Who is Gaspar Saladino?

The work of a letterer might seem small in the line of comic production. Even moreso in modern comics in which the work can be done with computers. Yet the role is quite important, ensuring that the text is placed in a readable layout, flowing nicely for the readers and that it doesn't detract from the art. If this is done poorly, the resulting comic book can be dissatisfying, even with a good story and art. So, we here at Dibny Diaries would like to pay tribute to everyone who helped make the legendary comics we break down.

Gaspar Saladino was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 1, 1927. By the age of 20, he'd attended Manhattan's School of Industrial Art for his high school education and had begun his work in comics by inking for Funnies Inc., and then later served two years in Japan in public relations for the military.

In 1949, he showed some samples of his work to the staff at what would become DC Comics. Editor Julius Schwartz was unimpressed with his art style, but liked the lettering. In 1950, he debuted in National Publications' Romance Trail, a western magazine. He lettered Romance by Mail, which was drawn by Carmine Infantino and inked by Joe Giella, who he would later work with on the legendary relaunch of superhero titles that marked the beginning of the Silver Age. This would, of course, include the first Elongated Man stories in The Flash.

Comics were generally produced onsite in those days and Gaspar would work with the artists to ensure that the lettering worked naturally with the art. His calligraphy was aesthetically pleasing and easy to read, and about 1966 to 1967, he was given the main tasks of lettering and designing logos and house ads at DC, although the work was considered freelancing. He would also do freelance lettering and design work for Marvel and other smaller comic companies that would come along. He would remain actively employed in lettering until about 2002 when it seems he retired, only doing occasional work.

He married his wife Celeste in 1957 and moved to Plainview, Long Island in 1959, where he lived until his death on August 4, 2016. He is survived by his three children and five grandchildren.