Frank McLaughlin, the mind behind “Judomaster” and the art director at Charlton Comics, has passed away at Milford Hospital, Connecticut, from undisclosed causes. McLaughlin had a well-renowned career as an artist at DC, Marvel, Archie Comics, and mostly notably Charlton Comics (who were acquired by DC in 1983). He began his career as an inker at Charlton before pencilling a story in “Reptisaurus” #8 in 1962.
McLaughlin is well known for his work on “Captain America,” “Batman,” “Blue Beetle,” “Justice League of America” and “The Flash.” He will be remembered for the Charlton character Judomaster, who he created alongside writer Joe Gill, one of the minds behind The Atom and Peacemaker. McLaughlin had a history in martial arts, practicing Judo for 32 years at Joe Costa’s Academy of Judo. This was a recurring inspiration for the adventures of Judomaster, first published in 1965’s “Special War Series” #4.
“Judomaster” continued for another ten issues, ending in December 1967. McLaughlin would retire in 1996, beginning a new career as an art school teacher and co-author of the comic book art guides How to Draw Those Bodacious Bad Babes of Comics and How to Draw Monsters for Comics.
McLaughlin is survived by his two children, Erin and Terry, as well as his niece Anne McLaughlin, who is also a professional artist.
