Born in 1920 in NYC and after graduating from Pratt Institute, Ken Bald quickly rose at The Jack Binder Studio in 1941.  During this time, known as the Golden Age of Comics, Bald illustrated and inked the following Fawcett Comics’ superheroes: Captain Marval, Captain Midnight, Bulletman, Bulletgirl, and Spy Smasher.  He also rendered meticulous work for Street & Smith on both Mandrake the Magician and Doc Savage.

Returning from WW11 as a decorated Captain in 1946, Bald met Stan Lee, who recruited his art talents for Timely Comics.  Timely would eventually become the world-renowned Marvel Comics.  Bald’s illustration credits include Captain America, The Human Torch, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Blonde Phantom, Sun Girl, Miss America, Millie the Model and Namora, which he co-created with Lee.  During this time, he also worked for the American Comics Group where his list of credits include Adventures into the Unknown, The Clutching Hand, Forbidden Worlds, out of the Night, Romantic Adventures, Lovelorn, and Spy-Hunters, and he co-created Volume #1 of Operation Peril.

In 1957, Bald transitioned to syndicated comic strips, illustrating King Features’ Judd Saxon.  In 1961, Bald began illustrating Dr. Kildare, another King Feature strip, which enjoyed an international readership for over 25 years.  While still continuing to draw the Dr. Kildare strip, Bald also simultaneously illustrated the Dark Shadows comic strip from 1971 to 1972. Due to contractual obligations, Bald is credited as "K. Bruce" on this strip.

From 1981 to 2004, Bald was Creative Director of Gem Studios, a Manhattan art studio that created TV storyboards for ad agencies.  His work included the Miller Lite and Right Guard celebrity campaigns, as well as the first AFLAC spot that introduced its now famous duck in December 1999. His prolific art career spans over 63 years.

Referred to as "The Best Comic Artist in the Business" by Stan Lee, click here to order your pre-show Ken Bald sketches.

Ken Bald