Sam Glanzman Forever!
Donation protected
Golden age comic book legend, and WWII veteran, Sam Glanzman recently entered the first stages of hospice care. Glanzman had a fall recently, which resulted in an operation, and his body has had a hard time bouncing back. Sadly, Sam passed away Wednesday, July 12th, at 2:30am.
In 1939, while still a teenager, Sam Glanzman produced his first professional comic book art (under the tutelage of his older brother, Lew Glanzman). A few years later he entered WWII, serving in the pacific theater, as a sailor aboard the U.S.S. Stevens. After the war, Glanzman began drawing comics again and never looked back! Not only was he prolific, producing thousands of pages of art over the decades, but he showed himself to be a true storyteller. This can be seen best within the panels of the 4-5 page U.S.S. Stevens stories, based on his real life experiences -and those he served with- during WWII. These stories also happen to contain some of the first biographical work EVER done in comics. Along with speaking frankly about the horrors of war, Glanzman also bravely addressed issues of race and homosexuality, at a time when those things were simply not part of the conversation in mainstream comics.
Never big on self promotion, Glanzman has quietly had a massive impact over the years on the entire comic book industry. His work as a writer and artist has inspired hundreds of pro comic book creators, and his stories have touched the hearts and minds of tens of thousands of fans around the world. Here are just a few things that have been said about Glanzman, and his work:
“Sam Glanzman is one of the great storytellers of 20th century comics.”
– The A.V. Club
“…one of the great comics figures of his generation.”
– Comic Book Resources
"I love Sam Glanzman and his art!" –Jim Steranko
“Talk about a master, you have to talk about Sam Glanzman.”
– Joe Lansdale
“Mr. Glanzman has my admiration, respect, and profound gratitude.”
– Garth Ennis
“Glanzman’s a giant, a national treasure in the field of illustration. His comics work is rightfully legendary.”
– Mark Waid
“Sam Glanzman has to be one of the most honest, dedicated and engaging cartoonists in comics history.”
– Kurt Busiek
“For what it’s worth, I can honestly say I have a career in comics because of Sam and his artwork.”
– Stephen R. Bissette
“…the first cartoonist to take the genre formula of war comics and turn it on its head…”
– Paul Levitz
“Sam Glanzman is one of the most neglected stars. It’s a shame that a talent like his has been so overlooked when writing about those who made comic books the exciting medium they are.”
– Stan Lee
____________________________________________________________
(cover to SAM GLANZMAN FOREVER!)
This GoFundMe campaign has a two-fold purpose. First, we are trying to raise the funds to produce a book entitled SAM GLANZMAN FOREVER, which will be jammed packed with tributes from both comic book pros and fans alike, along with photos, letters and unpublished art from Glanzman's personal collection! Next, after the production and shipping costs of the book are covered, the rest of the funds will go to Sam's wife Sue. Aside from the extra medical bills, Glanzman's deteriorating health and recent passing made it impossible for him to contribute to the household income, putting more and more pressure on his wife (who is struggling with serious health issues of her own). We hope that this GoFundMe campaign will help Sue pay the extra medical bills resulting from his recent Hospice care, and also for his funeral.
Sam Glanzman served his country proudly during WWII, and he spent the rest of his life enriching our lives with his incredibly powerful and entertaining stories. It is my hope that this GoFundMe campaign will produce a beautiful book of tribute to Mr. Glanzman, and provide a little financial support for his wife Sue in her time of need. Big or small, every single contribution is greatly appreciated.
Lastly, Sam wouldn't want us walking around feeling bad about how things are. This tribute book is being put together to celebrate his life and accomplishments! He would want us to think of him and his stories, and smile.
-Drew Ford
p.s. For those who are wondering who I am, I have been working for the past several years to get Glanzman's out of print work back on the shelves of comic shops and book stores. To date, I have edited and helped bring to publication four collections of his work (one of which has been nominated for an Eisner Award), with more on the way. It has been, and continues to be, an honor to help Sam Glanzman get his work back in print, to be enjoyed by as many readers and fans as possible.
p.p.s. As a heads up, I will be posting updates with sneak peaks at what will be in the tribute book, along with fun stuff such as original artwork, that will be available as rewards you can pick up along the way.
In 1939, while still a teenager, Sam Glanzman produced his first professional comic book art (under the tutelage of his older brother, Lew Glanzman). A few years later he entered WWII, serving in the pacific theater, as a sailor aboard the U.S.S. Stevens. After the war, Glanzman began drawing comics again and never looked back! Not only was he prolific, producing thousands of pages of art over the decades, but he showed himself to be a true storyteller. This can be seen best within the panels of the 4-5 page U.S.S. Stevens stories, based on his real life experiences -and those he served with- during WWII. These stories also happen to contain some of the first biographical work EVER done in comics. Along with speaking frankly about the horrors of war, Glanzman also bravely addressed issues of race and homosexuality, at a time when those things were simply not part of the conversation in mainstream comics.
Never big on self promotion, Glanzman has quietly had a massive impact over the years on the entire comic book industry. His work as a writer and artist has inspired hundreds of pro comic book creators, and his stories have touched the hearts and minds of tens of thousands of fans around the world. Here are just a few things that have been said about Glanzman, and his work:
“Sam Glanzman is one of the great storytellers of 20th century comics.”
– The A.V. Club
“…one of the great comics figures of his generation.”
– Comic Book Resources
"I love Sam Glanzman and his art!" –Jim Steranko
“Talk about a master, you have to talk about Sam Glanzman.”
– Joe Lansdale
“Mr. Glanzman has my admiration, respect, and profound gratitude.”
– Garth Ennis
“Glanzman’s a giant, a national treasure in the field of illustration. His comics work is rightfully legendary.”
– Mark Waid
“Sam Glanzman has to be one of the most honest, dedicated and engaging cartoonists in comics history.”
– Kurt Busiek
“For what it’s worth, I can honestly say I have a career in comics because of Sam and his artwork.”
– Stephen R. Bissette
“…the first cartoonist to take the genre formula of war comics and turn it on its head…”
– Paul Levitz
“Sam Glanzman is one of the most neglected stars. It’s a shame that a talent like his has been so overlooked when writing about those who made comic books the exciting medium they are.”
– Stan Lee
____________________________________________________________
(cover to SAM GLANZMAN FOREVER!)This GoFundMe campaign has a two-fold purpose. First, we are trying to raise the funds to produce a book entitled SAM GLANZMAN FOREVER, which will be jammed packed with tributes from both comic book pros and fans alike, along with photos, letters and unpublished art from Glanzman's personal collection! Next, after the production and shipping costs of the book are covered, the rest of the funds will go to Sam's wife Sue. Aside from the extra medical bills, Glanzman's deteriorating health and recent passing made it impossible for him to contribute to the household income, putting more and more pressure on his wife (who is struggling with serious health issues of her own). We hope that this GoFundMe campaign will help Sue pay the extra medical bills resulting from his recent Hospice care, and also for his funeral.
Sam Glanzman served his country proudly during WWII, and he spent the rest of his life enriching our lives with his incredibly powerful and entertaining stories. It is my hope that this GoFundMe campaign will produce a beautiful book of tribute to Mr. Glanzman, and provide a little financial support for his wife Sue in her time of need. Big or small, every single contribution is greatly appreciated.
Lastly, Sam wouldn't want us walking around feeling bad about how things are. This tribute book is being put together to celebrate his life and accomplishments! He would want us to think of him and his stories, and smile.
-Drew Ford
p.s. For those who are wondering who I am, I have been working for the past several years to get Glanzman's out of print work back on the shelves of comic shops and book stores. To date, I have edited and helped bring to publication four collections of his work (one of which has been nominated for an Eisner Award), with more on the way. It has been, and continues to be, an honor to help Sam Glanzman get his work back in print, to be enjoyed by as many readers and fans as possible.
p.p.s. As a heads up, I will be posting updates with sneak peaks at what will be in the tribute book, along with fun stuff such as original artwork, that will be available as rewards you can pick up along the way.
Organizer
Drew Ford
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY