Tony DiPreta, 1921 – 2010
Tony DiPreta, a cartoonist with a pedigree as long as Joe Palooka’s reach, died on June 2.
Best known as the last artist on Joe Palooka (1959 – 1984) and Rex Morgan, M.D. from 1994 until 2000, Tony got his start at the fabled Quality Comics as a letterer in 1940. He assisted Lou Fine, Gill Fox and Bob Fujitani before working on such notable features as Airboy, Uncle Sam and Daredevil (the original pre-Marvel character). During the 1950s he did an enormous amount of humor, horror and western anthology work, primarily for Marvel (Atlas) Comics.He later worked on Marvel’s black and white horror magazines such as Tales of the Zombie, Monsters Unleashed, and Dracula Lives. His last published comic book work was Fantastic Adventures #3 (Oct. 1987) where he did the humorous “The Score Board Kid” written by former Mad editor Jerry DeFuccio.
In addition to working on Joe Palooka and Rex Morgan — both highly visible features in their time – Tony also drew Mickey Finn during its waning years.
I am saddened to hear this. I am a big fan of Airboy and Marvel’s “Zombie” character, as well a regular reader of Rex Morgan for the last couple decades. Mr. DiPreta was a terrific artist, and as a fan I wish his family and friends my best in a difficult time.
I am saddened to hear this. I am a big fan of Airboy and Marvel's "Zombie" character, as well a regular reader of Rex Morgan for the last couple decades. Mr. DiPreta was a terrific artist, and as a fan I wish his family and friends my best in a difficult time.
I remember Tony’s work on Rex Morgan and some of his other newspaper strips. He was never anything but excellent. This is a great loss.
I remember Tony's work on Rex Morgan and some of his other newspaper strips. He was never anything but excellent. This is a great loss.