Mark Hanerfeld

Mark Hanerfeld (1944–January 4, 2000) was an American writer and editor in the comic book industry. Starting out in the world of comics fandom, Hanerfeld is most well known for co-creating Abel, the "host" of the DC Comics horror comics anthology House of Secrets, as well as being the model for the character's appearance.

Biography Early life Hanerfeld, a New Yorker,

Fandom Hanerfeld started out in the world of comics fandom, first by writing to various DC comic book letter columns (with his first letter being printed in Justice League of America in 1961. Forming a relationship with top editor Julius Schwartz, Hanerfeld began visiting the DC offices (as well as meeting other like-minded fans). in 1968, while also becoming Executive Secretary of the Academy of Comic-Book Fans and Collectors (ACBFC). Doing double-duty was apparently too much for Hanerfeld: by mid-1969 he was having trouble maintaining a consistent publication schedule for TCR and, despite winning a 1969 Alley Award, by early 1970 the fanzine was no longer being published. The ACBFC, meanwhile, went defunct in mid-1969.

Professional comics career DC Comics In 1968, Hanerfeld began writing columns for The Wonderful World of Comics (WWC), and Fact Files, the WWC columns provided insight into various elements of the comics world, from creator biographies to insider info on company sales and publishing decisions to the world of comics fanzines and the burgeoning comic convention scene. Fact File pieces were usually one-page recaps of the careers of various DC heroes.

In 1969, DC editor Joe Orlando created the design for Abel, based on Hanerfeld:

Hanerfeld and artist Bill Draut then created the first story featuring Abel, in DC Special #4 (July–Sept. 1969); Abel soon became the host of House of Secrets. During the period 1969 to 1974, Hanerfeld also wrote stories for such DC titles as The Spectre, Phantom Stranger, and Justice League of America.

Other appearances Hanerfeld appeared as a metafictional character in Batman #237 (December 1971). Written by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Neal Adams, the story featured several comics creators appearing and interacting with Batman and Robin at the Rutland Halloween Parade in Rutland, Vermont.

He also appeared in a photograph in Elvira's House of Mystery #4 (June 1986).