The oldest living Batman artist has left us…
Joe Giella, an inker whose career spanned decades, who was often billed as “the oldest living Batman artist,” and had lengthy stints on The Flash, Green Lantern and Adam Strange in Strange Adventures, has died at the age of 94, his family announced on Facebook:
The Giella family wishes for all to celebrate the incredible life of Joe Giella. Joe passed peacefully on March 21st at the age of 94.
Joe was such a special person. His presence alone would put you at ease. Even on the most difficult days, just being with him would make everything OK again.
He was so honest and sincere, so kind and gentle and so loving and proud.
He was so proud of his service for his country in the US Navy.
He was so proud of his long prolific career in comic books and comic strips.
And he was most proud of his family. To him, family was everything. Nothing made him happier than sitting around the dinner table with family and friends. Sundays and Holidays became sacred events full of laughter and great food.
Joe’s legacy in comic books and comic strips will live on. Our family wishes to thank all of his friends and fans for their support. He truly was humbled by all the attention and love he received. Thank you all and when you think of Joe please try to smile. The world needs more superheroes like Joe.
Joe Giella: June 27, 1928 – March 21, 2023
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Our deepest condolences go out to the Giella family.
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MORE ON JOE GIELLA
— 13 COVERS: A JOE GIELLA Tribute. Click here.
— PAUL KUPPERBERG: My 13 Favorite JOE GIELLA Stories. Click here.
— The Day JOE GIELLA Met BATMAN. Click here.
March 22, 2023
Sad to hear this news. I met him at a con a couple of years ago and he was a friendly, affable and appreciated meeting his fans. He was one of the definitive Batman artist and he will be missed.
March 22, 2023
He had a LOT to do with the finished look of the art on THE FLASH (Silver Age version that hooked me on super-hero comics) and other classics from DC. As I got older I realized more what an inker could do. And he was more than just an inker.
March 22, 2023
What a great talent. Many issues I can recall reading and seeing his moniker. GOD bless you, Joe.
March 22, 2023
I was fortunate to meet him a Baltimore Comic-Con a few years ago. Great guy. Got him to sign my Batman SA comic strip books & Dynamic Duo archives. He gave a great talk about his career, about the difficulty in inking Sheldon Moldoff into the “New Look” style that Julius Schwarz wanted. I later commissioned a cover re-creation of Batman 190 – one of my favorite Batman covers. RIP Joe…you will be missed.
March 22, 2023
Giving credit where credit is due, Sy Barry is actually the senior living Batman artist. Sy’s three months older than his lifelong friend Joe Giella, and inked Batman stories in WORLD’S FINEST COMICS from 1949-62.
March 22, 2023
TYPO CORRECTION: Sy inked Batman stories from 1949-52.
March 22, 2023
TYPO CORRECTION: Sy Barry inked Batman stories from 1949-52.
March 22, 2023
I loved buying/trading his comic books as a young one back in the day. I am quite certain great guy Michael Keaton would not get jealous if he heard our hero Joe Giella say:
“I’M BATMAN!” Bless the family with love, and continued support.
March 22, 2023
I’m truly sorry that we’ve lost another creator in the comic book industry. 🙁
March 22, 2023
So sorry to hear this. I had contacted Mr. Giella a while back on Facebook and he was gracious and kind. I let him know how inspired I was by his work in the Silver Age. Rest In Piece.
March 22, 2023
Joe was my favorite inker over Carmine Infantino’s and Gil Kane’s pencils. R.I.P. to a legend in the comic book field.
March 22, 2023
He was a monumental part of DC comics. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in their loss.
March 22, 2023
He and his son were very kind when I inquired about getting a sketch at Baltimore Comic Con. With his departure, how many artists that worked in the 1940s’ are still with us…? Al Jaffee, Sy Barry, Romita Sr… Ramona Fradon didn’t start until the 1950s’ I believe.
March 22, 2023
So sad to read this.
I was fortunate enough to meet Mr Giella in Denver at Comic Con and have him sign a Batman issue.
RIP LEGEND.
March 23, 2023
My recent visits to your home will forever be etched in my memory. Thank you for your gentleness and trust.Your trainer Aris…
March 23, 2023
Such a great loss to the comics world and to those around Joe. As much as I enjoyed his work on Batman and Flash, I also enjoyed his work on The Phantom with Sy Barry and others. He will be missed.