Sad news.. "Fabulous Flo" Steinberg has passed away.
RIP Flo Steinberg, Marvel's 'Fabulous Flo'
James Whitbrook Today 4:23pm
Florence “Flo” Steinberg, a renowned figure from the Marvel Bullpen and pioneer of independent comics, passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2017. Her death was reported by longtime friend and comics creator Larry Hama through an announcement on his Facebook page.
"I am grieved to report that 'Fabulous' Flo Steinberg passed away this morning after complications from a brain aneurism and metastatic lung cancer. She will be interred at the Jewish cemetery in Kerhonkson NY. We are making plans for a memorial in September or October. I will update on this page."
Steinberg achieved fan recognition in the Silver Age of Marvel Comics as the “Girl Friday” to Stan Lee, where she was often referred to as “Fabulous Flo.” Her presence was deeply felt at Marvel Comics both behind the scenes and on the page, where she provided humorous answers to the fan mail sent in and the letters column pages for Marvel books, along with copy for the “Merry Marvel Marching Society” fan club. As Marvel’s only other full-time staffer along with Lee, Steinberg was in many ways responsible for coordinating the company during a period that would become known as the “Silver Age” of comics, and is credited with helping create the dialogue with the fans that became part of the company’s persona.
As Marvel grew, Steinberg became a favorite figure of many staffers and freelancers, renowned for her kind and supportive personality. She left the company in 1968, citing an overwhelming workload. She was associated enough with the Silver Age of Marvel that she was featured as the Invisible Girl in a Jack Kirby-drawn story in What If? #11 depicting the Silver Age Marvel Bullpen as the Fantastic Four.
Though less recognized for this work than her time at Marvel, Steinberg was also a key figure in the independent comics scene, launching what many consider to be the link between “underground” comics and modern-day “alternative comix” with the 1975 one-shot Big Apple Comix. Featuring work by such luminaries as Neal Adams, Wally Wood, Mike Ploog, and Marie Severin, Big Apple Comix broke ground in employing “mainstream” comics creators in stories featuring more sexual and real-world elements than most typical fare of the time.
Steinberg later returned to Marvel as a proofreader, and maintained a strong reputation among comics fans and professionals for the rest of her life, often contributing to histories of Marvel Comics.
Sunday afternoon, Marvel released the following statement and this tribute.
“We are incredibly saddened to hear of Flo Steinberg’s passing and send our deepest condolences to her friends and family. Flo has always been the heart of Marvel and a legend in her own right. She will be forever missed and always loved by all of us here at Marvel.”
According to Hama, a memorial for her is being put together in New York City for September or October.
This made me genuinely sad. I always wished she'd received the credit she deserved.
What credit did she deserve that she didn't get?
I think she's the only comicbook office secretary I've ever heard of, making her the most famous admin in comicbook history by a fair margin. You can bet Flo's predecessor and replacement won't get the memorials Flo has received over the last couple days.
I was foaming at the mouth. After reading and buying Journey into Mystery #120 and 121, I couldn’t find #122 anywhere. I wrote Marvel Comics a letter asking if I could buy Journey Into Mystery #122 directly from them. Weeks go by and a manilla envelope shows up saying “Dear Walt, couldn’t let you down. Hope you enjoy the issue. – Stan and the gang.” The late Flo Steinberg had written the note. I had stapled the note into the back of the issue. I still have that issue and I have the note.
One day it will be revealed that Flo actually created the 'Marvel Method', was the one who originally thought of Spider-Man, and that it was Flo who convinced Stan Lee to grow a moustache.
Users browsing this forum: Apple [Bot] and 3 guests
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot post attachments in this forum
