Wally Wood

Wally Wood (June 17, 1927 - November 2, 1981) was an American cartoonist, best-known for his creation of MAD Magazine.

Wallace Wood was born in Menahga, Minnesota. Wood joined the Merchant Marine in World War II despite being underaged.

Wood was never associated with any particular character, title, or genre. However, he was prolific and there was probably no comic book professional who delivered work in a wider variety of subjects. Wood worked in super-hero titles, crime stories, military stories, horror, romance, humor, science fiction, and even soft-core pornography. He drew for comic books, cartoon strips, one panels, and commercial work.

He briefly worked at Marvel Comics where his most famous work was in the early issues of Daredevil which also established the title character's distinctive red costume.

In 1966, Wood started a independent magazine Witzend. While it was essentially a fanzine, it featured professional caliber work thanks to Wood and the contributors he was able to draw. Wood used Witzend as an early forum arguing for creaters rights in the comic book business. He worked on the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents for Tower Comics at this time as well.

Wood was an alcoholic and in his latter years suffered from diabetes and several strokes. Faced with declining health and career prospects, Wood committed suicide on November 2, 1981.

Wood has been named to the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame and the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame.