CREATOR SPOTLIGHT: TOM SUTTON

Born: April 15th, 1937, North Adams, MA

Tom Sutton’s artistic journey began in an unexpected place—on a military base in Japan. Stationed there during his four-year enlistment, Sutton drew a strip for the base publication, which he later described as a "cheap version" of Frank Robbins’ Johnny Hazard strip. After completing his service, Sutton returned to New England and enrolled at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where he began his studies in earnest. While attending school, he also started freelancing for a few advertising agencies, building his portfolio and experience.

First Comic Book Work
Sutton's first foray into comic books was a five-page western story featured in Kid Colt Outlaw #137. He also made his magazine debut in Eerie #11. Sutton later claimed that one of the key reasons he landed a job with Marvel Comics was due to Editor Stan Lee being impressed by Sutton’s work on a daily comic strip for two years.

Breakthrough and Style
Sutton’s most notable work came in the black-and-white horror magazines like Eerie, Creepy, Planet of the Apes, and Vampirella. These publications allowed him to work without the restrictions of the Comics Code, giving him more creative freedom. His style was vastly different from the household names of his time, showcasing a unique flair that set him apart in the industry.

Best Covers and Legacy
Some of Sutton’s best-known covers were created for Charlton Comics, where his passion for the horror genre shone through. His work in this area earned him a dedicated following, and it’s clear that his love for the genre informed much of his distinctive, gritty style.