If you’ve thumbed through a collection of vintage comic books, chances are you’ve stumbled across something Southeast Missouri native Roy Thomas had a hand in writing – although you probably didn’t realize it.

When it comes to comics, Roy serves as Southeast Missouri’s shining star. In fact, he’s a shining star nationwide for his contributions to the genre.

Roy’s a big deal

His major claim to fame is his stint as Marvel’s editor-in-chief from 1972 to 1974. That makes him the direct successor of iconic comic-book writer Stan Lee. Plus, Roy’s in the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame for his outstanding work.

Creating comics since 1965 has left Roy with a list of credits way too long to cover here, so we’ll just hit the highlights. Maybe you’ve heard of some of them.

• Avengers
• Carol Danvers
• Conan the Barbarian
• Doctor Strange
• Fantastic Four
• Iron Fist
• Morbius
• Ultron
• Vision
• Wolverine
• X-Men

His wife is also prominent

Dann Thomas began writing comics in the early 1980s, and she’s compiled an impressive list of credits as well. Among the highlights:

• All-Star Squadron
• Arak, Son of Thunder
• Avengers West Coast
• Infinity Inc.
• Young All-Stars

She’s been cited as the first female writer to receive a scripting credit for Wonder Woman. Dann co-wrote issue 300 in 1983 – 42 years after the heroine made her debut.

Roy’s connection to Cape Girardeau

Roy was born and raised in nearby Jackson, Missouri – less than 15 miles from Cape. And he attended Southeast Missouri State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education before he entered the Marvel world.

He occasionally visits Southeast Missouri

His most recent visit was to his hometown of Jackson in February 2019. A beloved local icon, Roy was given the key to the city and a holiday was declared in his honor: Roy Thomas Day on Feb. 23.

You can keep up with Roy on his Facebook page or connect with fellow fans by joining the Roy Thomas Appreciation Board on Facebook.

Your gateway to the Marvel universe

Another Marvel creator will be in town for Cape Comic Con from April 26 to 28 at the Osage Centre. Greg Land, an artist for the organization, has worked on Birds of Prey, Fantastic Four and Uncanny X-Men, among others.

Joining him at Comic Con are

• Four Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
• Road Warrior Animal
• Veronica Taylor

Learn more about these celebrities and get the details about this annual Cape Girardeau event here.