10 Iconic Golden Age & Pre-Code Comic Artists

Before the Comics Code Authority tamed the wild and weird world of comics, the Golden Age was an era of pure creative chaos—where heroes punched Nazis, monsters roamed the night, and horror was just as popular as heroism. Behind all of it were artists whose groundbreaking work helped shape the visual language of comics as we know it.

These ten legendary artists from the Golden Age and pre-Code era brought style, substance, and serious flair to the page. Here’s a closer look at the lives and legacies of some of the boldest talents in comic book history.

Mac Raboy

📅 April 9, 1914 – December 22, 1967

Mac Raboy’s polished, elegant line-work made him stand out among his peers. His stunning illustrations of Captain Marvel Jr. gave the character a sense of grace and nobility. Later, he brought that same finesse to the Sunday strips of Flash Gordon, a gig he held until his untimely death. Raboy’s work had a painterly quality that made even the most fantastical scenes feel grounded and believable.

Jack Kirby

📅 August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994

The undisputed “King of Comics,” Jack Kirby co-created Captain America during World War II and never slowed down. Born Jacob Kurtzberg, Kirby poured raw energy into every panel—whether he was drawing sci-fi monsters, war heroes, or street-level brawlers. Long before his Marvel years, his Golden Age and pre-Code work helped define what comics could look like: bold, dynamic, and larger-than-life.

Bob Powell

📅 October 6, 1916 – October 1, 1967

Bob Powell (born Stanley Robert Pawlowski) was a genre-hopping chameleon, contributing to superhero, horror, and crime comics with equal skill. His work on Black Cat and Mr. Mystic featured crisp line-work and a gritty atmosphere. He often worked behind the scenes at the Eisner & Iger studio, one of the first major comic production houses, and had a hand in shaping countless stories that went uncredited at the time.

Will Eisner

📅 March 6, 1917 – January 3, 2005

Will Eisner was more than just a comic artist—he was a storyteller, designer, and innovator. His most famous creation, The Spirit, blended noir aesthetics with experimental page layouts, showing that comics could be as emotionally and visually complex as film. Eisner later pioneered the graphic novel with A Contract with God, and his influence on modern comics is incalculable.

Matt Baker

📅 December 10, 1921 – August 11, 1959

One of the first Black artists to gain prominence in comics, Matt Baker was known for his clean, graceful linework and his exceptional “good girl art.” His work on Phantom Lady remains iconic, balancing pin-up style with superhero action. Despite chronic heart issues, Baker had a prolific career, and his artwork brought beauty and sophistication to every page he touched.

Jack Cole

📅 December 14, 1914 – August 13, 1958

The mind behind Plastic Man, Jack Cole had a unique ability to fuse slapstick with surrealism. His rubber-limbed hero leapt, stretched, and tumbled through wildly inventive pages that defied comic norms. Cole also worked as a cartoonist for Playboy, showcasing a more refined and adult-oriented side. His life ended tragically, but his influence endures through the joyfully unhinged energy of his work.

L.B. Cole

📅 August 28, 1918 – December 5, 1995

L.B. Cole was a master of the eye-catching comic book cover. His bold use of color, negative space, and surreal imagery made his work instantly recognisable. He created unforgettable covers for books like Suspense Comics, Terrific Comics, and many horror titles that are now prized by collectors. With a background in fine art, Cole brought gallery-worthy flair to the spinner rack.

Frank Frazetta

📅 February 9, 1928 – May 10, 2010

Before becoming a legend of fantasy illustration, Frank Frazetta cut his teeth in comics. His early work on titles like Thun’da, White Indian, and various EC stories showcased his unmatched command of anatomy and movement. Even at a young age, Frazetta’s art was bursting with power and sensuality—a style that would later redefine fantasy, horror, and adventure illustration worldwide.

Carmine Infantino

📅 May 24, 1925 – April 4, 2013

Infantino brought a modern, streamlined aesthetic to the comics of the late Golden Age and beyond. While he’s often credited for ushering in the Silver Age with The Flash, his pre-Code work on titles like Ghosts and Danger Trail featured cinematic layouts and cool, angular figures. He eventually rose to editorial leadership at DC, shaping its creative direction for years.

Basil Wolverton

📅 July 9, 1909 – December 31, 1978

Basil Wolverton’s work was weird—and wonderfully so. He specialised in grotesque, rubbery characters with melting faces, bulging eyes, and twisted limbs. His contributions to Weird Tales of the Future, Plop!, and even MAD Magazine cemented his place as a pioneer of surreal and absurdist comic art. Self-described as “spaghetti and meatballs” style, Wolverton’s art was intentionally ugly—and totally unforgettable.

The Golden Age and pre-Code era were a crucible of creativity, and these ten artists helped forge the foundation of modern comic storytelling. From hyper-detailed elegance to grotesque humour and explosive action, each brought their own flavour to the medium—and their influence can still be seen today in comics, animation, and beyond.

So next time you crack open a brittle back issue or spot a wild L.B. Cole cover online, take a moment to appreciate the artists who did it first—and did it big.