Dick Ayers (Richard Bache Ayers, April 28, 1924 – May 4, 2014) was an American comic book artist, penciler, inker, and cartoonist, celebrated for his pivotal contributions during the Silver Age of Comics. Best known as one of Jack Kirby’s primary inkers during the late 1950s and 1960s, Ayers worked on some of Marvel Comics’ most influential titles, including The Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, and Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos, which he penciled for an extraordinary ten-year run. He also co-created the 1950s Western-horror character the Ghost Rider for Magazine Enterprises, later drawing a new iteration for Marvel Comics in the 1960s.
A versatile craftsman who moved seamlessly between genres—superheroes, Westerns, war stories, horror, and humor—Ayers became one of the most prolific and respected artists in American comics. His career spanned over six decades, influencing generations of readers and creators alike.
| Born | April 28, 1924, Ossining, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 4, 2014 (aged 90), White Plains, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Comic Book Artist, Penciler, Inker, Cartoonist |
| Years Active | 1940s–2000s |
| Known For | Inking Jack Kirby, Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos, Co-creating Ghost Rider |
| Awards | National Cartoonists Society Award (1985), Inkpot Award (2007), Eisner Hall of Fame (2007), Inkwell Awards Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame (2013) |
Early Life and Military Service
Richard Bache Ayers was born on April 28, 1924, in Ossining, New York, to John Bache Ayers and Gladys Minnerly Ayers. He grew up with a sister ten years his senior and was part of the 13th generation of the Ayers family to live in America, tracing their roots back to Newbury, Massachusetts, in 1635.
In 1942, at the age of 18, Ayers enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Initially placed in radar training in Florida, he was redirected to a month-long art course at McTomb University after failing radar tests. This twist of fate set him on a new path—he began working as an artist in the Air Corps’ Operations division, producing illustrations and layouts for training and morale materials. His first published comic strip, Radio Ray, appeared in the military newspaper Radio Post in 1942.
Breaking into Comics
After the war, Ayers sought a career in illustration. His first attempt came with Western Publishing’s Dell Comics imprint, though his debut project was ultimately shelved. Determined, he enrolled in Burne Hogarth’s inaugural class at the Cartoonists and Illustrators School (later the School of Visual Arts) in New York City in 1947. There he met Superman co-creator Joe Shuster, who recognized his talent and invited him to contribute to Funnyman. This opportunity introduced Ayers to editor Vin Sullivan at Magazine Enterprises.
Magazine Enterprises and the Ghost Rider
At Magazine Enterprises, Ayers penciled and inked Western and adventure comics, including A-1 Comics and Trail Colt. With writer Ray Krank, he co-created the Ghost Rider—a masked, horror-themed Western vigilante who debuted in Tim Holt #11 (1949). The character’s eerie design drew inspiration from the Headless Horseman and the song “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky.” Ayers drew Ghost Rider’s adventures through the early 1950s, including a 14-issue solo run, until the Comics Code curtailed horror elements in mainstream comics.
In 1967, after the rights lapsed, Marvel introduced its own Western Ghost Rider—nearly identical in costume—drawn once again by Ayers.
Atlas Comics and the Transition to Marvel
In 1952, Ayers began freelancing for Atlas Comics (Marvel’s precursor), producing dozens of horror, sci-fi, and suspense stories for titles such as Journey into Mystery, Mystic, Strange Tales, and Tales of Suspense. He also worked on the short-lived revival of the Golden Age Human Torch. By the late 1950s, he was teaming with Jack Kirby, beginning with Wyatt Earp #25 (1959) and “The Martian Who Stole My Body” (Journey into Mystery #57). He also inked the syndicated Sky Masters of the Space Force strip.
Marvel’s Silver Age and Signature Works
When Marvel launched its superhero renaissance in the early 1960s, Ayers was at the forefront. He inked Kirby’s pencils on landmark runs of Fantastic Four (#6–20), The Incredible Hulk (#3–5), Thor (Journey into Mystery #84–89), and the Human Torch solo series in Strange Tales.
In 1964, he succeeded Kirby as the regular penciler on Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos, beginning with issue #8. Ayers’ dynamic storytelling and attention to military detail helped define the series, which he drew for an unparalleled decade, illustrating the camaraderie and heroism of Nick Fury and his eclectic squad.
Later Career
Through the 1970s and 1980s, Ayers continued to draw for Marvel and other publishers. He illustrated promotional comics for Radio Shack (TRS-80 Computer Whiz Kids), sports biographies for Revolutionary Comics, and independent projects. Even into the 2000s, he contributed pin-ups, benefit pieces, and tributes, remaining active well into his 80s.
Personal Life
Ayers married Charlotte Lindy Walter on April 7, 1951. The couple had four children—Richard, Fred, Steve, and Elaine. Known for his humility and warmth, Ayers maintained close relationships with fans and peers, often attending comic conventions and engaging with readers until his final years.
Death
Dick Ayers passed away at his home in White Plains, New York, on May 4, 2014, just six days after his 90th birthday. His passing was widely mourned in the comics community, with tributes highlighting his foundational role in Marvel’s rise and his kindness to fans.
Legacy
Dick Ayers’ career spanned the formative eras of modern American comics—from postwar Westerns to the Marvel superhero boom. His inks over Jack Kirby’s pencils on Fantastic Four and other titles remain a visual benchmark of the Silver Age. As the co-creator of Ghost Rider and the defining artist of Sgt. Fury, Ayers’ influence continues to be felt in comics, adaptations, and popular culture. He is remembered as a craftsman of integrity, a collaborator of giants, and a gentleman of the industry.
FAQs about Dick Ayers
Q: What was Dick Ayers best known for?
A: Inking Jack Kirby on early Fantastic Four issues, penciling Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos, and co-creating the 1950s Ghost Rider.
Q: How long did he draw Sgt. Fury?
A: Ayers penciled the series for about 10 years, from issue #8 through #120, with only a handful of exceptions.
Q: Did Ayers create Ghost Rider?
A: Yes, with writer Ray Krank, he created the 1950s Western-horror Ghost Rider for Magazine Enterprises.
Q: Was Dick Ayers active late in life?
A: Yes, he continued drawing into the 2000s, contributing to independent comics, tribute projects, and fan commissions.
