Bob McLeod, an Emmaus-based artist, is best-known for co-creating with writer Chris Claremont four of the original five New Mutants for Marvel Comics.

The Marvel Comics superheroes first appeared in 1982 as part of the Marvel Graphic Novel editions. The original New Mutants consisted of ethnically-diverse teenage characters whose superhero alter egos are Cannonball, Karma, Mirage, Sunspot and Wolfsbane.

Other iconic comic book superheroes McLeod has illustrated include the Incredible Hulk, Superman, Spiderman and Batman.

“Bob McLeod: Marvel and DC Comic Book Artist” concluded Dec. 2 in the gallery at Laura’s Custom Framing and Fine Art, Emmaus.

Producing a comic book is a collaborative effort involving a writer, penciler, inker, letterer and colorist.

McLeod, born in 1951 in Tampa, Fla., has spent most of his long career penciling and inking comic book pages. “I did some lettering,” he says. He only worked once as a colorist.

While a teenager during the late 1960s, McLeod sold his first cartoon to the Tampa Tribune. It was an editorial cartoon on the topic of busing.

“I never intended to become a comic book artist,” says McLeod, “I wanted to have my own newspaper comic strip or work with Walt Disney.”

While stocking shelves at a grocery store, one of his coworkers, a comic books fan, encouraged McLeod to work for Marvel.

Rejected multiple times after traveling to New York City, McLeod says, “I finally did something they liked and my career kind of took off.”

McLeod was hired by Marvel to work in the production department, but later took on projects as a freelancer. He and his wife Lucy moved to Emmaus in 1989.

McLeod attended Auburn University and the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. He is mostly self-taught. “I wanted to be a cartoonist.” He says his instructors discouraged it.

McLeod has taught at the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, Lancaster; the Banana Factory, Bethlehem, and gives private lessons.

Although he considers himself retired, McLeod still makes appearances at comic book conventions and continues to work on projects when asked. He has taken up painting for his own enjoyment.

McLeod is proud of “SuperHero ABC,” a children’s book he wrote and illustrated in 2006.

The artist’s adult son, guitarist Andy McLeod, provided music entertainment at a Nov. 5 gallery reception.

“Bob McLeod: Marvel and DC Comic Book Artist” concluded Dec. 2, gallery, Laura’s Custom Framing and Fine Art, 1328 Chestnut St., Emmaus. Hours: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, By appointment Sunday and Monday. www.laurascustomframingandart.com; 610-928-8622

“Gallery View” is a column about artists, exhibitions and galleries. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com