Dave Stevens, cartoonist and creator of The Rocketeer, has died, according to Newsarama. Stevens, who brought the tradition of “good girl art” pin-ups to new heights and single-handedly re-established interest in the career of Bettie Page, apparently died from Leukemia.
The Rocketeer stands out as the superhero with the most believable motivation of them all: He donned the jetpack and costume to impress a smokin’ hot woman.
Stevens was a fantastic (if not prolific) artist, and from all accounts a really good guy who was his own harshest critic. Mark Evanier wrote more about him on his website:
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2008_03_11.html#014911
We also have Stevens to thank for propping Bettie Page back up as a cultural icon in the '80s and '90s. I will probably go watch The Rocketeer later, which stands as the single most gorgeous and sexy Jennifer Connelly (playing the Bettie Page character) has ever looked.
I just want to say that, as somebody else born in 1955, he was just a baby.
Wow. Seeing this thread title really made my heart jump. I opened it hoping it was about some other Dave Stevens, but no such luck. I’ve been a long time fan of his, and I’ve got a bunch of comics with his work, as well as posters, lithographs and books.
I visited Disney World not long after the Rocketeer movie came out, and at MGM Studios they had a big display of a bunch of stuff from the film. Lots of artwork and models, even the bulldog cafe and the gyrocopter.
Man, I’m really bummed now… 
RIP. I’ve been wanting to rewatch The Rocketeer. I’ll do it now.