Sheldon Moldoff

April 14, 1920 — New York City, New York, USA

Sheldon "Shelly" Moldoff (1920-2012) was one of the great, uncredited illustrators during the so-called Golden Age of comics (1940s). He got his start in the comic industry more than 60 years ago drawing "believe it or not" filler items. In the 1940s, he drew such strips as Hawkman, Kid Eternity and The Black Pirate. He also drew covers for the first appearances of Green Lantern and The Flash. But Moldoff is best known for a 14-year run with Batman from 1953 to 1967. He drew some of the goofiest but most beloved Batman episodes ever, including Zebra Batman and the Merman Batman. He co-created the Batman supervillains Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze, the second Clayface, and Bat-Mite, as well as the original heroes Bat-Girl, Batwoman, and Ace the Bat-Hound. Moldoff is the sole creator of the Black Pirate.