Stephen Perry: Comics Tragedy

A research project about murdered comics writer Stephen J. Perry, by Ally Russell Shields

[stephenperry]

Home for the past couple of weeks. The jury trial in the State of Florida v. James Davis case is underway, 12 whole years after Stephen J. Perry was murdered.

The focus of the state’s argument & media coverage so far has been the gory details of Perry’s dismemberment.

For those who mourn the tragic loss of Perry, and remember him as a unique talent, doting father, and human being, the trial is a painful reminder of how he suffered.

Plenty of new information has been brought to light as evidence in the trial; much of it too heartbreaking to process right now. I am taking copious notes and will be writing them up in due course, for those who care to read.

Meanwhile thinking of Steve non-stop. He did not deserve this 💔

[stephenperry]

Been devouring these original run SilverHawks comics, all written by Steve Perry, ahead of speaking with some of Steve's old friends and colleagues this week.

Our conversations have been enlightening, surprising, at times emotional, but also plenty of fun. New stones unturned, invaluable context gathered, and perhaps a few steps closer to making sense of Steve's complicated life, death, and legacy.

Infinitely grateful to everyone who's answered the call and taken the time to sit down with me so far.

[stephenperry]

Published from 1984 - 1986 via Marvel's creator-owned Epic Comics imprint, Timespirits was an 8-issue limited series created by Steve Perry and artist Tom Yeates. The series' blue-skinned cat-girl character, Thornypaws, bears an undeniable likeness to the Na'vi of James Cameron's Avatar - which was released a quarter century later. To this day, Perry and Yeates have received no acknowledgment for this inspiration.

[stephenperry]

Silverhawks Revival In The Works

Silverhawks is an 80s animated action-comedy.

Just now learning about the new SilverHawks reboot. Another property made up of characters and storylines created by the late Thundercats writer Stephen J. Perry, who wrote under aggressive work-for-hire terms, and died destitute.

I’ve been quiet on here recently, but my work to have Steve’s life and legacy remembered continues. More updates coming soon..

- Ally

[stephenperry]

As of May 2018, I have been working on an independent research project about the murdered comics writer Stephen J. Perry, who lived December 12 1954 – May 2010. Taking the form of investigative biography, the project aims to showcase Perry’s uniquely creative work, much of which he has not been sufficiently credited for, and to try to understand his life and legacy.

The project looks to celebrate Perry as an artist and as an individual, while also highlighting the many structural and institutional injustices that tragically failed him, not only within the businesses of TV and comics, but also in the U.S. social and medical systems more broadly. 

With the kind support and contributions of friends and fellow comics creators who knew and worked closely with Steve, I will be posting updates on here as the project takes shape. More to come soon.

- Ally Russell Shields

[stephenperry]

My long form article on the life, work and death of Steve Perry will be featured in The Comics Journal’s return to print issue in early 2019. You can preorder The Comics Journal #303 now: http://www.fantagraphics.com/tcj-303/#/product/2912