Chuck Dixon

Chuck Dixon
Dixon at Tampa convention in 2007
BornCharles Dixon
(1954-04-14) April 14, 1954 (age 70)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Area(s)Writer
Notable works
Batman
Birds of Prey
Green Arrow
Nightwing
Punisher
Robin
AwardsInkpot Award 2014

Charles Dixon (born April 14, 1954)[1] is an American comic book writer, best known for his work on the Marvel Comics character the Punisher and on the DC Comics characters Batman, Nightwing, and Robin in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Early life

Dixon was born in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Upper Darby, reading comics of all genres. He is a graduate of Upper Darby High School (1972).[2]

Career

1980s

Chuck Dixon's earliest comics work was writing Evangeline for Comico Comics in 1984 and then for First Comics. Editor Larry Hama hired him to write back-up stories for Marvel Comics' Savage Sword of Conan. Writing under the name "Charles Dixon", he would eventually take over the lead feature of Conan on a semi-regular basis. He contributed stories to the Hama edited re-boot of Savage Tales highlighted by a number of western stories illustrated by John Severin.[3]

In 1986, he began working for Eclipse Comics, writing Airboy which was edited by Timothy Truman followed by Cat Yronwode for the bulk of its 50 issue run.[4] Continuing to write for both Marvel and Eclipse on these titles, as well as launching Strike! with artist Tom Lyle in August 1987 and Valkyrie with artist Paul Gulacy in October 1987, he began work on Carl Potts' Alien Legion series for Marvel's Epic Comics imprint,[5] under editor Archie Goodwin.[6] He produced a three-issue adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit for Eclipse with artist David Wenzel between 1989 and 1990, and began writing Marc Spector: Moon Knight in June 1989 for editor Potts.[7]

1990s (Punisher and Batman)

The Punisher Kingdom Gone graphic novel (August 1990) led to him working on the monthly The Punisher War Journal and later other Punisher titles, and brought him to the attention of DC Comics editor Dennis O'Neil, who asked him and Tom Lyle to produce a Robin mini-series featuring the Tim Drake incarnation. The series proved popular enough to spawn two sequels – The Joker's Wild (1991) and Cry of the Huntress (1992).[8] This led to both an ongoing monthly series[9] which Dixon wrote for 100 issues before leaving to work with CrossGen Comics, and to Dixon working on Detective Comics from #644 (May 1992)[10] to #738 (Nov. 1999) through the major Batman stories "Knightfall'"[11] and "KnightsEnd"[12] for which he helped create the key character of Bane,[13] "Contagion",[14] "Legacy",[15] "Cataclysm",[16] and "No Man's Land". Dixon and Lyle co-created the Electrocutioner in Detective Comics #644 (May 1992)[17] and Stephanie Brown in Detective Comics #647 (August 1992).[18] Much of his later run was illustrated by Graham Nolan.[19]

He was DC's most prolific Batman writer in the 1990s. In addition to writing Detective Comics he pioneered the individual series for Robin, Nightwing (which he wrote for 70 issues, and returned to briefly with 2005's #101) and Batgirl, as well as creating the team and book Birds of Prey.[20]

While writing multiple Punisher and Batman comics and October 1994's Punisher/Batman crossover, he launched Team 7 for Jim Lee's WildStorm/Image and Prophet for Rob Liefeld's Extreme Studios. He wrote many issues of Catwoman and Green Arrow, regularly having about seven titles out each month between 1993 and 1998.[21] In 1994, Dixon co-wrote the Batman-Spawn: War Devil intercompany crossover with Doug Moench and Alan Grant.[22] Dixon and Tom Grummett crafted a Secret Six one-shot (Dec. 1997) as part of the Tangent Comics imprint.[23]

2000s

CrossGen

In March 2002, Dixon turned his attention to CrossGen's output, slowly leaving Robin, Nightwing, Birds of Prey and Batgirl over the next year although he co-wrote with Scott Beatty the origin of Barbara Gordon's Batgirl in 2003's Batgirl: Year One.[24] For CrossGen he took over some of the comics of the departing Mark Waid, taking over Sigil from #21, and Crux with #13. He launched Way of the Rat in June 2002, Brath (March 2003), The Silken Ghost (June 2003) and the pirate comic El Cazador (Oct 2003),[25] as well as editing Robert Rodi's non-Sigilverse The Crossovers. He wrote the Ruse spin-off Archard's Agents one-shots in January and November 2003 and April 2004, the last released shortly before CrossGen's cancellation of all of its series. Dixon wrote a single issue of Sojourn (May 2004). Dixon's Way of the Rat #24, Brath #14 and El Cazador #6 were among the last comics released from the then-bankrupt publisher.[26]

Other publishers

In mid-2004, Dixon wrote a number of issues and series' for smaller publishers Devil's Due Publishing and Moonstone Books.[27] During this period, he returned briefly to DC but mostly worked on comics at several publishers, including several issues of Simpsons Comics for Bongo Comics, for whom he has worked quite regularly from September 1998 to the present, and a couple of projects with Image Comics. In May 2006, Dixon contributed to IDW Publishing's Free Comic Book Day Transformers giveaway, leading to him writing the Transformers: Evolutions miniseries.

Return to DC

In July 2004, Dixon began his return to the DC Universe with Richard Dragon, a revival of the 1970s kung-fu character, which ran for 12 issues.[28] In March of the following year, he returned briefly to Nightwing before shifting his efforts to the Wildstorm imprint, writing the stand-alone Claw the Unconquered (Aug 2006 – Jan 2007);[29] the movie-adaptation of Snakes on a Plane,[30] the movie-spin-off Nightmare on Elm Street,[31] and the Wildstorm Universe title Grifter/Midnighter from May 2007.[32]

In January 2007, he wrote the Connor Hawke: Dragon's Blood mini-series featuring Green Arrow's son Connor Hawke,[33] and in March 2008, Dixon returned to writing Robin. He wrote Batman and the Outsiders, a project he was signed to at the last minute, after original writer Tony Bedard dropped out due to being occupied with Final Crisis-related work.[34] On June 10, 2008, Dixon announced on his forum that he was no longer "employed by DC Comics in any capacity."[35] He nonetheless did occasional work for DC after this, including 2017's Bane: Conquest limited series,[36][37] and a special issue for Robin's 80th anniversary.[38]

After DC

It was announced in August 2008 that he would write Dynamite Entertainment's series The Man with No Name based on the Western character.[39] He wrote a G.I. Joe series for IDW Publishing.[40] In March 2009 Moonstone Books published a new Airboy one-shot written by Dixon entitled Airboy 1942: The Best of Enemies. In 2011, Dixon says he was offered a chance to do a rewrite on The Expendables 2 screenplay by Sylvester Stallone, but declined.[41]

2010s

In the late 2010s, he went to work for Vox Day's Arkhaven Comics, writing for their Alt-Hero Universe on titles such as Alt-Hero: Q and Chuck Dixon's Avalon.[citation needed]

In 2017 and 2018, Dixon wrote Zenescope's Van Helsing vs. The Werewolf and Robyn Hood: The Curse.[42][43]

2020s

In 2021, he started the Levon Cade series from Rough Edges Press.[citation needed] In 2023, it was announced that he would write the first issue of Alphacore from Rippaverse Comics, with Joe Bennett as the artist.[citation needed]

Awards

Chuck Dixon received an Inkpot Award in 2014.[44]

Bibliography

Across the Pond Studios

  • Iron Ghost #1–6 (2007)

Antarctic Press

Arkhaven Comics

  • Alt*Hero: Q #1–2
  • Chuck Dixon's Avalon #1–6

Bongo Comics

  • Simpsons Comics #42, 50, 65, 77, 92, 96, 99, 108, 115–116, 125, 131–133, 137, 140, 142–145, 147, 151, 153, 158–159, 164, 169, 173, 176–177, 181, 192, 195, 199, 205 (1999–2013)
  • Simpsons Comics Presents Bart Simpson #8, 25, 34, 41 (2002–2008)
  • The Simpsons Winter Wingding #2, 4 (2007–2009)
  • Treehouse of Horror #4 (1998)

CrossGen Comics

Dark Horse Comics

DC Comics

  • Action Comics #771 (2000)
  • Adventure Comics 80-Page Giant #1 (1998)
  • Bane: Conquest #1–12 (2017–2018)
  • Batgirl #12, 20, 30–32 (2001–2002)
  • Batgirl: Year One #1–9 (2003)
  • Batman #467–469, 560–562, 571, Annual #23 (1991–1999)
  • Batman and The Outsiders vol. 2, #1–10 (2007–2008)
  • Batman: Bane of the Demon #1–4 (1998)
  • Batman Black and White #2 (1996)
  • The Batman Chronicles #1–4, 9, 11–12 (1995–2000)
  • Batman 80-Page Giant #1, 3 (1998–2000)
  • Batman: GCPD #1–4 (1996)
  • Batman: Gordon's Law #1–4 (1996–1997)
  • Batman: Gotham Adventures #29 (2000)
  • Batman: Gotham City Secret Files #1 (2000)
  • Batman: Gotham Knights #19 (2001)
  • Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #55–57, 62, 124, 142–145, Annual #5 (1993–2001)
  • Batman: No Man's Land Secret Files #1 (1999)
  • Batman Secret Files #1 (1997)
  • Batman-Spawn: War Devil #1 (1994)
  • Batman: The Ankh #1–2 (2001)
  • Batman: The Chalice #1 (1999)
  • Batman: Vengeance of Bane Special #1 (1993)
  • Batman Villains Secret Files #1 (1998)
  • Batman/Wildcat #1–3 (1997)
  • Birds of Prey #1–46 (1999–2002)
  • Booster Gold vol. 2, #11–12 (2008)
  • Catwoman vol. 2, #12, 15–21, 25, 27–37(1994–1996)
  • Catwoman/Wildcat #1–4 (1998)
  • Claw the Unconquered vol. 2 #1–3, 5–6 (2006–2007)
  • Conjurors #1–3 (1999)
  • Connor Hawke: Dragon's Blood #1–6 (2007)
  • DCU Holiday Bash #2–3 (1998–1999)
  • DCU Villains Secret Files #1 (1999)
  • Detective Comics #0, 644–729, 738, 1,000,000, Annual #6–10 (1992–1999)
  • Green Arrow vol. 2, #83, 93–137, 1,000,000, Annual #7 (1994–1998)
  • Guy Gardner #11–16 (1993–1994)
  • Huntress vol. 2 #1–4 (1994)
  • The Joker: Last Laugh #1–6, Secret Files #1 (2001–2002)
  • Justice Riders #1 (1997)
  • Man-Bat vol. 2, #1–3 (1996)
  • Nightwing vol. 2, #1–70, 101–106, 1,000,000, 1/2 (1996–2005)
  • Nightwing 80-Page Giant #1 (2000)
  • Nightwing Secret Files #1 (1999)
  • Richard Dragon #1–12 (2004–2005)
  • Robin #1–5 (1991)
  • Robin vol. 2, #1–100, 170–174, 1,000,000, Annual #2–6 (1993–2008)
  • Robin II #1–4 (1991)
  • Robin III: Cry of the Huntress #1–6 (1992–1993)
  • Robin: Year One #1–4 (2000–2001)
  • Rush City #1–6 (2006–2007)
  • Secret Origins 80-Page Giant #1 (1998)
  • Superboy/Robin: World's Finest Three #1–2 (1996)
  • Superman: The Odyssey #1 (1999)
  • Tangent Comics/Secret Six #1 (1997)

DC Comics/Dark Horse Comics

Wildstorm Productions

Devil's Due

  • G.I. Joe: Reloaded #10–14 (2004–2005)

Eclipse Comics

  • Airboy #1–50 (1986–1989)
  • Airboy Meets the Prowler #1 (1987)
  • Airboy versus the Airmaidens #1 (1988)
  • The Airfighters Meet Sgt. Strike Special #1 (1988)
  • Airmaidens Special #1 (1987)
  • Alien Encounters #11, 13–14 (1987)
  • The Black Terror #1–3 (1989–1990)
  • The Hobbit #1–3 (1989–1990)
  • Radio Boy #1 (1987)
  • Skywolf #1–3 (1988)
  • Strike! #1–6 (1987–1988)
  • Swords of Texas #1–4 (1987–1988)
  • Tales of Terror #5–13 (1986–1987)
  • Valkyrie #1–3 (1987)
  • Valkyrie vol. 2 #1–3 (1988)
  • Winterworld #1–3 (1987–1988)

Fanatic Comics

  • Ravage: Kill all men! #1 (2020-present), writer (with Benjamin L. Henderson)

First Comics

IDW Publishing

  • G. I. Joe #0, 1–27 (2008–2011)
  • G. I. Joe vol. 2 #1–5 (2011)
  • G. I. Joe Season 2 #6–21 (2011–2013)
  • G.I. Joe: Origins #6–7, 16–18 (2009–2010)
  • G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes #1–7 (2011)
  • G.I. Joe: Special Missions #1–14 (2013–2014)
  • Snake Eyes #8–12 (2011–2012)
  • Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow #13–21 (2012–2013)
  • Winterworld #0–7 (2014–2015)
  • Winterworld-Frozen Fleet #1–3 (2015)

Marvel Comics

Epic Comics

  • Alien Legion vol. 2 #1–18 (1987–1990)
  • Alien Legion: Binary Deep #1 (1993)
  • Alien Legion: Jugger Grimrod #1 (1992)
  • Alien Legion: On the Edge #1–3 (1990–1991)
  • Alien Legion: One Planet at a Time #1–3 (1993)
  • Car Warriors #1–4 (1991)
  • Lawdog #1–7 (1993)

Marvel Comics/DC Comics

Moonstone Books

  • Airboy 1942: Best of Enemies #1 (2009)
  • The Phantom #9–10, Annual #1 (2006–2007)

Regnery Publishing

  • Clinton Cash: A Graphic Novel (2016)

Rippaverse Comics

  • Alphacore #1 (2023)
  • Horseman #1 (2024)

Semic Press

Swedish publisher

  • Chuck Riley (published in the Agent X9 comic book in 1990-92)
  • The Vanishers (published in the Fantomen comic book in 1992)

Tor Books

Zenescope Entertainment

  • Van Helsing vs The Werewolf #1–6 (2017)
  • Robyn Hood: The Curse #1–6 (2018)
  • Van Helsing: Sword of Heaven #1-6 (2019)
  • Robyn Hood: Justice #1-6 (2020)

References

  1. ^ Miller, John Jackson (June 10, 2005). "Comics Industry Birthdays". Comics Buyer's Guide. Iola, Wisconsin. Archived from the original on February 18, 2011. Retrieved December 12, 2010.
  2. ^ Maida, Jerome (November 13, 2017). "Chuck Dixon is now the most prolific comic book writer of all time". PhillyVoice. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  3. ^ Bowers, Chad (March 18, 2013). "G.I. JOEversity: Chuck Dixon Looks Back; Looks Forward to G.I. Joe: Special Missions [Interview]". Multiversity Comics. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  4. ^ Dueben, Alex (February 24, 2014). "Chuck Dixon & Tim Truman Book A Return Flight with "Airboy"". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  5. ^ Keily, Karl (July 1, 2014). "Dixon on "Alien Legion: Uncivil War," Politics in Superhero Comics". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  6. ^ Ritter, Jeff (June 18, 2014). "Carl Potts on Alien Legion: Uncivil War". Critical Blast. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  7. ^ Buxton, Marc (August 25, 2019). "Moon Knight: The History of Marvel's Next TV Star". Den of Geek. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  8. ^ Manning, Matthew K.; Dolan, Hannah, ed. (2010). "1990s". DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 248. ISBN 978-0-7566-6742-9. When writer Chuck Dixon, artist Tom Lyle, and cover artist Brian Bolland presented the premier issue of the first Robin miniseries, the title was an instant hit, spawning two sequel miniseries and an ongoing series. {{cite book}}: |first2= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 261: "[Robin] embarked on a solo career, with the help of writer Chuck Dixon and artist Tom Grummett."
  10. ^ Manning, Matthew K.; Dougall, Alastair, ed. (2014). "1990s". Batman: A Visual History. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 195. ISBN 978-1465424563. Chuck Dixon became the new writer on Detective Comics, starting with this issue with the help of the pencils of Tom Lyle and the inks of Scott Hanna. {{cite book}}: |first2= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 259: "'Knightfall' was a nineteen-part crossover event that passed through the pages of...Detective Comics, written by Chuck Dixon and illustrated by Norm Breyfogle, Jim Balent, and Graham Nolan."
  12. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 265
  13. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dougall, p. 200: Batman: Vengeance of Bane Special #1 "[Bane's] harrowing origin story was detailed in this special 64-page one-shot by writer Chuck Dixon and artist Graham Nolan."
  14. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 272: "In the latest crossover to shake up Batman's universe, a manufactured virus nicknamed 'the Clench' was unleashed on the public of Gotham City...by writers Alan Grant, Chuck Dixon, Denny O'Neil, and Doug Moench."
  15. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 274
  16. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 283: "The seventeen-part 'Cataclysm' storyline showed a Gotham City devastated by an earthquake. It was written by Alan Grant, Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, Dennis O'Neil, [and others]."
  17. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dougall, p. 195
  18. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dougall, p. 196
  19. ^ Ching, Albert (February 15, 2017). "EXCLUSIVE: Dixon & Nolan Return to Bane for New DC Series". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  20. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 286: "Oracle and Black Canary were finally rewarded with their own ongoing series by scripter Chuck Dixon and penciller Greg Land."
  21. ^ Chuck Dixon at the Grand Comics Database
  22. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 267: "Fans were also treated to a companion special entitled Batman-Spawn...by writers Doug Moench, Chuck Dixon, and Alan Grant, and artist Klaus Janson."
  23. ^ Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 281: "The Secret Six found their own monthly one-shot title written by Chuck Dixon and drawn by Tom Grummett."
  24. ^ Cowsill, Alan "2000s" in Dolan, p. 309: "Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon came together to pen the story of Barbara Gordon's first year as Batgirl."
  25. ^ "CrossGen's plans for Wizard World East". Comic Book Resources. May 28, 2003. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  26. ^ Arrant, Chris (December 22, 2011). "Comics' Most Notorious No-Shows, Part 1". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  27. ^ G., Lori (October 19, 2006). "Marz, Dixon, Bedard, Nieves & Bullock talk The Phantom Annual". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on September 3, 2017.
  28. ^ Burks, Robin (October 16, 2017). "Arrow: 15 Things You Didn't Know About Richard Dragon". Screen Rant. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  29. ^ "DC Previews: "Claw The Unconquered," "Megatokyo" & "Sloth"". Comic Book Resources. March 21, 2006. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  30. ^ Weiland, Johan (June 14, 2006). "Wildstorm/Chuck Dixon do "Snakes On A Plane" Comic". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved May 11, 2009.
  31. ^ Cowsill "2000s" in Dolan, p. 327: "Chuck Dixon's script and Kevin J. West's pencils helped to create a suitably nightmarish start for Freddy's latest incarnation."
  32. ^ "DC Previews: "Grifter/Midnighter," "Y: The Last Man," "Teen Titans" And More". Comic Book Resources. December 20, 2006. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  33. ^ Wizard #177
  34. ^ Renaud, Jeffrey (November 13, 2007). "Dixon Shakes Up "Outsiders" Right Off the Bat". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved January 19, 2009.
  35. ^ Dixon, Chuck (June 10, 2008). "Dixonverse Message Board". Dixonverse. Archived from the original on July 3, 2008. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  36. ^ Ching, Albert (February 15, 2017). "Exclusive: Dixon & Nolan Return to Bane for New DC Series". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on February 17, 2017. Writer Chuck Dixon and artist Graham Nolan, two of the most prominent Batman creators of the 1990s, will return to their creation in DC Comics' upcoming 12-issue series Bane: Conquest, scheduled to debut in May [2017].
  37. ^ Collins, Elle (February 16, 2017). "Chuck Dixon And Graham Nolan Return To A Villain They Created In Bane: Conquest". ComicsAlliance. Archived from the original on July 23, 2017. Bane is getting his own twelve-issue series, by two of his co-creators. Chuck Dixon and Graham Nolan, who are writing and drawing Bane: Conquest.
  38. ^ "Robin Celebrates His Anniversary in the "Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular"". Multiversity Comics. December 13, 2019. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  39. ^ Brady, Matt (August 20, 2008). "Chuck Dixon to Write The Man With No Name". Newsarama. Archived from the original on February 19, 2014. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  40. ^ Jensen, Van (September 8, 2008). "Chuck Dixon Writes G.I. Joe for IDW". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on July 17, 2013. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  41. ^ "Q&A with Chuck Dixon". Dangapotamus.com. July 1, 2013. Archived from the original on September 29, 2013.
  42. ^ Bennett, Jason (May 11, 2017). "Writer Chuck Dixon Comes to Zenescope for VAN HELSING vs. THE WEREWOLF". PopCultHQ. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
  43. ^ Winchester, Joshua (December 2, 2017). "[Interview] Writer Chuck Dixon of ROBYN HOOD: THE CURSE from Zenescope Entertainment". PopCultHQ. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
  44. ^ "Inkpot Award". San Diego Comic-Con. 2016. Archived from the original on January 29, 2017.
Preceded by The Savage Sword of Conan writer
1985–1991
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Alan Zelenetz
(Moon Knight vol. 2)
Marc Spector: Moon Knight writer
1989–1991
Succeeded by
Preceded by
n/a
Robin writer
1991–2002
Succeeded by
Preceded by The 'Nam writer
1991–1992
Succeeded by
Preceded by The Punisher War Journal writer
1992–1995
Succeeded by
Preceded by
n/a
The Punisher War Zone writer
1992–1993
Succeeded by
Preceded by Detective Comics writer
1992–1999
Succeeded by
Preceded by Guy Gardner: Warrior writer
1993–1994
Succeeded by
Preceded by Hawkeye writer
1994
Succeeded by
Preceded by The Punisher writer
1994–1995
Succeeded by
Preceded by The Punisher War Zone writer
1994–1995
Succeeded by
Preceded by Catwoman writer
1994–1996
Succeeded by
Preceded by Green Arrow writer
1995–1998
Succeeded by
Preceded by Nightwing writer
1996–2002
Succeeded by
Preceded by
n/a
Birds of Prey writer
1999–2002
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Devin Grayson
Nightwing writer
2005
(with Scott Beatty)
Succeeded by
Devin Grayson
Preceded by
Judd Winick
(Outsiders vol. 3)
Batman and the Outsiders writer
2007–2008
Succeeded by
Preceded by Robin writer
2008
Succeeded by
Fabian Nicieza