Florence “Fabulous Flo” Steinberg, a staple of the original Marvel Bullpen, has passed away. “I am grieved to report that ‘Fabulous’ Flo Steinberg passed away this morning,” wrote her longtime friend Larry Hama on his Facebook page, “after complications from a brain aneurism and metastatic lung cancer. She will be interred at the Jewish cemetery in Kerhonkson NY. We are making plans for a memorial in September or October. I will update on this page.”
Steinberg and Stan Lee were the only two full-time employees at Marvel during the Silver Age, and “Fabulous Flo” wrote all the funny replies to fan mail, letters columns, and the “Merry Marvel Marching Society” copy. While Lee is often given credit for his innovative approach to fandom, it was Steinberg’s words that really made the fan club resonate with readers. She also did anything and everything to help get the monthly comics out the door, and this could include anything from proofreading and editing to production and design.
After Steinberg left Marvel, she published the groundbreaking Big Apple Comics, which, as Newsarama aptly summarized, “many consider to be the link between ‘underground’ comics and modern-day ‘alternative comix’.” She later returned to Marvel as a proofreader in the 1990s.
Many comics pros posted about Steinberg’s passing, praising her kindness and impact on the industry.
Absolutely gutted to hear about the passing of the First Lady of Marvel, Flo Steinberg. A fine person. pic.twitter.com/9QVKkeoLhD
— Tom Brevoort (@TomBrevoort) July 23, 2017
Flo Steinberg was one of the kindest & most self deprecating people that I’ve ever known. The true heart of Marvel & a wonderful friend.
— Blake Garris (@blakegarris) July 23, 2017
Just saw news that Flo Steinberg died and I broke down in tears. I saw her just a few weeks ago. I love you, Flo. We miss you.
— Ryan Penagos (@AgentM) July 23, 2017
So sad to hear about Fabulous Flo Steinberg. Without Flo, Marvel in the 1960s simply wouldn’t have functioned. RIP. pic.twitter.com/b3xPSEr5uF
— Al Kennedy (@housetoastonish) July 23, 2017
The last time I heard from Flo Steinberg was a few days after my last day at Marvel. pic.twitter.com/z1vpieMG9E
— Tom Brennan (@Brennanator) July 23, 2017
Marvel have also issued a statement, saying, “We are incredibly saddened to hear of Flo Steinberg’s passing and send our deepest condolences to her friends and family. Flo has always been the heart of Marvel and a legend in her own right. She will be forever missed and always loved by all of us here at Marvel.”
Rest in peace, Flo, and thanks for inspiring so many women in comics.
(Via The Beat and Newsarama; image via Lopaka42 under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license)
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