Ramona Fradon, Co-Creator Of DC Comics’ Metamorpho And Artist For ‘Aquaman,’ Passes Away At 97

Ramona Fradon, a veteran comics artist co-creator of Metamorpho with over 70 years of experience, passed away at 97. His recent retirement, which occurred last month, was confirmed by Catskill Comics. This distributor specialises in comic book art, via a Facebook announcement.

Ramona Fradon commenced her illustrious career in 1950, initially joining the ranks of DC Comics. She gained recognition for her contributions as an artist on Aquaman and as the co-creator of the superhero Metamorpho. Notably, Anthony Carrigan, known for his role in Barry, is slated to portray Metamorpho in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Legacy in the coming year.

Ramona Fradon Co-creator of Metamorpho and Aquaman Dies at 97

Catskill Comics shared the somber news on Facebook: “It comes with great sadness to announce that Ramona Fradon passed away moments ago. Ramona was 97 years old. She also had a long career in the comics industry and was still drawing as recently as a few days ago.”

“She was an extraordinary person in many ways. I will miss all the great conversations and laughs we had. I’m lucky to have been able to work with her on a professional level.’ But also to be able to call her a friend. If anyone would like to send a card to the family, please feel free to send them to Catskill Comics and I will be happy to get them to her.”

Fradon officially announced her retirement on January 9 through Catskill Comics. A statement on the art dealer’s site conveyed, “After an extremely long run in the comic industry, at 97, Ramona has decided it’s time for her to retire. She will no longer be doing commissions. Ramona apologizes to all the fans who have been waiting patiently on her wait list to get one. She did say though from time to time she’ll do a drawing or two to put up for sale on the website.”

“Ramona Fradon started her career in 1950. She has worked for DC Comics, drawing ‘Aquaman,’ for which she co-created the character Metamorpho. She has also worked other DC titles such as ‘Superman,’ ‘Batman’ and ‘Plastic Man’ along with comic strip Brenda Starr.”

The artist was born on October 2, 1926 in Chicago (Illinois) and grew up in New York. In 1950 he graduated from Parsons School of Design. She joined DC Comics in 1951 and started working on the “Aquaman” comics. Ramona Fradon later participated in creating characters such as Aqualad and Metamorpho. Pausing her career in 1965 to raise her daughter, Fradon returned to DC in 1972.

She assumed the role of the lead artist on Brenda Starr, Reporter in 1980 and continued contributing to the series until 1995. Following this, Fradon shifted her focus to creating commissioned art through Catskill Comics.