Mike Curtis (writer)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. (June 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
Mike Curtis is the owner and co-founder of the comic book publishing company Shanda Fantasy Arts and creator of popular Furry comic Shanda the Panda.
[edit] Biography
Mike Curtis was born on May 11, 1953, and has at various points in his life been a theatre manager, a reporter, and a writer, which life experiences help inform his work, which is known for being anthropomorphic, and meant to be very realistic. He doesn't shy away from controversial real-life issues such as racism, homosexuality and divorce, although he does make sure that, even with explicit depictions of sexuality and violence, his work does not become pornographic. Curtis strives to make his work true to life, even in the fantastic setting of anthropomorphic characters.
Mike Curtis created Shanda the Panda while he was working as a movie theatre manager. Reportedly he drew a simple sketch of Shanda while in a boring meeting with theatre heads and wrote the story based around that first sketch.
Before founding Shanda Fantasy Arts with his wife Carole, Curtis wrote for several other comic books, including Richie Rich and a comic based on the boy band New Kids on the Block. Curtis often writes for the Comics Buyer's Guide.
Also, Curtis is known among some comic book enthusiasts as the owner of one of the world's most extensive Superman memorabilia collections. His collection includes rare issues, toys and autographs. The most well known piece in his collection is a genuine cape symbol worn by George Reeves. Curtis has written two novellas featuring Reeves and incorporating some aspects of the Adventures of Superman TV show, entitled "By George" and "Strange Visitor from another Planet".
