(Thanks to
chris_walsh, who linked to several of the pieces referenced here.)
Dave Stevens was the genius behind
The Rocketeer, the comic that was the basis for the ’91 movie; the Jennifer Connelly character in that film is a much-softened version of
the original (potentially NSFW), who was drawn as a clear homage to Page. Stevens passed away earlier this year; when he died,
Mark Evanier (another brilliant writer of comics and stuff) wrote
this touching piece:
Deciding that too many others had callously exploited her likeness, Dave voluntarily aided Ms. Page financially and even took to helping her in neighborly ways. One time, he told me — and without the slightest hint of resentment — "It's amazing. After years of fantasizing about this woman, I'm now driving her to cash her Social Security checks."
As to the woman herself, I give you this Peter David (brilliant writer of stuff and comic books; had an amazing run on
The Incredible Hulk back when Todd McFarlane could draw) quote on her passing:
There are times that I wish I could draw, and this is one of them. If I could, I would draw a little heavenly scenario that shows Bettie Page posing for a portrait-painting
Dave Stevens, captioned "
Together at last (potentially NSFW)."