Our deep thanks to Scoop reader Bryan Stroud, who contributed this thoughtful look at the life and work of comic book legend Mike Esposito following his passing.

Mike Esposito, a long time inker in the industry, born in Brooklyn, New York, July 14, 1927, passed away in Long Island, New York at the age of 83 on October 24, 2010.

Mike served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947.

His career was long and fruitful and spanned the Golden and Silver Ages and beyond. He enjoyed one of comic’s longest term partnerships with Ross Andru and the pair produced work that included long runs in DC Comics’ war-titles, a run of nearly a decade on the Wonder Woman title, where their depiction of the Amazon Princess was used for the DC Comics Super Heroes series of U.S. postage stamps in 2005, and in conjunction with writer-editor Robert Kanigher co-created the popular Metal Men comic book. Later the duo worked on the Flash and DC’s original superhero, Superman.

Mike and Ross also did something unusual for the era, venturing into self-publishing for a time, producing romances and the MAD-like satire books, “Get Lost!” and “Up Your Nose!” Mike had a love for humor and can even be seen in a cameo appearance in issue #6 of the short-lived DC Comics series from the late ‘60s, Inferior Five, which he also inked.

While working as a freelancer, Mike produced work for both major publishers, often using the alias’ Mickey Demeo, Mickey Dee and Joe Gaudioso under the Marvel publications on such work as The Incredible Hulk and Amazing Spider-Man.

Toward the end of his remarkable career, Mike did work for Archie Comics and produced commissions and recreations for his many fans as a way to continue to provide for his family, who were his world.

Mike Esposito left a tremendous body of work over his four decades plus in the industry that will long be appreciated by his many fans, present and future.

Mike is survived by his wife Irene and daughter Michele. A son, Mark, predeceased him.