Henry C. Kiefer

Henry C. Kiefer (April 15, 1890 – May 10, 1957) was an American artist active during the Golden Age of Comic Books. He is best remembered for his extensive contributions to *Classics Illustrated*, the long-running series that adapted literary works into comic form. Born in the United States, Kiefer was a remarkably prolific draftsman who drew features for nearly every major publisher of his era, though his most enduring work appeared in that series. His style—clear, narrative, and well-suited to adaptation—made him a reliable hand for bringing classic novels to a young readership. Over his career, he was credited as artist or inker on more than forty issues, with *Classics Illustrated* and its international editions (including German, Greek, and Norwegian versions) forming the bulk of his output. Kiefer’s collaborations were primarily with editors and writers at the series’ publisher, though he worked across many genres. His later life saw him continue to produce comics until his death in 1957. While he received no major awards in his lifetime, his work remains a cornerstone of the *Classics Illustrated* library, and he is remembered as a workmanlike artist whose steady hand helped define a beloved educational franchise.