Roger Slifer: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|American comic book writer, screenwriter, and television producer (1954–2015)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox comics creator
{{Infobox comics creator
| image        = File:RogerSlifer.jpg
| image        = File:RogerSlifer.jpg
| imagesize    =
| caption      = Roger Slifer
| caption      = Roger Slifer
| birth_name    = Roger Allen Slifer
| birth_name    = Roger Allen Slifer
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| death_date    = {{Death date and age|2015|3|30|1954|11|11}}
| death_date    = {{Death date and age|2015|3|30|1954|11|11}}
| death_place  = [[Greensburg, Indiana|Greensburg]], Indiana, U.S.
| death_place  = [[Greensburg, Indiana|Greensburg]], Indiana, U.S.
| nationality  = American
| cartoonist    =  
| cartoonist    =  
| write        = y
| write        = y
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| notable works = [[Lobo (DC Comics)|Lobo]]<br>''[[Omega Men]]''
| notable works = [[Lobo (DC Comics)|Lobo]]<br>''[[Omega Men]]''
| awards        =  
| awards        =  
| sortkey      = Slifer, Roger
| subcat        = American
}}
}}
'''Roger Allen Slifer'''<ref name=Bails /> ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|l|aɪ|f|ər}}; November 11, 1954 – March 30, 2015) was an American comic book writer, [[screenwriter]], and [[television producer]] who co-created the character [[Lobo (DC Comics)|Lobo]] for [[DC Comics]]. Among the many comic-book series for which he wrote was DC's ''[[Omega Men]]'' for a run in the 1980s.
'''Roger Allen Slifer'''<ref name=Bails /> ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|l|aɪ|f|ər}}; November 11, 1954 – March 30, 2015) was an American comic book writer, [[screenwriter]], and [[television producer]] who co-created the character [[Lobo (DC Comics)|Lobo]] for [[DC Comics]]. Among the many comic-book series for which he wrote was DC's ''[[Omega Men]]'' for a run in the 1980s.


Slifer was the victim of a hit-and-run collision in 2012 that left him in institutional care until his death.
Slifer was the victim of a [[hit and run|hit-and-run collision]] in 2012 that left him in institutional care until his death.


==Biography==
==Biography==
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Slifer spent most of his childhood in [[Morristown, Indiana]].
Slifer spent most of his childhood in [[Morristown, Indiana]].


=== Comics ===
=== Comics<!--'Excalibur Enterprises' redirects here--> ===
Slifer started out in comics as a member of the so-called [[CPL Gang]], a group of amateur comics enthusiasts based in [[Indianapolis]], many of whom later went on to careers in the comics industry.
Slifer started out in comics as a member of the so-called [[CPL Gang]], a group of amateur comics enthusiasts based in [[Indianapolis]], many of whom later went on to careers in the comics industry.


By the mid–1970s, Slifer was working as a freelance writer for [[Marvel Comics]]. Thanks to Marvel staffers (and former CPL Gang members) [[Duffy Vohland]] and [[Tony Isabella]],<ref name="Morgan" /> in the late 1970s Slifer was hired as an assistant editor at Marvel,<ref name="GCDeditor">{{gcdb|type=editor|search= Roger+Slifer|title= Roger Slifer (editor)}}</ref> where he wrote for a number of comic-book series including ''[[Defenders (comics)|The Defenders]]''.<ref>{{cite journal|last = DeAngelo|first = Daniel|title = The Not-Ready-For-Super-Team Players A History of the Defenders|journal = [[Back Issue!]]|issue = 65|pages = 9–10|publisher = [[TwoMorrows Publishing]]|location= Raleigh, North Carolina|date = July 2013}}</ref> He also became a colorist.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}} Eventually, Slifer became a special projects editor at Marvel, overseeing comics magazines published by Marvel's parent company such as ''[[The Rampaging Hulk]]''. During this time, Slifer worked on the ''[[Marvel Classics Comics]]'' line, in addition to film adaptations.<ref name="WizardWorld">{{cite web|url= http://www.wizardworld.com/rogerslifer.html|title= Roger Slifer|year= 2012|publisher= [[Wizard Entertainment|Wizard World]]|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20131215013746/http://www.wizardworld.com/rogerslifer.html|archivedate= December 15, 2013|url-status= dead|df= mdy-all|accessdate= June 25, 2012}}</ref>
By the mid-1970s, Slifer was working as a freelance writer for [[Marvel Comics]]. Thanks to Marvel staffers (and former CPL Gang members) [[Duffy Vohland]] and [[Tony Isabella]],<ref name="Morgan" /> in the late 1970s Slifer was hired as an assistant editor at Marvel,<ref name="GCDeditor">{{gcdb|type=editor|search= Roger+Slifer|title= Roger Slifer (editor)}}</ref> where he wrote for a number of comic-book series including ''[[The Defenders (comic book)|The Defenders]]''.<ref>{{cite journal|last = DeAngelo|first = Daniel|title = The Not-Ready-For-Super-Team Players A History of the Defenders|journal = [[Back Issue!]]|issue = 65|pages = 9–10|publisher = [[TwoMorrows Publishing]]|location= Raleigh, North Carolina|date = July 2013}}</ref> He also became a colorist.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}} Eventually, Slifer became a special projects editor at Marvel, overseeing comics magazines published by Marvel's parent company such as ''[[The Rampaging Hulk]]''. During this time, Slifer worked on the ''[[Marvel Classics Comics]]'' line, in addition to film adaptations.<ref name="WizardWorld">{{cite web|url= http://www.wizardworld.com/rogerslifer.html|title= Roger Slifer|year= 2012|publisher= [[Wizard Entertainment|Wizard World]]|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20131215013746/http://www.wizardworld.com/rogerslifer.html|archivedate= December 15, 2013|url-status= dead|df= mdy-all|accessdate= June 25, 2012}}</ref>


In 1979, Slifer (with the financial assistance of [[David Anthony Kraft]]), under the publishing imprint '''Excalibur Enterprises''', published ''Collector's Classics #1: Manhunter: The Complete Saga'', which reprinted the [[Archie Goodwin (comics)|Archie Goodwin]]/[[Walt Simonson]] run of [[Manhunter (comics)|Manhunter]] backup stories from [[DC Comics]]' ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #437–443.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fassett|first=Ryan|date=2021-05-20|title=Writer and Publisher David Anthony Kraft Has Passed Away|url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/writer-and-publisher-david-anthony-kraft-has-passed-away/|access-date=2021-05-20|website=Bleeding Cool News And Rumors|language=en}}</ref>
In 1979, Slifer (with the financial assistance of [[David Anthony Kraft]]), under the publishing imprint '''Excalibur Enterprises'''<!--boldface per WP:R#PLA-->, published ''Collector's Classics #1: Manhunter: The Complete Saga'', which reprinted the [[Archie Goodwin (comics)|Archie Goodwin]]/[[Walt Simonson]] run of [[Manhunter (Paul Kirk)|Manhunter]] backup stories from [[DC Comics]]' ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #437–443.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fassett|first=Ryan|date= May 20, 2021|title=Writer and Publisher David Anthony Kraft Has Passed Away|url= https://bleedingcool.com/comics/writer-and-publisher-david-anthony-kraft-has-passed-away/|access-date=2021-05-20|website=Bleeding Cool|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20241015132344/https://bleedingcool.com/comics/writer-and-publisher-david-anthony-kraft-has-passed-away/|archivedate= October 15, 2024|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref>


Slifer moved to [[DC Comics]] in February 1981, ostensibly as the company's first sales manager to comic book [[Direct market|specialty stores]].<ref>{{cite journal|last = Catron|first = Michael|authorlink = Michael Catron|title = Slifer Named to Promo Post|journal = [[Amazing Heroes]]|issue = 1|page= 27|publisher = [[Fantagraphics Books]]|date = June 1981|location= Stamford, Connecticut<!--location in 1981-->}}</ref> He continued writing sporadically, most notably on ''Omega Men'', where he co-created the extraterrestrial alien mercenary anti-hero [[Lobo (DC Comics)|Lobo]] with artist [[Keith Giffen]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Manning|first= Matthew K.|last2=Dolan|first2=Hannah, ed.|chapter= 1980s|title = DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle|publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley]] |year=2010|location= London, United Kingdom|isbn= 978-0-7566-6742-9 |page= 202 |quote = When space-bike-riding renegade Lobo made his debut during the "Citadel War" storyline in ''The Omega Men'' by Roger Slifer and artist Keith Giffen, he was hardly recognizable as the rebellious anti-hero who would become one of the best-selling DC characters of the 1990s.}}</ref> Slifer served as an editor at DC from 1984–1985 and oversaw the ''[[Green Lantern (comic book)|Green Lantern]]/[[Green Arrow]]'' reprint series, ''[[Showcase (comics)#New Talent Showcase|New Talent Showcase]]'', and ''[[World's Finest Comics]]''.<ref name="GCDeditor" /> Slifer left DC after clashing with the company about its stance regarding [[Creator ownership|creators' rights]].<ref>Slifer, Roger. "Screwed by DC," ''The Comics Journal'' #121 (April 1988), p. 25.</ref> Slifer had been involved in the creators' rights issue since the late 1970s.<ref>Groth, Gary. "Birth of the Guild: May 7, 1978," ''The Comics Journal'' #42 (October 1978), pp. 21-28.</ref><ref>"Ploog & Kirby Quit Marvel over Contract Dispute," ''The Comics Journal'' #44 (Jan. 1979), p. 11.</ref>
Slifer moved to [[DC Comics]] in February 1981, ostensibly as the company's first sales manager to comic book [[Direct market|specialty stores]].<ref>{{cite journal|last = Catron|first = Michael|authorlink = Michael Catron|title = Slifer Named to Promo Post|journal = [[Amazing Heroes]]|issue = 1|page= 27|publisher = [[Fantagraphics Books]]|date = June 1981|location= Stamford, Connecticut<!--location in 1981-->}}</ref> He continued writing sporadically, most notably on ''Omega Men'', where he co-created the extraterrestrial alien mercenary anti-hero [[Lobo (DC Comics)|Lobo]] with artist [[Keith Giffen]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Manning|first= Matthew K.|editor-last=Dolan|editor-first=Hannah|chapter= 1980s|title = DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle|publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley]] |year=2010|location= London, United Kingdom|isbn= 978-0-7566-6742-9 |page= 202 |quote = When space-bike-riding renegade Lobo made his debut during the "Citadel War" storyline in ''The Omega Men'' by Roger Slifer and artist Keith Giffen, he was hardly recognizable as the rebellious anti-hero who would become one of the best-selling DC characters of the 1990s.}}</ref> Slifer served as an editor at DC from 1984 to 1985 and oversaw the ''[[Green Lantern (comic book)|Green Lantern]]/[[Green Arrow]]'' reprint series, ''[[Showcase (comics)#New Talent Showcase|New Talent Showcase]]'', and ''[[World's Finest Comics]]''.<ref name="GCDeditor" /> Slifer left DC after clashing with the company about its stance regarding [[Creator ownership|creators' rights]].<ref>Slifer, Roger. "Screwed by DC," ''The Comics Journal'' #121 (April 1988), p. 25.</ref> Slifer had been involved in the creators' rights issue since the late 1970s.<ref>Groth, Gary. "Birth of the Guild: May 7, 1978," ''The Comics Journal'' #42 (October 1978), pp. 21-28.</ref><ref>"Ploog & Kirby Quit Marvel over Contract Dispute," ''The Comics Journal'' #44 (Jan. 1979), p. 11.</ref>


=== Animation ===
=== Animation ===
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=== Hit-and-run crash ===
=== Hit-and-run crash ===
Early on June 23, 2012, Slifer was hit by a motorist while walking in [[Santa Monica, California]], after spending the evening with friends. The [[Hit and run (vehicular)|driver fled the scene]]. Slifer was seriously injured, suffering breaks to some ribs, his collar bone, and his shoulder. Most critically, due to head injuries, doctors had to remove a portion of Slifer's skull<ref name=SMDN>{{cite web|url= http://smdp.com/cartoon-producer-hospitalized-after-hit-and-run/85036|title= Cartoon producer hospitalized after hit-and-run|first= Ashley|last= Archibald|date= June 26, 2012|work= [[Santa Monica Daily Press]]|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20130901033453/http://smdp.com/cartoon-producer-hospitalized-after-hit-and-run/85036|archivedate= September 1, 2013|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref> and place him in an [[induced coma]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://laist.com/2012/06/26/comic_book_writer_and_tv_producer_i.php|title=Comic Book Writer and TV Producer In Coma After Hit-and-Run|last=William-Ross|first=Lindsay|date=June 26, 2012|publisher=[[Gothamist.com]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029000035/http://laist.com/2012/06/26/comic_book_writer_and_tv_producer_i.php|archivedate=October 29, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all|accessdate=June 27, 2012}}</ref> at the [[Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center]].<ref name=MTV />
Early on June 23, 2012, Slifer was hit by a motorist while walking in [[Santa Monica, California]], after spending the evening with friends. The [[Hit and run|driver fled the scene]]. Slifer was seriously injured, suffering breaks to some ribs, his collar bone, and his shoulder. Most critically, due to head injuries, doctors had to remove a portion of Slifer's skull<ref name=SMDN>{{cite web|url= http://smdp.com/cartoon-producer-hospitalized-after-hit-and-run/85036|title= Cartoon producer hospitalized after hit-and-run|first= Ashley|last= Archibald|date= June 26, 2012|work= [[Santa Monica Daily Press]]|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20130901033453/http://smdp.com/cartoon-producer-hospitalized-after-hit-and-run/85036|archivedate= September 1, 2013|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref> and place him in an [[induced coma]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://laist.com/2012/06/26/comic_book_writer_and_tv_producer_i.php|title=Comic Book Writer and TV Producer In Coma After Hit-and-Run|last=William-Ross|first=Lindsay|date=June 26, 2012|publisher=[[Gothamist.com]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029000035/http://laist.com/2012/06/26/comic_book_writer_and_tv_producer_i.php|archivedate=October 29, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all|accessdate=June 27, 2012}}</ref> at the [[Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center]].<ref name=MTV />


S.L.I.F.E.R., the Society for Legal, Investigative and Financial Empowerment and Recovery, was created in July 2012 to assist in bringing the hit-and-run driver to justice and providing updates on Slifer's condition.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/SLIFER.Needs.You/info "About,"] S.L.I.F.E.R. Needs You Facebook page. Accessed Feb. 23, 2013.</ref> The nonprofit assistance organization [[The Hero Initiative]] helped raise money to assist in Slifer's legal case and medical care.<ref name=MTV>{{cite web|url= http://geek-news.mtv.com/2012/07/06/roger-slifer-lobo/|title= Co-Creator of DC's 'Lobo' In Coma After Hit-And-Run, Needs Your Help|first= Valerie|last= Gallaher|date= July 6, 2012|publisher= [[MTV|MTV Geek]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141005154325/http://geek-news.mtv.com/2012/07/06/roger-slifer-lobo/|archive-date= October 5, 2014|url-status= dead|df= mdy-all}}</ref>
S.L.I.F.E.R., the Society for Legal, Investigative and Financial Empowerment and Recovery, was created in July 2012 to assist in bringing the hit-and-run driver to justice and providing updates on Slifer's condition.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/SLIFER.Needs.You/info "About,"] S.L.I.F.E.R. Needs You Facebook page. Accessed Feb. 23, 2013.</ref> The nonprofit assistance organization [[The Hero Initiative]] helped raise money to assist in Slifer's legal case and medical care.<ref name=MTV>{{cite web|url= http://geek-news.mtv.com/2012/07/06/roger-slifer-lobo/|title= Co-Creator of DC's 'Lobo' In Coma After Hit-And-Run, Needs Your Help|first= Valerie|last= Gallaher|date= July 6, 2012|publisher= [[MTV|MTV Geek]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141005154325/http://geek-news.mtv.com/2012/07/06/roger-slifer-lobo/|archive-date= October 5, 2014|url-status= dead|df= mdy-all}}</ref>
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Slifer's sister Connie Carlton took over his care, and in late July 2012, Slifer was moved from [[UCLA]]'s Ronald Reagan Neuroscience/Trauma Intensive Care Unit to Barlow Respiratory Hospital in [[Los Angeles]]. At that point, he was still comatose.<ref>Alovis, Will. [https://www.facebook.com/SLIFER.Needs.You "Roger Medical Update 7/27/12,"] S.L.I.F.E.R. Needs You Facebook page (July 27, 2012).</ref> Slifer's condition improved at Barlow, and he emerged from his coma. In late September 2012, he was transferred to the sub-acute care facility Goldstar Rehabilitation Services, in Santa Monica.<ref>Alovis, Will. [https://www.facebook.com/SLIFER.Needs.You "Roger Medical Update 10/8/12,"] S.L.I.F.E.R. Needs You Facebook page (Oct. 8, 2012).</ref>
Slifer's sister Connie Carlton took over his care, and in late July 2012, Slifer was moved from [[UCLA]]'s Ronald Reagan Neuroscience/Trauma Intensive Care Unit to Barlow Respiratory Hospital in [[Los Angeles]]. At that point, he was still comatose.<ref>Alovis, Will. [https://www.facebook.com/SLIFER.Needs.You "Roger Medical Update 7/27/12,"] S.L.I.F.E.R. Needs You Facebook page (July 27, 2012).</ref> Slifer's condition improved at Barlow, and he emerged from his coma. In late September 2012, he was transferred to the sub-acute care facility Goldstar Rehabilitation Services, in Santa Monica.<ref>Alovis, Will. [https://www.facebook.com/SLIFER.Needs.You "Roger Medical Update 10/8/12,"] S.L.I.F.E.R. Needs You Facebook page (Oct. 8, 2012).</ref>


As of late February 2013, Slifer was awaiting surgery to replace the portion of his skull removed immediately after the crash. Carlton had arranged to transport Slifer to Indiana for further rehabilitation.<ref>Carlton, Connie. [https://www.facebook.com/SLIFER.Needs.You "Roger Medical Update 2/15/13,"] S.L.I.F.E.R. Needs You Facebook page (Feb. 15, 2013).</ref> He died on March 30, 2015.<ref name=newsarama-death>{{cite web| url = http://www.newsarama.com/23967-lobo-co-creator-roger-slifer-passes-away.html | title= Lobo Co-Creator Roger Slifer Passes Away| first= Chris |last=Arrant |publisher=[[Newsarama]]| date= March 30, 2015 |accessdate= March 30, 2015 | archivedate= April 1, 2015| archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20150401043505/http://www.newsarama.com/23967-lobo-co-creator-roger-slifer-passes-away.html|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
As of late February 2013, Slifer was awaiting surgery to replace the portion of his skull removed immediately after the crash. Carlton had arranged to transport Slifer to Indiana for further rehabilitation.<ref>Carlton, Connie. [https://www.facebook.com/SLIFER.Needs.You "Roger Medical Update 2/15/13,"] S.L.I.F.E.R. Needs You Facebook page (Feb. 15, 2013).</ref> He died on March 30, 2015.<ref name=newsarama-death>{{cite web| url = http://www.newsarama.com/23967-lobo-co-creator-roger-slifer-passes-away.html | title= Lobo Co-Creator Roger Slifer Passes Away| first= Chris |last=Arrant |publisher=[[Newsarama]]| date= March 30, 2015 |access-date= March 30, 2015 | archive-date= April 1, 2015| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20150401043505/http://www.newsarama.com/23967-lobo-co-creator-roger-slifer-passes-away.html|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


== Tributes ==
== Tributes ==
Slifer had three fictional characters named at least in part after him:
Slifer had three fictional characters named at least in part after him:
* [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]]'s robot character [[Rog-2000]] was named as such by [[Bob Layton]] in 1974, who was riffing on the amount of "Rogers" – specifically Slifer and [[Roger Stern]] – who contributed to the ''[[Contemporary Pictorial Literature]]'' fanzine.  
* [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]]'s robot character [[Rog-2000]] was named as such by [[Bob Layton]] in 1974, who was riffing on the amount of "Rogers" – specifically Slifer and [[Roger Stern]] – who contributed to the ''[[Contemporary Pictorial Literature]]'' fanzine.  
* The true identity of [[Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze)|Ghost Rider]] villain Inferno, created in 1974 by [[Tony Isabella]] and [[Jim Mooney]], is that of a demon named "Slifer, Fear-Monger". Isabella had met Slifer through a mutual friend.<ref name="Morgan">{{cite web|url= http://alonefancryinginthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/02/meet-roger-slifer.html|title= Meet Roger Slifer|first= Mark|last= Morgan|date= February 15, 2012|publisher= (Interview) A Lone Fan Crying In The Wilderness|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20141225010629/http://alonefancryinginthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/02/meet-roger-slifer.html|archivedate= December 25, 2014|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref>
* The true identity of [[Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze)|Ghost Rider]] villain Inferno, created in 1974 by [[Tony Isabella]] and [[Jim Mooney]], is that of a demon named "Slifer, Fear-Monger". Isabella had met Slifer through a mutual friend.<ref name="Morgan">{{cite web|url= https://alonefancryinginthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/02/meet-roger-slifer.html|title= Meet Roger Slifer|first= Mark|last= Morgan|date= February 15, 2012|publisher= (Interview) A Lone Fan Crying In The Wilderness|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20141225010629/http://alonefancryinginthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/02/meet-roger-slifer.html|archivedate= December 25, 2014|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref>
* An Egyptian God card in the [[Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game|''Yu-Gi-Oh!'' Trading Card Game]], originally named {{Nihongo|Sky Dragon of Osiris|オシリスの天空竜|Oshirisu no Tenkūryū}}, was renamed "Slifer the Sky Dragon" after Slifer by [[4Kids Entertainment]] employee Sam Murakami.<ref name="Morgan" />
* An Egyptian God card in the [[Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game|''Yu-Gi-Oh!'' Trading Card Game]], originally named {{Nihongo|Sky Dragon of Osiris|オシリスの天空竜|Oshirisu no Tenkūryū}}, was renamed "Slifer the Sky Dragon" after Slifer by [[4Kids Entertainment]] employee Sam Murakami.<ref name="Morgan" />


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{{div col|colwidth=20em}}  
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}  
* ''[[The Avengers (comic book)|The Avengers Annual]]'' #8 (1978)
* ''[[The Avengers (comic book)|The Avengers Annual]]'' #8 (1978)
* ''[[Defenders (comics)|Defenders]]'' #44–47 (1977)
* ''[[The Defenders (comic book)|The Defenders]]'' #44–47 (1977)
* ''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|Fantastic Four]]'' #183 (1977)
* ''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|Fantastic Four]]'' #183 (1977)
* ''Giant-Size Defenders'' #4–5 (1975)
* ''Giant-Size Defenders'' #4–5 (1975)
* ''[[Iron Man]]'' #84–85 (1976)
* ''[[Iron Man (comic book)|Iron Man]]'' #84–85 (1976)
* ''[[Marvel Two-in-One]]'' #13, 38–40 (1976–1978)
* ''[[Marvel Two-in-One]]'' #13, 38–40 (1976–1978)
* ''[[Luke Cage|Power Man]]'' #46 (1977)
* ''[[Luke Cage|Power Man]]'' #46 (1977)
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}
==Screenwriting credits==
==Screenwriting credits==
* series head writer denoted in bold
* series head writer denoted in bold
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* ''[[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1985 TV series)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'' (1985)
* ''[[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1985 TV series)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'' (1985)
* ''[[The Transformers (TV series)|The Transformers]]'' (1988): season 5 Tommy Kennedy segments  
* ''[[The Transformers (TV series)|The Transformers]]'' (1988): season 5 Tommy Kennedy segments  
* '''''[[Jem (TV series)|Jem]]''''' (1986-1988)
* '''''[[Jem (TV series)|Jem]]''''' (1986–1988)
* ''[[RoboCop (animated TV series)|Robocop]]'' (1988)
* ''[[RoboCop (animated TV series)|Robocop]]'' (1988)
* ''[[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1989 TV series)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'' (1990)
* ''[[G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1989 TV series)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'' (1990)
* '''''[[Bucky O%27Hare and the Toad Wars|Bucky O’Hare and the Toad Wars]]''''' (1991)
* '''''[[Bucky O'Hare and the Toad Wars|Bucky O’Hare and the Toad Wars]]''''' (1991)
* ''[[My Little Pony Tales]]'' (1992)
* ''[[My Little Pony Tales]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Conan the Adventurer (1992 TV series)|Conan the Adventurer]]'' (1992-1993)
* ''[[Conan the Adventurer (1992 TV series)|Conan the Adventurer]]'' (1992–1993)
* '''''[[Tenko and the Guardians of the Magic]]''''' (1995)
* '''''[[Tenko and the Guardians of the Magic]]''''' (1995)
* '''''[[G.I. Joe Extreme]]''''' (1996): season 2 head writer
* '''''[[G.I. Joe Extreme]]''''' (1996): season 2 head writer
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==Producer==
==Producer==
===Television===
===Television===
* ''The Transformers'' (1985-1986): associate producer for seasons 2-3
* ''The Transformers'' (1985–1986): associate producer for seasons 2–3
* ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters]]'' (2001): co-producer
* ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters]]'' (2001): co-producer


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==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist|25em}}


==External links==
==External links==
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*{{comicbookdb|type=creator|id=1313|title=Roger Slifer}}
*{{comicbookdb|type=creator|id=1313|title=Roger Slifer}}
*{{IMDb name|0805824}}
*{{IMDb name|0805824}}
*[http://www.mikesamazingworld.com/mikes/features/creator.php?creatorid=575 Roger Slifer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824101838/http://www.mikesamazingworld.com/mikes/features/creator.php?creatorid=575 |date=2018-08-24 }} at Mike's Amazing World of Comics
*[https://www.mikesamazingworld.com/main/features/creator.php?creatorid=575 Roger Slifer] at Mike's Amazing World of Comics
*[http://www.maelmill-insi.de/UHBMCC/nams34.htm#N129 Roger Slifer] at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators
*[http://www.maelmill-insi.de/UHBMCC/nams47.htm#N129 Roger Slifer] at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators


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{{succession box |title=''The [[Defenders (comics)|Defenders]]'' writer|before=[[Gerry Conway]]|after=[[David Anthony Kraft]] | years=1977<br/>(with Gerry Conway and <br>David Anthony Kraft)}}
{{succession box |title=''[[The Defenders (comic book)|The Defenders]]'' writer|before=[[Gerry Conway]]|after=[[David Anthony Kraft]] | years=1977<br/>(with Gerry Conway and <br>David Anthony Kraft)}}
{{succession box |title=''[[Omega Men]]'' writer|before= n/a|after= [[Todd Klein]]|years=1983&ndash;1984}}
{{succession box |title=''[[Omega Men]]'' writer|before= n/a|after= [[Todd Klein]]|years=1983&ndash;1984}}
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[[Category:1954 births]]
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[[Category:American comic book editors]]
[[Category:American comics writers]]
[[Category:American comics writers]]
[[Category:American male screenwriters]]
[[Category:American male screenwriters]]
[[Category:American comic book editors]]
[[Category:American video game writers]]
[[Category:Animation screenwriters]]
[[Category:Comic book letterers]]
[[Category:Comic book letterers]]
[[Category:Comics colorists]]
[[Category:Comics colorists]]

Latest revision as of 09:04, 17 November 2025

Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Template:Use American English Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Roger Allen Slifer[1] (Template:IPAc-en; November 11, 1954 – March 30, 2015) was an American comic book writer, screenwriter, and television producer who co-created the character Lobo for DC Comics. Among the many comic-book series for which he wrote was DC's Omega Men for a run in the 1980s.

Slifer was the victim of a hit-and-run collision in 2012 that left him in institutional care until his death.

Biography

Slifer was born on November 11,[2] 1954.[1] He had a sister, Connie.[3]

Slifer spent most of his childhood in Morristown, Indiana.

Comics

Slifer started out in comics as a member of the so-called CPL Gang, a group of amateur comics enthusiasts based in Indianapolis, many of whom later went on to careers in the comics industry.

By the mid-1970s, Slifer was working as a freelance writer for Marvel Comics. Thanks to Marvel staffers (and former CPL Gang members) Duffy Vohland and Tony Isabella,[4] in the late 1970s Slifer was hired as an assistant editor at Marvel,[5] where he wrote for a number of comic-book series including The Defenders.[6] He also became a colorist.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Eventually, Slifer became a special projects editor at Marvel, overseeing comics magazines published by Marvel's parent company such as The Rampaging Hulk. During this time, Slifer worked on the Marvel Classics Comics line, in addition to film adaptations.[7]

In 1979, Slifer (with the financial assistance of David Anthony Kraft), under the publishing imprint Excalibur Enterprises, published Collector's Classics #1: Manhunter: The Complete Saga, which reprinted the Archie Goodwin/Walt Simonson run of Manhunter backup stories from DC Comics' Detective Comics #437–443.[8]

Slifer moved to DC Comics in February 1981, ostensibly as the company's first sales manager to comic book specialty stores.[9] He continued writing sporadically, most notably on Omega Men, where he co-created the extraterrestrial alien mercenary anti-hero Lobo with artist Keith Giffen.[10] Slifer served as an editor at DC from 1984 to 1985 and oversaw the Green Lantern/Green Arrow reprint series, New Talent Showcase, and World's Finest Comics.[5] Slifer left DC after clashing with the company about its stance regarding creators' rights.[11] Slifer had been involved in the creators' rights issue since the late 1970s.[12][13]

Animation

After leaving DC, Slifer found work with Sunbow Entertainment, an animation production company with ties to Marvel Comics and Marvel Productions. Slifer eventually became a supervising producer, story editor, and writer for the animated television program Jem and the Holograms. He produced and was story editor on other animated series including G.I. Joe Extreme, My Little Pony 'n Friends, Transformers, Street Fighter, Conan the Adventurer, and Bucky O'Hare.[7] During his time at Sunbow, Slifer's colleagues included former Marvel Comics writers Steve Gerber and Marv Wolfman.[4]

Slifer co-produced the first season of Yu-Gi-Oh! for 4Kids Entertainment in the United States.[7]

Video games

Slifer worked as a writer and consultant in the video games industry.[7]

Personal life

Prior to 2012, Slifer lived in Santa Monica, California.

Hit-and-run crash

Early on June 23, 2012, Slifer was hit by a motorist while walking in Santa Monica, California, after spending the evening with friends. The driver fled the scene. Slifer was seriously injured, suffering breaks to some ribs, his collar bone, and his shoulder. Most critically, due to head injuries, doctors had to remove a portion of Slifer's skull[3] and place him in an induced coma[14] at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.[15]

S.L.I.F.E.R., the Society for Legal, Investigative and Financial Empowerment and Recovery, was created in July 2012 to assist in bringing the hit-and-run driver to justice and providing updates on Slifer's condition.[16] The nonprofit assistance organization The Hero Initiative helped raise money to assist in Slifer's legal case and medical care.[15]

Slifer's sister Connie Carlton took over his care, and in late July 2012, Slifer was moved from UCLA's Ronald Reagan Neuroscience/Trauma Intensive Care Unit to Barlow Respiratory Hospital in Los Angeles. At that point, he was still comatose.[17] Slifer's condition improved at Barlow, and he emerged from his coma. In late September 2012, he was transferred to the sub-acute care facility Goldstar Rehabilitation Services, in Santa Monica.[18]

As of late February 2013, Slifer was awaiting surgery to replace the portion of his skull removed immediately after the crash. Carlton had arranged to transport Slifer to Indiana for further rehabilitation.[19] He died on March 30, 2015.[20]

Tributes

Slifer had three fictional characters named at least in part after him:

Bibliography

Comic books

DC Comics

Marvel Comics

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Screenwriting credits

  • series head writer denoted in bold

Television

Film

Producer

Television

See also

References

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  1. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ a b Template:Gcdb
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Slifer, Roger. "Screwed by DC," The Comics Journal #121 (April 1988), p. 25.
  12. ↑ Groth, Gary. "Birth of the Guild: May 7, 1978," The Comics Journal #42 (October 1978), pp. 21-28.
  13. ↑ "Ploog & Kirby Quit Marvel over Contract Dispute," The Comics Journal #44 (Jan. 1979), p. 11.
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ "About," S.L.I.F.E.R. Needs You Facebook page. Accessed Feb. 23, 2013.
  17. ↑ Alovis, Will. "Roger Medical Update 7/27/12," S.L.I.F.E.R. Needs You Facebook page (July 27, 2012).
  18. ↑ Alovis, Will. "Roger Medical Update 10/8/12," S.L.I.F.E.R. Needs You Facebook page (Oct. 8, 2012).
  19. ↑ Carlton, Connie. "Roger Medical Update 2/15/13," S.L.I.F.E.R. Needs You Facebook page (Feb. 15, 2013).
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/checkTemplate:Succession box/check The Defenders writer
1977
(with Gerry Conway and
David Anthony Kraft) Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/checkTemplate:Succession box/check Omega Men writer
1983–1984 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by

Template:Authority control

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