Publisher:
Charlton Comics (1973–1975), First Comics (1983–1986),
Comico (1989–1990), Alpha Productions (1993–1994), Digital Webbing (2006–2008)
Charlton Comics (1973–1975), First Comics (1983–1986),
Comico (1989–1990), Alpha Productions (1993–1994), Digital Webbing (2006–2008)
First appearance E-Man #1 (1973)
Medium: Comic books
Originally published by: Charlton Comics
First Appeared: 1973
Creators: Nicola Cuti (writer) and Joe Staton (artist)
E-Man is a comic-book character, a superhero created by writer Nicola Cuti and artist Joe Staton for the American company Charlton Comics in 1973.
Though the character's original series was short-lived, the lightly humorous hero has become a cult-classic sporadically revived by various independent comics publishers. Ownership of the character has changed hands over the years, moving from the original publisher to the character's creators.ublication history
Though the character's original series was short-lived, the lightly humorous hero has become a cult-classic sporadically revived by various independent comics publishers. Ownership of the character has changed hands over the years, moving from the original publisher to the character's creators.ublication history
After editor Dick Giordano left the Derby, Connecticut-based Charlton Comics, in 1968,¡ the publisher ended its superhero line. A later editor, George Wildman, persuaded the publisher to try superheroes again, leading writer Nicola Cuti and artist Joe Staton to devise E-Man.
Cuti said in the 2000s that his inspirations included the Golden Age of Comics superhero Plastic Man, and that he wanted to create a similarly fun and whimsical character. Cuti also admired Albert Einstein and his formula, E=mc2. He conceived a character who was caught in a factory explosion and became an energy being that could take any form of matter. When he shared this idea with artist Joe Staton, Staton felt the origin was too similar to that of Charlton's Captain Atom and the atomic-accident origins that had often been used by Marvel Comics writer-editor Stan Lee. Inspired by the works of Arthur C. Clarke, Cuti created a new origin that made E-Man a packet of sentient energy created as a star went nova.
Cuti asked Staton to design the costume, only requiring that the character not wear a cape and that the formula E=mc2 be his chest emblem. Staton based E-Man's face on that of actor Roger Moore, making him appear heroic but somewhat generic.[6] When Staton delivered his design to Cuti, Cuti colored it with yellows and oranges to differentiate it from the reds and blues so frequently in other superhero costumes.
E-Man took a light whimsical tone to differentiate itself from super hero comics at Marvel and DC. Cuti enjoyed scripting wisecracking banter between E-Man and his girlfriend, Nova Kane, inspired by movies like The Thin Man and Mr. and Mrs. North. However, he did not intend to spoof superhero comics. He wanted to present serious situations that the characters could make light of.[3] Inspired by the work of Wally Wood in MAD magazine, Staton would insert sight gags into each issue.
Cuti promoted E-Man in advance of the first issue by sending letters to assorted fanzines, such as Rocket's Blast ComiCollector[8] and The Comic Reader,[9] with a photostat illustration of the titular hero. The letter announced Charlton's re-entrance into the superhero genre and promised that one-third of each issue would feature a new superhero,[8][9] an idea suggested by Wildman to try out new superhero properties.[10]
Charlton Comics
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| Cover #01 |
E-Man first appeared in E-Man #1, cover-dated October 1973, on a bi-monthly publishing schedule. The series ran for 10 issues until cover date September 1975.[12] Cuti suggested the title "E-Mail,"[13] for the series' letter column, a term not yet in prolific use.[5] The last four issues, along with other Charlton titles, featured painted covers after Charlton began working with a Texas company that could do painted color separations cheaper than Charlton could do hand separations.
Due to a nationwide paper shortage caused by a Canadian paper mill strike,[15] six months passed between issues #2 and #3. This gave Cuti and Staton time to push other material back and produce a story titled, "The Energy Crisis,"[16] a social commentary on the 1973 oil crisis. This gap in publication also gave Staton the opportunity to refine the title's art style, making it darker and conveying more mood
E-Man was Charlton's lowest selling title on newsstands, but was the company's best selling subscription. When Wildman told Cuti that the title was to be cancelled after issue #10, he explained that the publisher only allowed it to continue publication to that point out of loyalty to Cuti.[2][3][7] CPL Gang publisher Bob Layton agreed to publish E-Man stories in the fanzine Charlton Bullseye,[17] but only a single story saw print, "...And Why the Sea Is Boiling Hot" in issue #4 of that title.
Steve Ditko's "Killjoy", a two-issue backup feature
Each issue of E-Man featured a backup story, with the single exception of issue #8.
"The Knight", by Cuti and artist Tom Sutton appeared in the first issue, starring a superspy agent of C.H.E.S.S.[19]
"The Dragon Killer", by writer Joe Gill and artist Wayne Howard, appeared in issue #3, which featured Travis, a time travelling youngster.[20]
"Killjoy", written and illustrated by Steve Ditko, appeared in issues #2 and #4, expressing a similar tone and philosophy as another Ditko creation, Mr. A.[21] The stories featured a silent but frenetic hero battling criminals who protested that Killjoy's constant interruption of their crimes was a violation of their rights.
"Liberty Belle", by artist Joe Gill and artist Steve Ditko, was featured in issue #5.[24] The character was to be the company's "women's libber."[25] Artists Mike Vosburg and Dan Adkins worked on the character's development, but were replaced by Ditko.
"Rog-2000" was featured in issues #6,[26] #7,[27] #9[28] and #10,[29] written by Cuti with artist John Byrne making his professional comics debut.[10] Rog-2000 was the most popular of the back-up features[3] and Byrne had several ideas to expand the character into its own title.[30] Staton and Byrne formed a friendly rivalry during the feature's run, with each of them inserting jabs at each other in sight gags inserted into the art.
A supporting character, the grubby but right-hearted detective Michael Mauser, got his own backup series in Charlton's Vengeance Squad. In 1977, six issues were reprinted under the Modern Comics label for sale as bagged sets in discount department stores such as North America.
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Cover #10
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E-Man
Charlton, 1973 Series
Published in English (United States) United States
Publication Dates: October 1973 - September 1975
Number of Issues Published: (#1 - #10)
Color: Color
Dimensions: Standard Modern Age US
Paper Stock: Glossy Cover; Newsprint Interior
Binding: Saddle-stitched
Publishing Format: Was ongoing
Publication Type: magazine
Pages: 36 Indicia Frequency:bi-monthly
Authors:
Script:
Nicola Cuti, Steve Ditko
Pencils and Inks:
Joe Staton, Steve Ditko, John Byrne,
Colors:
Wendy Fiore ?
Letters:
Joe Staton (letters and logo design),
Charlotte Jetter, John Byrne,
E-Man #01 - #10⇲⇲
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