Frank Springer 1929-2009

Frank Springer died April 2, 2009 in a Maine hospital. The cause was prostate cancer.

Frank was a journeyman cartoonist, with his work seen by millions.

Just looking at his resume (and this is a partial list) —

Terry and the Pirates
New York Daily News
National Lampoon
comic books (DC, Marvel, Western Publishing)
The Adventures of Phoebe Zeit-Geist
The Heart of Juliet Jones
Space Ghost

— it's easy to see that pretty much everyone experienced his inky lines.

Of his freelance career, he once said

"There were some raggedy times, but I always had work, raised five kids, bought some houses, bought some cars...I've been lucky."

I'm quoting Mark Evanier's blog (link below), and I agree with Mark's opinion: luck had little to do with it; talent and drive was his secret of success. (Drive was a big part of his life. The number of times he had biked RAGBRAI, an annual 7 day, 472 bike ride thru Iowa, was in the double digits.)

Mark is also right about the NCS. Frank was a much loved guy amongst the members. To a lot of people (including me), Frank exemplified the NCS.

I was fortunate to know Frank and his wife Barbara. Frank, a past National Cartoonists Society president, advised me about NCS issues. When I rang, he always picked up the phone and, treating me like an equal, gave me his opinion. I shall miss him.

My heartfelt condolences to Barbara, and the Springer children and grandchildren. Frank shall be missed and he'll be remembered.

Related:

NY Newsday obituary

Mark Evanier remembers

Dan Best interviews Frank from January 10, 2008

ComicBookCollectorsBlog: In Memoriam... Frank Springer

John Kovaleski: Cartoonists I Dig - Frank Springer

Lambiek bio


Above: Frank draws caricatures at the Manhattan Savings Bank's 1987 NCS show.


Above: Grand Ballroom, The Plaza, New York City, April 21, 1970.


Frank's bio page from the NCS Album, revised edition, 1972, compiled by Mort Walker.


Above: a November 20, 2005 photo of Frank and Ashley Smith-Piraro. Behind him is the Overlook Lounge cartoon mural in progress. You can see the head of Phoebe Zeit-Geist bottom left.