Tom Moore, Artist for Archie Comics, Passes Away at 86

Archie TM

Cartoonist Tom Moore, the artist responsible for years worth of Archie comics, has passed away of lung cancer at the age of 86.  The El Paso, Texas native is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

During the Korean War, while serving the U.S. Navy, Tom started his cartooning career often lampooning the ship’s captain.  In 1953, he began drawing Archie and the gang until he relocated his family in 1961, at which time he put down his pens.  He would return to work on Underdog and Mighty Mouse comics.  Then in the late 80s, he was invited back to Archie Comics to be the artist for their Jughead series.

Archie Comic

Speaking to the El Paso Times in 1996, Moore had this to say about his time spent drawing Archie, “I did one comic book a month. I did everything. We always worked six months ahead. I’d be doing Christmas issues in June and beach stories with a foot of snow outside my window.

Moore was honored in 1996 as much of his acclaimed work was on display at the El Paso Museum of Art.  Humbled by the honoring, Tom made this statement, “I have enjoyed what I’ve done and I am pleased that others liked it, too. I think it’s such a kick that my stuff is going to be hanging at the museum. Who knew Archie would have such universal appeal?

Archie Comics’ editor in chief, Victor Gorelick, who has worked for more than 50 years with the publisher, considered Moore “a cartoonist’s cartoonist.” “Tom was very funny and had a knack for putting together really great, hilarious gags and special pages when he worked at Archie,” Gorelick said. “He was probably best known here for inking our Jughead relaunch decades ago. We’re all sad to hear this news and wish his family the very best during this time.

We at PopCultHQ wish to pass on our condolences to the Moore family. Thank you Tom for your memorable work and impact you left on the comic community.