Who is Comic Artist Jim Starlin?

Jim Starlin is a comic artist and writer whose work on Batman, Captain Marvel, and the Infinity Gauntlet limited series has cemented him into the canon of both the DC and Marvel universes. His flexibility in writing, illustrating, inking, and coloring makes him one of the most in-demand creatives in the comic industry. He’s been given numerous awards and recognition from both critics and fans and still enjoys a large popular following to this day -- namely, because he’s created some of the most iconic comic characters of the late 20th century.

What is Comic Artist Jim Starlin Famous For?

Jim Starlin is perhaps best known for creating villains and ne’er do well antiheroes. Two of these personalities included Thanos and Drax the Destroyer. These two characters originally appeared in three issues of Iron Man, but quickly became mainstays in the Marvel Universe, ultimately culminating in Thanos as the main villain in the Infinity Gauntlet saga.

Many fans also recognize those names from The Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers: Endgame movies -- tent pole franchises in the MCU. Starlin also was given the OK to create a one-shot comic called The Death of Captain Marvel, which killed off the titular character. It was the first graphic novel published by Marvel.

He also wrote for DC, including the iconic Batman storyline Ten Nights of the Beast, which introduced another one of his classic villains, KGBeast and the decade-defining Batman: A Death in the Family, which featured the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin.

How Did Jim Starlin Get Started?
Originally a Navy aviation photographer in Vietnam, Starlin spent his off-hours creating comics that he then submitted to various comic publishers. Upon discharge, Starlin almost immediately sold two stories to DC comics. There would be a lull for a few years, but eventually, Starlin would work on Marvel mainstay comics like The Amazing Spider-Man and Iron Man. The latter of these would give Starlin license to create some of his most famed villains and anti-heroes including Thanos and Drax the Destroyer.

What Comics Did Jim Starlin Illustrate and Write?
Starlin drew for Iron Man, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Captain Marvel. The last of these gave Starlin full responsibility as a plotter, which allowed him to add Thanos into multiple titles. His Thanos saga would eventually span multiple limited series and involve virtually the entire marvel universe. He also created Shang Chi, the Master of Kung Fu. His use of death and suicide in his comics gave his pieces a realistic and dark bent. His work for Ghost Rider in the 1980s featured Warlock committing suicide and other intense plot points.

What Comic Characters Did Jim Starlin Create?
Starlin helped create some of the best villains of the 1980s and 1990s. Starting in the 1970s with Thanos, Drax, and Gamora for Marvel, Starlin wouldn’t rest on his laurels. He created the supervillain Mongul, KGBeast, and helped re-popularize Adam Warlock. He is one of the greatest writers/illustrators of the late twentieth century and many of his ideas, stories, and characters, are still popular with critics and fans around the world.

What Comic Book Publishers Did Jim Starlin Work For?
Jim Starlin created great work for Marvel Comics, DC, and many other smaller publishers. He continues to write to this day, although an accident in 2016 doesn’t allow him to illustrate anymore. He recently was inducted into the Eisner Award Hall of Fame for his work for both Marvel and DC.