Cartoonist and Illustrator. Dave Stevens is best known for creating the "Rocketeer" comic book, as well as several illustrations of pin-up model Bettie Page. Stevens was born in Lynwood, California, but grew up in Portland, Oregon. His family returned to San Diego, where he attended school. In 1975, he went to work for cartoonist Russ Manning, drawing "Tarzan" and "Star Wars" comic strips. He worked briefly for Hanna-Barbara. Stevens eventually drew storyboards for films, including "Raiders of the Lost Ark." In 1982, he began work on "Rocketeer." He sold the rights to the story in 1985 to Walt Disney Company to make a film, which was released in 1991. He also became known for his renderings of 1950s pin-up Bettie Page. Paige's likeness influenced the heroine in "Rocketeer." He struck up a friendship with Paige, and with the help of his drawings made her a name again. Paige was able to compensate from the drawings. Following "Rocketeer" Stevens worked on several projects before his death from leukemia in Turlock, California, at age 52.
Cartoonist and Illustrator. Dave Stevens is best known for creating the "Rocketeer" comic book, as well as several illustrations of pin-up model Bettie Page. Stevens was born in Lynwood, California, but grew up in Portland, Oregon. His family returned to San Diego, where he attended school. In 1975, he went to work for cartoonist Russ Manning, drawing "Tarzan" and "Star Wars" comic strips. He worked briefly for Hanna-Barbara. Stevens eventually drew storyboards for films, including "Raiders of the Lost Ark." In 1982, he began work on "Rocketeer." He sold the rights to the story in 1985 to Walt Disney Company to make a film, which was released in 1991. He also became known for his renderings of 1950s pin-up Bettie Page. Paige's likeness influenced the heroine in "Rocketeer." He struck up a friendship with Paige, and with the help of his drawings made her a name again. Paige was able to compensate from the drawings. Following "Rocketeer" Stevens worked on several projects before his death from leukemia in Turlock, California, at age 52.
Bio by: The Perplexed Historian
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