Best known as one of Marvel’s original bullpen members and an independent comics pioneer, Flo Steinberg has passed away Sunday morning. According to Larry Hama, who reported her death on his Facebook page.
I am grieved to report that ‘Fabulous’ Flo Steinberg passed away this morning after complications from a brain aneurism and metastatic lung cancer. She will be interred at the Jewish cemetery in Kerhonkson NY. We are making plans for a memorial in September or October. I will update on this page.
Steinberg’s career in comics began in the 1960s as Marvel’s only employee besides Stan Lee. She was the company’s first receptionist, answered letters, managed the Merry Marvel Merry Marvel Marching Society, and making sure the company ran smoothly. She is considered one of the key people in growing Marvel into one of “the big two” in comic book publishing. And many times, she has been featured in comics along with the Marvel Bullpen as herself.
She eventually left Marvel. After a short break from the comics industry, she returned to New York City to help run Captain Company, the mail-order division of the horror-comics magazine firm, Warren Publishing.
From here she published her own creation, Big Apple Comix in the 1970s. The revolutionary anthology comic allowed mainstream comic creators, like Neal Adams, Denny O’Neill, Archie Goodwin, and Wally Wood to produce alternative stories. It was considered to be one one of the pioneering comics that bridged the gap between underground and independent publishing. Critic Ken Jones, in a 1986 retrospective review, suggested that Big Apple Comix and Mark Evanier’s High Adventure may have been “the first true alternative comics”.
In later years, Steinberg returned to Marvel as a proofreader and made several convention appearances.
Marvel Comics released a statement on their website:
“We are incredibly saddened to hear of Flo Steinberg’s passing and send our deepest condolences to her friends and family. Flo has always been the heart of Marvel and a legend in her own right. She will be forever missed and always loved by all of us here at Marvel.”
Many in the comics community expressed their feelings online upon news of her death.
Collen Doran, writer/artist, including the Amazing Fantastic Incredible Stan Lee.
Goodbye, Flo Steinberg. pic.twitter.com/clMO5B0OI7
— Colleen Doran (@ColleenDoran) July 23, 2017
Tom Brevoort, editor, Marvel Comics.
Absolutely gutted to hear about the passing of the First Lady of Marvel, Flo Steinberg. A fine person. pic.twitter.com/9QVKkeoLhD
— Tom Brevoort (@TomBrevoort) July 23, 2017
Ryan Penagos, VP & executive editor, Marvel Digital.
Just saw news that Flo Steinberg died and I broke down in tears. I saw her just a few weeks ago. I love you, Flo. We miss you.
— Ryan Penagos (@AgentM) July 23, 2017
Stephen Wacker, VP-Development, Marvel Television & New Media.
Other names may be better known, but Flo Steinberg is a giant of comics history. A wonderfully made person.
— Stephen Wacker (@StephenWacker) July 23, 2017
Kevin Panetta, writer.
RIP "Fabulous" Flo Steinberg, an integral part of Marvel in the sixties.
Flo quit Marvel in 1968 when they refused to give her a $5 raise. pic.twitter.com/0iwM8jjXz0
— Kevin Panetta (@kevinpanetta) July 23, 2017
Jim Lee, creator, co-publisher, DC Entertainment.
RIP Fabulous Flo Steinberg. Without herr, we'd all be a mess. #marvel pic.twitter.com/2qQZbp8Xeo
— Jim Lee (@JimLee) July 24, 2017
Scott Edelman, sci-fi and fantasy fiction writer wrote a series of heartfelt tweets remembering Steinberg.
Another piece of my childhood is gone … and I am in tears. https://t.co/wm5ezVtyAY
— Scott Edelman (@scottedelman) July 23, 2017
How big was Flo Steinberg in my mind during my earliest days reading Marvel Comics? Bigger than Irving Forbush! R.I.P. Flo. *sniffle* pic.twitter.com/Pvi2RlIucA
— Scott Edelman (@scottedelman) July 23, 2017
Hear Flo Steinberg as I first heard her, when I joined the Merry Marvel Marching Society. I always loved her voice! https://t.co/52JVeL3K55
— Scott Edelman (@scottedelman) July 23, 2017
The first time I saw Flo Steinberg — the first time most fans saw Flo — was her Bullpen photo in 1964's Marvel Tales #1. I was 9. *sniff* pic.twitter.com/SUvi9U6iY0
— Scott Edelman (@scottedelman) July 23, 2017
Neil Kleid, graphic novelist.
Aw man. RIP Fabulous Flo Steinberg pic.twitter.com/Y1YFDa43x2
— Neil Kleid (@neilkleid) July 23, 2017
Jim Steranko, writer/artist.
A moment of silent prayer for FABULOUS FLO STEINBERG, whom we lost this week! No sweeter, better, or cuter person existed in the universe!!!
— Jim Steranko (@iamsteranko) July 24, 2017
Smash Pages extends our condolences to the family and loved ones of Flo Steinberg. She was a comics icon and will be missed.