Famed comic artist and editor Carmine Infantino has passed away; he was 87.  Infantino began working as a comic artist in 1942, during the Golden Age of Comics, but was best known as a key architect of the Silver Age of comics, which began in 1956 with Showcase #4, in which Infantino created the new version of the Flash with writer Robert Kanigher under editor Julius Schwartz.  

In the following years, Infantino worked a number of books for DC and eventually made his way to Batman, where he redesigned the team with writer John Broome.  He also co-created Deadman with writer Arnold Drake and co-created Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) with Gardner Fox.

By the mid-sixties, Infantino was designing every cover in DC’s line and was eventually promoted to editorial director, where he hired Dick Giordano and promoted Joe Orlando, Joe Kubert, and Mike Sekowsky to editor.  Neal Adams, Dennis O’Neil, and Jack Kirby were hired by DC during Infantino’s tenure.   

Infantino was promoted to publisher in 1971 and held that position until 1976, when he was replaced by Jenette Kahn and returned to drawing comics.  He worked for Warren, Marvel (where he drew its bestselling Star Wars title), and DC until his retirement in the 90s. 

DC’s top three publishing executives all offered thoughts on Infantino’s passing. 

"His contributions to the comics industry and to DC Comics in particular are immense and impossible to quantify," DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson said.  "Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans during this difficult time."

"Carmine was a legend," DC Co-Publisher Jim Lee said.  "The number of classic covers he created are innumerable.  His influence, reach and impact is humbling and will always live on."

"There are few people in this world that have had as much of an impact on the industry as Carmine," DC  Co-Publisher Dan DiDio said.  "He bridged both the Golden and Silver Ages of comics... He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will remain forever."