The Steve Ditko Innovators Studio at the Bottle Works is a dedicated exhibit space showcasing the life and legacy of Johnstown native and co-creator of Spider-Man, Steve Ditko!
Steve had a prolific career in the comics industry that spanned nearly seven decades. He is responsible for the art, plotting, and creation of characters like Spider-Man and his rogues gallery, Doctor Strange, Mr. A, Static, The Question, Creeper, Hawk & Dove, Squirrel Girl, Speedball, and many, many more.
The Steve Ditko Innovators studio houses memorabilia from Steve’s career, family photos and mementos, personal items, original scans of some of his early pen and ink work, the pens that he used for his entire career, and comic books from Steve’s personal collection along with a sketch of Doctor Strange that is believed to have been the first ever drawn. Most of which can’t be seen anywhere else in the world!
Steve Ditko, Amazing and Strange portrait by Heather Davis is on display in the studio.
This Spidey inspired display case holds wood block prints Steve did in high school in Johnstown, his ink pens, and his personal copy of Amazing Spider-Man #33, along with some photos he took while serving in the military.
The studio is also utilized for classes and workshops. Here is the Hero Works Publishing crew holding a meeting/critique session surrounded by Ditko inspiration!
