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Jim Aparo (b. August 24, 1932 – d.July 19, 2005) was a comic book artist.

Professional History

James N. Aparo (1932-2005) was an artist and inker for EC Comics, Charlton Comics, and later for DC Comics. He is most widely recognized for his contributions to the Batman family of comic titles in the mid 1970s. Jim passed away on July 19th, 2005 due to complications from a persistent illness. The following bibliography pertains to Jim's DC contributions only.

"Aparo's first Batman story was, at first, simply just another assignment. Being the artist of DC's The Phantom Stranger, Aparo was tapped by Boltinoff for what the editor described in #98's "Mailbag" as a "guest shot," subbing for regular B&B artist Nick Cardy ... due to Jim's familiarity with Batman's co-star. Yet from the opening page, which showed Batman slinking, under the veil of night, toward a remote, moonlit estate, it was clear that Aparo was not merely phoning in an uninspired fill-in. Aparo's storytelling was fascinating and cinematic. Batman's five-panel conversation with Roger Birnham on page 2 changed camera angles in each frame, concluding with Birnham's off-panel demise, "heard" through the deceased's chamber window." [1]

Well known for his penciling on such characters as:

He appeared as himself (drawn by himself) in The Brave and the Bold #124.

Aparo did penciling, inking, and lettering at a page a day. When told by Carmine Infantino that he wished Aparo could do more work, Aparo responded with "How do you want it? Good or fast?". Infantino agreed that he wanted it good.[2]

Jim Aparo Self Portrait

Aparo as drawn by Aparo


Work History


References

  1. Back Issue #50: Batman in the Bronze Age Issue: Back Seat Driver - In Praise of Jim Aparo by Michael Eury
  2. Jim Aparo Interview by Jim Amash.


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