Dick Sprang

Richard W. " Dick" Sprang (born in 1915 with Fremont, Ohio, deceased the May 17th 2000 with Prescott, Arizona), was an American artist specialized in the Comics, mainly known for its work on Batman at the time of the golden age of the comics

Sprang began very young person its career of illustrator, carrying out posters and publicities for local advertisers. At its exit of the school, it joined the team of the Toledo News . Then he moves with New York City where he works as illustrator freelance of pulps

In 1941, when the pulps undergo a crisis, Sprang decides to move towards the illustration of the comic-books. It sends its drawings to Whitney Ellsworth, the person in charge of cd. Comics. Ellsworth, impressed by the talent of Sprang, urges it to draw Batman. Sprang starts to draw Batman starting from number 17, and will remain one of the principal draftsmen of the series during 20 years. In 1955, Sprang started to illustrate Superman, then worked on World' S Finest until its retirement.

The name of Sprang never appeared on its work. This was due to clauses installation by Bob Kane on its contract with cd., in which it was specified that only Kane was to be recognized as creator of Batman, it does not matter the creative team. This restriction remained in place until half of the Sixties.

Sprang is at the origin of the creation of the Sphinx and the new design of the Batmobile in 1948. Batman de Sprang is recognizable because it drew it with a square chin and a very expressive face.

In 1946 Sprang settles with Sedona, Arizona, then in a ranch with Wayne County, Utah in 1956 when it raises bulls.

It puts a term at its career of illustrator in 1963.

Although practically unknown during its work at cd., the notoriety of Sprang was made feel in the Seventies thanks to the fans. It made the turn of conventions of comics, and its covers carried out during the age were among most required. In the Nineties, it carried out limited lithographies of Batcave and characters of Batman.

References

Dick Sprang Memorial by Mark Evanier
Collection of the letters of Sprang to Northern Arizona University

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