Richard Howell (born November 16,[1] 1955[2]) is an American comics artist best known as the co-founder and editor of Claypool Comics.
Richard Howell entered the comics industry in 1977 with his self-published series Portia Prinz of the Glamazons.[3]
Beginning in 1980, he and his partner Carol Kalish co-edited the New Media/Irjax line of magazines. They also ran the New Media/Irjax-owned Boston-area distributor Solar Spice and Liquors,[4] named after a fictional corporation created by
Howell began working for Marvel Comics in 1982[2] and DC Comics in 1983.[6] Writer Tony Isabella and Howell produced The Shadow War of Hawkman limited series in 1985[7] and an ongoing Hawkman series the following year.[8] Howell and writer Steve Englehart crafted a twelve-issue The Vision and the Scarlet Witch limited series in 1985-1986, wherein the Scarlet Witch became pregnant.[9]
With co-editor Jesse Reyes, he relaunched the Vampirella character at Harris Comics and co-founded Claypool Comics with Ed Via in 1993. Howell served as editor of Claypool's line throughout its existence.[10]
Claypool announced in July 2006 that the print end of its published line would cease, as Diamond Comic Distributors, the industry's major distribution arm, would no longer carry it. Deadbeats continues as a webcomic at the Claypool Comics website.[11]
Howell and Carol Kalish were longtime residents of Leonia, New Jersey.[12]
