFalco and Frenz were both removed fromThe Amazing Spider-Manby then Spider-editorJim Owsley,who stated that they had chronically failed to meet deadlines. DeFalco and Frenz both state they met their deadlines more diligently than any other Marvel creative team at the time, and that Owsley caused them to miss deadlines by repeatedly changing his production schedules.[14]Issue #285 (Feb 1987) was their final issue, after which Owsley assumed writing duties. While writingAmazing,DeFalco continued editing various comics.

Editor-in-chief

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After co-writing two issues ofFantastic Four(#301–302; April–May 1987), DeFalco took over writing duties onThorwith #383 in September. DeFalco became Marvel's tenth editor-in-chief on April 15, 1987.[15]This change was effective in comics cover-dated November 1987. He served from 1987 to 1994, making him one of the longest serving individuals to hold that post. The only Editors-in-Chief with longer service than him wereStan Lee(1941–1942, 1944–1972), Shooter (1978–1987), andJoe Quesada(2000–2011).

Early in DeFalco's run as editor-in-chief, executive editorMark Gruenwaldremarked, "Tom does not seem to have as strong a personal vision for Marvel [as Shooter], and as a result he's more open to other people's visions. It remains to be seen if that's good or bad."[16]In an interview withThe Comic Book Gazette,DeFalco described his experiences as editor-in-chief as being "A lot like those oldBullpen Bulletinscomic strips, but with significantly more yelling! "[17]

He was a key member of the management team that took Marvelpublic,and under his leadership, Marvel's net profits from publishing rose by over 500%. Under DeFalco's guidance, Marvel entered a phase of expansion that provided an opportunity for "new talent" to enter the comic book industry, and released a number of new titles with original characters.[3]After clashing with the company's upper management, DeFalco resigned in 1994.[18]

During his tenure as editor-in-chief, DeFalco had continued to write as well, with noted runs onThorwhere he created theNew Warriorswith artistRon Frenz[19]and thespin-offThunderstrike,as well asFantastic Fourwith artistPaul Ryan,and comics for Marvel children's imprintStar Comics.[20]

Return to Spider-Man

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Defalco was one of the writers on the "Maximum Carnage"[21]storyline in 1993. His resignation as editor-in-chief coincided with a run onThe Spectacular Spider-Man(#215–229 Aug. 1994 – Oct. 1995), after which he returned toThe Amazing Spider-Manin January 1996 for issues #407–439. During this time he helped co-write the "Clone Saga"which revealed (temporarily, at least) thatPeter Parkerwas acloneof the original that had been active since 1975. Peter would be replaced by the original Spider-Man under the alias "Ben Reilly".Following several changes of creators and fan reaction, this was soon reversed.[22]

DeFalco createdSpider-Girl,who first appeared in an issue ofWhat If?[23]which led to him writing the MC2 line launched in 1998 including theSpider-Girlongoing series[24][25]which ran for 100 issues. Spider-Girl went on to star inAmazing Spider-Girl(30 issues) and the most recent volume,The Spectacular Spider-Girl,making her Marvel's longest-running female star of a solo series. The character also made appearances inAmazing Spider-Man Family#5–8 andWeb of Spider-Manvol. 2 #1–7.

In early 2009, as the Spider-Girl series was drawing to a close, DeFalco said it might be some of his last work for Marvel as he was in danger of beingtypecastbecause of his long run with the characters.[26]

The bad news about working on the same thing for that many years is that editors start to believe that it is the only thing you can do. So the only way I can get non-Spider-related work is to work for other companies.[24]

TheSpider-Girlseries was cancelled in 2010.[27]

In 2009, DeFalco revisited the "Clone Saga" with the six-part mini seriesSpider-Man: The Clone Saga,based on the original outline of this controversial storyline. As guest writer he contributed two issues toSensational Spider-Manvol. 2in 2012, as well as stories forSpider-Ham 25th Anniversary Special#1 (2010),Spider-Verse Team-Up#3 (2015) and the one-shotSensational Spider-Man: Self-Improvementin 2019.

Other work

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DeFalco is the author of over a dozengraphic novels,several hundred comic book stories, several dozen cyber-comics, three novels and six children's books, including the best-sellingDorling Kindersleyguides to Marvel comics characters. These include:Spider-Man: The Ultimate Guide,Avengers: The Ultimate Guide,Fantastic Four: The Ultimate GuideandHulk:The Incredible Guide.ForTitan Bookshe has compiled three volumes in their "Comic Creators On..." series of essays and thoughts on Marvel characters (Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and the X-Men, between 2004 and 2006).

DeFalco has personally created and developed over three dozen characters that have all been licensed for television, toys, T-shirts, posters,trading cardsand other merchandise, and has writtenKhanandThe PhantomforMoonstone Books.[24][28]

In April 2010, Archie Comics announced DeFalco would be returning to his roots, to write a four-part storyline, "The Man from R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E.", beginning withArchie Comicsissue #610.[29]

DeFalco would return to DC Comics in August 2011 with the plot for a Supermanone-shot,Superman Beyond,[30]and in 2012 as guest writer onNightwingand helping on theRavagersfor DC'sThe New 52line.[31]DeFalco began scripting theSuperboyseries overScott Lobdell's plots with issue #6 (April 2012) and became the full writer with issue #12 (October 2012).[32]HisSuperboyrun ended with #18, which was co-scripted by Tony Lee. He also wroteLegion Lost#0 and 6–18 and the final four issues (#17–20) ofSavage Hawkman.[33]

In December 2016, Archie Comics launched a new ongoingReggie & Meseries by DeFalco and artist Sandy Jarrell.[34]In 2021, Apex Comics Group launched a successful crowdfunding campaign forThe R.I.G.H.T. Project,a new comic book written by DeFalco with pencils by Ron Frenz and inks by Sal Buscema.[35]For Marvel Comics, DeFalco wrote the limited seriesMarvel Super Heroes Secret Wars: Battle Worldin 2023, drawn by Pat Oliffe, a sequel to Marvel'sSecret Warsfrom the 1980s.

Bibliography

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Ape Entertainment

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Apex Comics Group

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  • The R.I.G.H.T. Project#1 (2022)

Archie Comics

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  • Archie#254–256, 258–262, 610–613, 621–622, 645, 648–649, 655, 657–658, 666 (1976–1977, 2010–2015)
  • Archie & Friends#153 (2011)
  • Archie Christmas Spectacular#1 (2022)
  • Archie Double Digest#220, 221, 262, 266, 270, 273, 338, 341 (2011–2016, 2023)
  • Archie's Funhouse Double Digest#15 (2015)
  • Archie's Girls Betty and Veronica#254 (1977)
  • Archie's Super Hero Comics Digest Magazine#2 (1979)
  • The ArchiesAnniversary Spectacular#1 (2022)
  • Betty#193 (2011)
  • Betty and Me#105 (1979)
  • Betty and Veronicavol. 2 #256, 271 (2011–2014)
  • Betty and Veronica Double Digest#234, 319 (2015, 2023)
  • Jughead and Archie Double Digest #15 (2015)
  • Jughead's Double Digest#175–177 (2012)
  • Laugh Comics#281, 311 (1974–1977)
  • Life with Archie#182, 205 (1977–1979)
  • Mighty Crusaders#9 (1984)
  • Reggie and Me#1–5 (2017)
  • Sam Hill: In the CrosshairsOGN (2015)
  • World of Archie Double Digest#64, 129, 132, 133, 137 (2017, 2023–2024)

Charlton Comics

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Dark Horse Comics

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DC Comics

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Dynamite Entertainment

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Image Comics

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  • Randy O'Donnell is the M@n#1–3 (2001)

Marvel Comics

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Moonstone Books

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  • Airfighters#1–2 (2010)
  • Khan#1 (2005)
  • Kolchak Tales: Ghost Stories#1 (2006)
  • Moonstone Monsters: Vampire Vixensoneshot (2002)
  • The Phantom: Generations#2 (2009)
  • The Phantom: Valley of the Golden Menoneshot (2004)

References

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  1. ^Inkpot Award
  2. ^Cage, John (February 4, 2001)."The Spider's Web Exclusive: Interview with Tom DeFalco".The Spider's Web.Archivedfrom the original on August 25, 2013.RetrievedMarch 21,2008.
  3. ^abcdG., Lori (n.d.)."Tom DeFalco".Chicago, Illinois:Moonstone Books.Archived fromthe originalon February 10, 2012.RetrievedJanuary 6,2013.
  4. ^Tom DeFalcoat theGrand Comics Database
  5. ^Brevoort, Tom; DeFalco, Tom; Manning, Matthew K.; Sanderson, Peter; Wiacek, Win (2017).Marvel Year By Year: A Visual History.DK Publishing. pp. 185, 219.ISBN978-1465455505.
  6. ^DeFalco, Tom; Gilbert, Laura, ed. (2008). "1980s".Marvel Chronicle A Year by Year History.London, United Kingdom:Dorling Kindersley.p. 197.ISBN978-0756641238.Writer Tom DeFalco, who was hired to develop the character, decided that Dazzler would be a mutant with the ability to convert sound waves into a beam of concussive force.{{cite book}}:|first2=has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^Ash, Roger (August 2016). "Dazzler Lights Up Marvel".Back Issue!(90). Raleigh, North Carolina:TwoMorrows Publishing:11–16.
  8. ^Catron, Michael(August 1981). "Tom DeFalco Gets Spidey Back in the Swing".Amazing Heroes(3). Stamford, Connecticut:Fantagraphics Books:54–58.
  9. ^Kendall, G. (May 3, 2017)."15 Ways The 1980s Were The Greatest Spider-Man Decade".Comic Book Resources.RetrievedMay 3,2017.
  10. ^DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 206: "A creative team that included Jim Shooter, Archie Goodwin, Larry Hama, and Tom DeFalco was immediately assigned to develop G. I. Joe as a comic book and, possibly, an animated television series."
  11. ^DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 217: "It [the black costume] first appeared inThe Amazing Spider-Man#252, written by Roger Stern and Tom DeFalco and penciled by Ron Frenz. "
  12. ^DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 218: "Created by writer Tom DeFalco and artist Rick Leonardi, the villain tended his rose garden as he casually ran his various criminal enterprises."
  13. ^DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 221: "Silver Sable first appeared in this issue [#265] by writer Tom DeFalco and artist Ron Frenz."
  14. ^Greenberg, Glenn(August 2009). "When Hobby Met Spidey".Back Issue!(35). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 10–23.
  15. ^Daniels, Les(1991).Marvel: Five Fabulous Decades of the World's Greatest Comics.Harry N. Abrams.p. 207.ISBN9780810938212.
  16. ^Zimmerman, Dwight Jon (January 1988). "Mark Gruenwald".Comics Interview.No. 54.Fictioneer Books.pp. 5–23.
  17. ^"Tom DeFalco Interview".The Comic Book Gazette. March 26, 2006. Archived fromthe originalon October 31, 2007.RetrievedMarch 21,2008.
  18. ^"Newswatch: DeFalco Resigns from Marvel".The Comics Journal(174). Seattle, Washington: Fantagraphics Books: 25. February 1995.
  19. ^DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 243: "Tom DeFalco had intended to launch a team of teenage super-heroes in 1990, but an opportunity came along in 1989."
  20. ^Ceimcioch, Marck (December 2014)."Marvel for Kids: Star Comics".Back Issue!(77).RetrievedDecember 20,2014.
  21. ^Manning, Matthew K. "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 263: "Writers J. M. DeMatteis, Tom DeFalco, Terry Kavanagh, and David Michelinie...all brought their talents to this key story line."
  22. ^Cronin, Brian (June 13, 2017)."FANdemonium: 15 Times Fans Changed Comic Book History".Comic Book Resources.RetrievedJune 13,2017.
  23. ^Manning "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 289: "What if the daughter of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson had survived the Clone Saga? That was the question that writer Tom DeFalco and artist Ron Frenz posed in this stand-alone issue that starred the teenager May Parker."
  24. ^abcTaylor, Robert (February 17, 2009)."Reflections: Tom DeFalco".Comic Book Resources.Archivedfrom the original on October 7, 2012.
  25. ^Manning "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 290: "Spider-Man's daughter May Parker swung to new heights in her own ongoing series. Written by Tom DeFalco and drawn by artist Pat Olliffe, she faced such threats as Crazy Eight and Mr. Nobody."
  26. ^Taylor, Robert (February 12, 2009)."Marvel + DeFalco = Finished?".Comic Book Resources.Archivedfrom the original on October 7, 2012.
  27. ^Mason, Ian (February 14, 2010)."'Spectacular Spider-Girl' plans revealed ".Digital Spy.RetrievedDecember 21,2012.
  28. ^Johnson, Dan (October 2005)."Pro2Pro: Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz".Back Issue!(12). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 46–47.
  29. ^"Tom DeFalco Returns to Archie withThe Man from R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E.".Comic Book Resources. April 14, 2010.Archivedfrom the original on July 6, 2013.
  30. ^"DeFalco, Frenz & Buscema TakeSuperman Beyond".Comic Book Resources. May 12, 2011.Archivedfrom the original on January 10, 2012.
  31. ^Nagorski, Alex (August 10, 2012)."Announcing 'H'el on Earth'".DC Comics.Archivedfrom the original on November 16, 2016.
  32. ^Rogers, Vaneta (July 24, 2012)."Superboy'sNew Writer Says We Don't Know if He's 'Good'".Newsarama. Archived fromthe originalon November 19, 2012.RetrievedDecember 16,2012.I've scripted a number of issues. I was originally brought in because Scott Lobdell was juggling so many different assignments that he needed a little assistance in order to catch up.
  33. ^Thompson, Kelly (May 27, 2013)."Savage Hawkman #20".Comic Book Resources.RetrievedNovember 1,2013.
  34. ^Shiach, Kieran (September 20, 2016)."Riverdale's Most Rotten: DeFalco & Jarrell To LaunchReggie & MeFor Archie Comics ".ComicsAlliance.Archivedfrom the original on July 23, 2017.Written by industry legend Tom DeFalco, with art by Sandy Jarrell,Reggie and Melaunches this December and promises to give readers an inside look at the most 'loved, revered, admired and adored' teen in Riverdale.
  35. ^Johnston, Rich (October 17, 2021)."Tom DeFalco, Ron Frenz & Sal Buscema Fund The R.I.G.H.T. Project".Bleeding Cool News And Rumors.RetrievedApril 9,2022.
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Preceded by Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief
1987–1994 		Succeeded by
Group Editors-in-Chief:

Bob Budiansky,Spider-Mantitles;
Bobbie Chase,Marvel Edgetitles;
Mark Gruenwald,Heroes & Cosmic titles;
Bob Harras,X-Mentitles;

Carl Potts,licensed-property titles
Preceded by
Jim Shooter
 The Avengerswriter
1979 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
n/a
 Dazzlerwriter
1981 		Succeeded by
Preceded by The Amazing Spider-Manwriter
1984–1987 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Thorwriter
1987–1993
(withRon Frenzcredited as co-writer from 1989–1993) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Walt Simonson
 Fantastic Fourwriter
1991–1996 		Succeeded by
Preceded by The Spectacular Spider-Manwriter
1994–1995 		Succeeded by
Preceded by The Amazing Spider-Manwriter
1996–1998 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tom_DeFalco&oldid=1259621690"