Written by: Grace Lee

Frank Brunner: The Visionary Comics Artist Behind Marvel's Iconic Characters

Frank Brunner, an American comics artist and illustrator, is best known for his groundbreaking work at Marvel Comics in the 1970s. His collaborations with writer Steve Engelhart on the supernatural hero Doctor Strange have become a hallmark of the era, cementing his reputation as a master of the mystical and unknown.

Early Life and Education

Brunner attended Manhattan's High School of Art and Design, where he was part of a talented graduating class that included Larry Hama and Ralph Reese. He later studied at the New York University Film School, honing his skills and preparing for a career in the creative arts.

Career in Comics

Brunner entered the comics profession as a horror writer-artist for black-and-white comics magazines such as Web of Horror, Creepy, Eerie, and Vampirella. His first work for Marvel Comics was inking an 11-page Watcher backup story in The Silver Surfer #6 (June 1969).

Doctor Strange and the Marvel Universe

Brunner's best-known color-comics work is his Marvel Comics collaboration with writer Steve Engelhart on the supernatural hero Doctor Strange. This iconic run, which spanned from Marvel Premiere #9-14 (July 1973-March 1974) and Doctor Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts #12 and #45 (June-August 1974 and October-December 1974), saw the duo kill off Doctor Strange's mentor, the Ancient One, and Strange become the new Sorcerer Supreme.

Their storyline, which followed a sorcerer named Sise-Neg (Genesis spelled backward) as he collected magical energies throughout history, was both critically acclaimed and controversial. Stan Lee, Marvel's editor-in-chief at the time, ordered Englehart and Brunner to print a retraction, stating that Sise-Neg was not God but a god, to avoid offending religious readers. However, the creative duo cleverly concocted a fake letter from a fictitious minister praising the story and mailed it to Marvel from Texas. Marvel unwittingly printed the letter, and the retraction order was dropped.

Impact and Legacy

In 2010, Comics Bulletin ranked Englehart and Brunner's run on the Doctor Strange feature ninth on its list of the Top 10 1970s Marvel runs. Brunner's work on Doctor Strange has been widely influential, inspiring generations of comic book creators and fans alike. His unique blend of the mystical and the unknown has left an indelible mark on the Marvel Universe.

Brunner's contributions to the world of comics extend beyond his work on Doctor Strange. His art has been featured in various Marvel titles, including Howard the Duck, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary comic book creators.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

• Born on February 21, 1949, in New York City
• Graduated from Manhattan's High School of Art and Design
• Studied at the New York University Film School
• Entered the comics profession in the late 1960s
• Collaborated with Steve Engelhart on Doctor Strange in the 1970s
• Continued to work in comics throughout the 1980s and 1990s

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Brunner's work on Doctor Strange has been praised for its unique blend of the mystical and the psychedelic.
• He has been credited with creating some of the most iconic Doctor Strange covers of the 1970s.
• Brunner's art has been featured in various Marvel titles beyond Doctor Strange, including Howard the Duck and The Silver Surfer.