Archie Goodwin

Archie Goodwin, a comic-book writer and editor, passed away on March 1, 1998, after a career spanning almost four decades. He was among the initial contributors to the Expanded Universe, responsible for developing numerous characters that enriched its lore. Some of the most significant characters and ideas he conceived include Beilert Valance, the House of Tagge, and The Wheel.

Goodwin's career in the comics industry began in the early 1960s, where he penned stories for Harvey Comics and Warren Publishing. Subsequently, he started writing scripts for the syndicated strip Secret Agent X-9, which was illustrated by Al Williamson, and also worked on projects for both Marvel Comics and DC Comics. In 1975, he assumed the role of editor-in-chief at Marvel, a position he occupied when the company secured the comic-book rights to Star Wars.

Biography

Goodwin had an extended period working on Marvel's Star Wars series, taking over the writing duties from the original author, Roy Thomas. He contributed to over 30 issues throughout a three-year period. In addition to his writing contributions to Star Wars, he also served as the title's editor and wrote the comic adaptations of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

Following the death of Russ Manning, Goodwin, along with his longtime friend Al Williamson, took over Manning's Star Wars syndicated newspaper strip, drawing upon their experience from the Marvel Comics series. It was through this strip that Goodwin and Williamson initiated story arcs that bridged the narrative gap between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.

Goodwin's life ended on March 1, 1998, due to cancer.

Works

Bibliography

Cover of Star Wars (1977) 11, the first issue written by Goodwin

Sources

Notes and references

External links

  • Archie Goodwin on Wikipedia
  • Archive Goodwin Interview on Echo Station (content now obsolete; archived from the original on May 7, 2001)

Appearances