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George Wildman (July 31, 1927 – May 22, 2016) George Wildman at the Lambiek Comiclopedia was an American cartoonist most noted for his work in the comic books industry. From 1971 until 1985, he was a top editor at Charlton Comics, where he also became the long-time regular artist on Popeye comic books.
Returning home, Wildman studied advertising at what later became the Paier College of Art. In the 1950s, he worked as a commercial artist, first at an ad agency and then as a freelance artist. During this time, he began producing art for Charlton Comics in Derby, Connecticut.
Wildman's tenure as editor continued through 1985, while Western Publishing picked up Popeye under its Gold Key and Whitman trademarks. Bill Pearson, by then assistant editor at Charlton, began writing scripts, and Wildman produced illustrations while off-duty from Charlton.
In 1979, the release of Robert Altman's Popeye film led to a demand for Popeye-related merchandise. For Random House, Wildman illustrated a "Pop-Up Book" that was later displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. Wildman was also invited to produce a painted wooden Easter egg for the White House Easter event; this egg was also donated to the Smithsonian.
In 1994, Wildman and his wife Trudy were guests of honor at a festival in Chester, Illinois, celebrating the 100th birthday of Popeye's creator, Elzie Crisler Segar. Wildman received the Popeye Fan Club's Lifetime Achievement Award. Wildman was also a guest of the 2004 festival, which celebrated the 75th anniversary of Popeye.
As of the late 2000s, Wildman and his son Karl operated their own ad agency, producing computer animation, greeting cards and other products. Wildman's work was seen regularly in the "Hidden Pictures" of Highlights for Children.
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