November 15, 2004
Harry Lampert 1916-2004

Harry Lampert, the artist who in 1940 co-created the Flash character at All-American Comics with writer Gardner Fox, died on Saturday morning, November 13 after suffering a brain hemorrhage. In a long career in comics and carooning, Lampert also worked at the Max Fleischer studio, worked in upscale magazine gag cartooning and in advertising, and drew humor comics that were sprinkled throughout many early American comic book publications.

Lampert's art provided the original Flash character a touch of cartoon whimsy that distinguished it from the supercharged pulp that drove many characters that have survived as long. His Flash ran like an Ivy League gentleman in long pants talked into in an impromptu Fancy Dress Weekend fun run, as opposed to a hard-charging, muscular sprinter. Although the art style used for the Flash character and its various re-models would change greatly over the years, a more sprightly sense of wish fulfillment represented by the idea of running very fast as opposed to striking people remained part of the character's charm for decades.
After formal retirement in 1976, Lampert pursued a passion for contract bridge that led him to become a well known instructor. He designed logos for bridge organizations and wrote books like
The Fun Way to Advanced Bridge, four books stuffed with cartoons that together sold nearly a half-million copies. The cartoonist also became a well-liked presence on the comic book convention circuit.
The writer Mark Evanier provides his usual
sterling, brief obituary, latter adding an interesting
note about the coverage of such artists and a nice-looking
photo follow-up. Lampert received a national
write-up or
two, and a
regional obituary in Florida. You might also wish to read
reactions from comics fans, an
appreciation from a comics diarist, a
review of one of his books, a
note from his having received a bridge organization's achievement award and
his entry at the Lambiek comiclopedia.
posted 8:56 am PST |
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