Exhibition - The Rocketeer: The Life and Legacy of Dave Stevens

The Cartoon Art Museum is proud to host The Rocketeer: The Life and Legacy of Dave Stevens, a retrospective celebrating the life and artistry of the legendary creator, on display from September 23, 2023 through February 25, 2024. With the full cooperation of The Rocketeer Trust, which oversees Stevens's archives and his creative legacy, and Stevens’s sister, Jennifer Stevens-Bawcum, the Cartoon Art Museum has assembled a selection of original artwork that span the breadth of Stevens’s artistic development, from his early days as in animation through his career as a storyboard artist through his groundbreaking comic books featuring his signature character, The Rocketeer.

A catalog featuring highlights from this exhibition and from the summer 2023 Dave Stevens Tribute Auction, including works from more than 30 artists paying homage to Stevens and The Rocketeer, will be published by the Cartoon Art Museum this fall.

About Dave Stevens

David Lee Stevens was born in Lynwood, California, on July 29, 1955. His career in comics began in 1975, assisting veteran artist Russ Manning on the syndicated Tarzan newspaper strip. Stevens went on to toil as an animation storyboard artist, as well as storyboarding the occasional film, including Raiders of the Lost Ark for Steven Spielberg, and the groundbreaking Michael Jackson music video Thriller.

In 1982, Stevens debuted the feature for which he is best known, The Rocketeer. Initially appearing as a back-up feature in an independent comic, the pulp-inspired story of Cliff Secord, a daring stunt pilot who finds an experimental rocket pack, became an instant sensation. The Rocketeer went on to star in his own comic book series, and in 1991 would become a well-received major motion picture from Walt Disney Studios.

Stevens's lush figure work, particularly when rendering the female form, coupled with his elegant brush line, brought him much acclaim far beyond the confines of comic books. In particular, his breathy portrayals of Cliff's girlfriend Betty, inspired by famed pin-up queen Bettie Page, helped revitalize interest in the '50s icon, a fact openly acknowledged by Page, who became close friends with Stevens in her final years.

On March 11, 2008, Dave Stevens lost a long battle against Hairy Cell Leukemia. His family and close friends celebrate his artistry and his legacy through The Rocketeer Trust, which ensures that both longtime fans and newcomers alike will remember and honor Stevens and his art.

Dates: Now extended through June 2, 2024