Tributes paid to 2000AD and Batman comics writer Alan Grant
Alan Grant #AlanGrant
We are very sorry to report that 2000AD and Batman writer Alan Grant has died, after a long illness. His wife, Sue Grant, announced his passing on Facebook, earlier today.
Our sympathies to Sue and family and fiends at this very sad time. He will be very much missed, by so many.
To say Alan was integral to the success of 2000AD, Britain’s best-known SF comic, often alongside John Wagner, would be an absolute understatement. He helped shape the success of the comic and so many of its characters, including as Judge Dredd, Strontium Dog, Robo-Hunter, Judge Anderson and so many, many more. His work in American comics, for DC Comics and Marvel, writing stories featuring Batman and The Punisher, for example, was, rightfully, critically acclaimed.
More recently, he co-created the alien football star, Rok of the Reds, with John Wagner and artist Dan Cornwell, a brilliant independent, creator-owned series.
But there was much more to Alan. He was also kind enough to support new creators in their various paths into our industry, including me.
Back when I was starting out in comics, at one UKCAC event in London, for example, Alan very kindly took the time to comment on a story I’d written and offer general advice on comics writing. It was very much appreciated, and helped me on the way to my career. Such a small act, to him, but an important one to me and I will always be grateful for it.
These generous acts continued throughout his career, including the co-running of the small but perfectly formed Moniaive Festival, with Sue, for several years in his home town.
In 2013, he helped a young autistic fan fulfil a dream by making him the hero of his very own comic – Scott vs. the Zombies, set in Edinburgh and funded by Artlink Scotland.
“Such a lovely, gifted, generous guy,” commented 2000AD writer Michael Carroll following Sue’s announcement, joining other creators such as Brian Bolland, Steve MacManus, Steve Pugh and Jenny O’Connor in early comisseration. “My heart goes out to you and your family.”
“He was a genuine legend and much loved,” noted artist Leigh Gallagher.
“He was such a help to me as a young artist with his advice,” commented artist Dave Kendall. “I’ll never forget his help and encouragement. A great man.”
“I’m so sad, that I’m crying,” commented artist Dave Pugh. “I just wish that his journey to his next life will be blessed with the love he created in this one.”
Thank you, Alan. You were, and still are, rightfully, a Comics Legend.
A longer tribute to Alan will be published soon.
Like this:
Like Loading…
Related
John Freeman
The founder of downthetubes, John works as a comics editor, writer, as Creative Consultant on the Dan Dare audio adventures for B7 Media, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. Working in British comics publishing for over 30 years, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Star Trek Magazine and Babylon 5 Magazine. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War and “Dan Dare”. He’s the writer of “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz, published on Tapastic; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood for digital comic 100% Biodegradable.
Categories: 2000AD, British Comics, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features, Obituaries
Related Articles