Elliot S. Maggin
Elliot S. Maggin | |
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Democratic | |
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Website | elliot |
Elliot S. Maggin, also spelled Elliot S! Maggin (born 1950),
He has been active with the
Career
DC Comics
Maggin started working as a professional writer in his teens, selling historical stories about the Boer War to a boys' magazine. He attended Brandeis University, where he wrote a term paper titled "What Can One Man Do?" for a class during his junior year.[4][5] When it received a grade of B−, Maggin disagreed with the assessment, remade it as a comic book script, and sent his script to DC Comics.[4] It was passed around the DC offices, and Neal Adams chose to draw the script.[4] The story was published in Green Lantern #87 (Dec. 1971-Jan. 1972).[6] Green Lantern editor Julius Schwartz commented that "I’ve been a comix editor for over 27 years and never... have I ever come across a ‘first-time’ script... that can come within a light-year of equaling ‘What Can One Man Do?’ in professional slickness and comix know-how. ... Indeed, to equalize this thrilling experience, I must go back three decades when, as a literary agent, I sold the very first story of a young Ray Bradbury!"[7] Though the initial grade was not amended, Maggin became a writer for DC.
During Maggin's time at Brandeis, he befriended the university's vice-president, meeting his family.[8] During one of the meetings, the vice-president's stepson (and future comic book writer) Jeph Loeb suggested a story that would eventually be called "Must There Be a Superman?".[4] Maggin used the idea, which became his initial foray into the Superman franchise,[8] and it was published in Superman #247 (Jan. 1972).[6] He wrote Green Arrow stories as well, where his sense of humor was allowed far more freedom in the loose dialogue of the main character.[9]
Superman #300 (June 1976) featured an out-of-
Maggin wrote Superman #400 (Oct. 1984) which featured work by several popular comics artists including the only major DC work by
Maggin served as an editor for DC from 1989 to 1991 and oversaw the licensed
Origin of professional name
Because comic book scripts tend to favor the exclamation mark as the punctuation of choice, Maggin routinely used it instead of a period. Out of habit, he once signed his own name "Elliot S! Maggin" and editor Julius Schwartz liked the distinctive rhythm of the name, insisting that Maggin's name henceforth be written that way.[5] Explaining in an interview:
I got into the habit of putting exclamation marks at the end of sentences instead of periods because reproduction on pulp paper was so lousy. So once, by accident, when I signed a script I put the exclamation point after my 'S' because I was just used to going to that end of the typewriter at the time. And Julie saw it, and before he told me, he goes into the production room and issues a general order that any mention of Elliot Maggin's name will be punctuated with an exclamation mark rather than a period from now on until eternity.[20]
Beyond comic books
In addition to the hundreds of stories Maggin wrote for the DC comics universe, he has written television scripts, stories for film, animation and journalistic pieces. Many of them have continued to show his allegiance to comic book characters. He wrote two Superman novels,
Besides his work in comics, he has received compensation for raising horses, skiing instruction, teaching at various high schools and colleges, writing stories for Atari video games, and working on websites. As of 2008, he had worked for several years as a developmental learning consultant for Kaiser Permanente.[1]
Politics
In 1984, Maggin first ran for political office as a candidate for the
Maggin was the Democratic nominee for a seat in the New York State Assembly in 1990. He was defeated by the Republican incumbent.[25]
On May 21, 2007, Maggin announced[26] that he would be running for the 2008 Democratic party nomination for California's 24th congressional district seat. On February 1, 2008, Maggin posted on the main page of his website that he had decided not to run after all,[27] effectively ending his 2008 campaign. In an essay written the following day, he cited principally financial reasons for his withdrawal.[28] It appears that at no point during this campaign did he ever officially file with the Federal Election Commission.[29]
Maggin's campaign received the endorsement of fellow comics writer Tony Isabella.[30]
Electoral history
New Hampshire District 2 September 11, 1984 Democratic primary election result[23]
Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Larry Converse | 5,936 | 41.59% |
Elliot S. Maggin | 4,710 | 33.00% |
Carmen C. Chimento | 3,554 | 24.90% |
Judd A. Gregg[Note 1] | 74 | 0.52% |
New York State Assembly District 19 November 6, 1990
Candidate (Party) | Votes | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Charles J. O'Shea (R) | 18,645 | 60.65% |
Elliot S. Maggin (D) | 10,373 | 33.74% |
Edward J. Brennan (Right to Life) | 1,722 | 5.60% |
E-publishing
Several of his works of fiction are available exclusively online, including the short story Luthor's Gift and the novella Starwinds Howl, both of which take place in his Superman continuity. He has presented a novel-in-progress, Lancer, on his personal website.[31]
He also set up a podcast called "Elliot Makes Stuff Up", where he did audiobook readings of his Superman novels.[32]
Personal life
In 1983, Maggin married Pamela King. The two subsequently divorced in 1988, though they re-married three years later in 1991. They were divorced again in 2011.[2] The couple has two children together, Sarah and Jeremy Maggin.
Comic book appearances
Maggin is himself a character in the
Awards
Maggin received an
Bibliography
Comic books
Continuity Comics
- Revengers Trade Issue #1 (1992)
DC Comics
- Action Comics #420–421, 424–431, 433–437, 440–441, 443–452, 455–460, 568, 571 (1973–1985)
- Action Comics Weekly #642 (1989)
- Batman #244–245, 248–250, 252, 254 (Robin backup stories) (1972–1974)
- Batman Family #1, 3–7 (1975–1976)
- Batman: The Blue, the Grey, and the Bat #1 (1993)
- Blackhawk Annual #1 (1989)
- DC Challenge #6 (1986)
- DC Comics Presents #87, Annual #2, 4 (1983–1985)
- DC Comics Presents: Mystery in Space #1 (Adam Strange) (2004)
- DC Graphic Novel #1 (Atari Force) (1983)
- Detective Comics #432, 436, 449–450, 455–456, 458 (1973–1976)
- Green Lantern #87, 100 (1971–1978)
- Green Lantern Corps Quarterly #5 (1993)
- Heroes Against Hunger #1 (1986)
- JLA 80-Page Giant #1 (1998)
- The Joker #4, 7–9 (1975–1976)
- Justice League International Quarterly #8–9 (1992)
- Justice League of America #117–119, 123–124 (1975)
- Kamandi, the Last Boy on Earth #49 (1977)
- Plastic Man #14 (1976)
- Speedy); #50 (Johnny Thunder) (1989–1990)
- Secrets of Haunted House #24 (1980)
- The Shadow Strikes #20 (1991)
- Shazam #2–6, 9–13, 16, 18–20 (1973–1975)
- Showcase '93 #8 (1993)
- Starfire #3–5 (1976–1977)
- Strange Sports Stories #3, 6 (1974)
- Superman #247, 251, 257, 260, 262–268, 270–271, 273–277, 279–280, 282–283, 285–287, 290, 292–293, 295–300, 302, 376, 390–392, 394–395, 400, 411, 414, 416–417, 419–420, Annual #9–10 (1972–1986)
- The Superman Family #165, 168, 171, 174, 177 (Supergirl) (1974–1976)
- Tarzan Family #66 (1976)
- Time Warp #5 (1980)
- Total Recall #1 (1990)
- The Unexpected #208 (1981)
- Unknown Soldier #219 (1978)
- Welcome Back, Kotter #1–2 (1976–1977)
- Wonder Woman #214, 216–217, 225 (1974–1976)
- World's Finest Comics #210, 213, 255 (1972–1979)
Marvel Comics
- Generation X '97 #1 (1997)
- The Incredible Hulk #230 (1978)
- Marvel Classics Comics #26 (The Iliad) (1977)
- The Spectacular Spider-Man #16 (1978)
Novels
- ISBN 978-0446823197
- ISBN 978-0446911962
- ISBN 978-1572972230
- ISBN 978-0446522342
Television credits
- Batman: The Animated Series (1992)
- X-Men: The Animated Series (1993)
- Spider-Man (1996)
Notes
- ^ Gregg was the Republican Party nominee in the general election but appeared on the ballot in the Democratic primary as well.
References
- ^ a b Maggin, Elliot S. "A Quick Bio of Elliot S! Maggin". Archived from the original on November 21, 2008. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
- ^ a b Bachand, Bruce (August 1998). "Interview: Elliot S! Maggin". Fanzing.com. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
- ^ Jerry, Bails; Ware, Hames. "Maggin, Elliot". Who's Who in American Comics. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved June 29, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e Callahan, Timothy (September 4, 2008). "Elliot S! Maggin's Noble Humanity". When Words Collide. Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on November 15, 2008. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
- ^ a b Eury, Michael, ed. (February 2013). "A Super Salute to Elliot S! Maggin". Back Issue! (62). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 20–21.
- ^ a b c d e Elliot S. Maggin at the Grand Comics Database
- ^ Wells, John (December 2010). "Green Lantern/Green Arrow: And Through Them Change an Industry". Back Issue! (45). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 39–54.
- ^ a b Cronin, Brian (September 29, 2005). "Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #18!". Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
- ^ Kingman, Jim (May 2013). "The Ballad of Ollie and Dinah". Back Issue! (64). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 13–14.
Green Arrow was the character with whom I most identified.
- ^ Stroud, Bryan D. (December 2013). "Superman #300". Back Issue! (69). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 31–33.
- ISBN 978-0-7566-6742-9.
DC launched Batman Family with its memorable debut of the Batgirl-Robin team. Scribe Elliot S! Maggin and artist Mike Grell unleashed 'The Invader From Hell'.
- ^ McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 171: "The first issue [was] written by Elliot S! Maggin with spot-on likenesses rendered by Jack Sparling."
- ^ Manning, Matthew K. "1980s" in Dolan, p. 209 "The Man of Steel celebrated his 400th issue in star-studded fashion with the help of some of the comic industry's best and brightest. Written by Elliot S! Maggin and featuring a cover by Howard Chaykin, the extra-long issue featured the art of Frank Miller, Brian Bolland, and Moebius, among others. The issue also featured a visionary tale written and drawn by Jim Steranko, and an introduction by famous science-fiction author Ray Bradbury."
- ^ Addiego, Frankie (December 2013). "Superman #400". Back Issue! (69). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 68–70.
- ^ Manning "1980s" in Dolan, p. 215: "Superboy made his innocent debut in the pages of [DC Comics Presents #87], written by Elliot S! Maggin and illustrated by Curt Swan."
- ^ Cronin, Brian (October 19, 2005). "Chat Transcript: Elliot S! Maggin". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on June 17, 2011. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
- ISBN 1893905616.
- ^ Greenberger, Robert (August 2017). "It Sounded Like a Good Idea at the Time: A Look at the DC Challenge!". Back Issue! (98). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 39.
- ^ Elliot S. Maggin (editor) at the Grand Comics Database
- ^ Galdieri, Chris (December 19, 1997). "Elliot S! Maggin Seduces the Innocent". Archived from the original on May 25, 2012. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
- ISBN 978-0446823197.
- ISBN 978-0446911962.
- ^ a b "NH District 2 – D Primary". Our Campaigns. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved March 13, 2012.
- ^ "FEC v. Maggin for Congress Committee". FEC Record. Federal Election Commission. November 1993. Archived from the original on June 28, 2011. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
- ^ a b "NY Assembly 19". Our Campaigns. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 13, 2012.
- ^ Maggin, Elliot S. (May 21, 2007). "To My Pop Cultural Brethren". Maggin.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2008. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
- ^ Elliot's Universe Archived 2008-08-21 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Maggin, Elliot S! "Life Intervenes" 2 February 2008". Archived from the original on October 3, 2011. Retrieved April 3, 2008.
- ^ "Summary Reports Search Results – 2007–2008 Cycle". Federal Election Commission. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
- ^ Isabella, Tony (August 5, 2007). "Elliot S! Maggin For Congress". Tony's Other Online Tips. Comics Buyer's Guide. Archived from the original on September 25, 2010. Retrieved March 13, 2012.
- ^ Stroud, Bryan (March 31, 2009). "Elliot S. Maggin Interview". The Silver Age Sage. Archived from the original on September 1, 2012.
- ^ "Elliot Makes Stuff Up".
- ^ Bates, Cary; Maggin, Elliot S. (w), Dillin, Dick (p), McLaughlin, Frank (i). "Where on Earth Am I?" Justice League of America, no. 123 (October 1975). DC Comics.
- ^ Bates, Cary; Maggin, Elliot S. (w), Dillin, Dick (p), McLaughlin, Frank (i). "Avenging Ghosts of the Justice Society!" Justice League of America, no. 124 (November 1975). DC Comics.
- ^ Johns, Geoff; Morrison, Grant; Rucka, Greg; Waid, Mark (w), Giffen, Keith; Jimenez, Phil (p), Lanning, Andy (i). "Just Imagine" 52, no. 24 (October 18, 2006). DC Comics.
- San Diego Comic-Con International. 2013. Archivedfrom the original on May 8, 2015.
- ^ "Elliot S! Maggin, Richard E. Hughes to Receive 2016 Bill Finger Award". San Diego Comic-Con International. 2016. Archived from the original on February 15, 2017. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
External links
- Elliot S. Maggin at IMDb
- Elliot S. Maggin at Mike's Amazing World of DC Comics
- Elliot S. Maggin at Our Campaigns
- Elliot S. Maggin at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators