Originally known as Nicholas Viscardi, Nick Cardy attended the Art Students League of New York where he studied Painting and Sculpture.

Cardy began to draw for comics as far back as 1939 (18 years old) for Will Eisner. His first works included such titles as Jungle Comics, Wings and Fight Comics.

From 1943 to 1945 he did service in World War 2 and earned 2 purple hearts. In World War 2 he served as a tank driver. He also designed the panther logo for the 66th infantry in a contest which he won.

Cardy had not planned on returning to comics when he returned from service. He landed jobs doing covers for crossword puzzle activity books and various other periodicals. But soon after he landed two daily comic strips drawing both Tarzan alongside Burne Hogarth as well as Casey Ruggles with Warren Tufts.

Cardy joined DC comics in 1950 for what would be a very long residence.

In 1950 Cardy began his long career with DC working on the book Gang Busters. His art developed a reputation with his first prominent series, Tomahawk.

Cardy has done work on just about every major title for DC comics. Everything from Aquaman to Superman.

From 1962-1968 He drew 41 issues of Aquaman (taking over the position which was previously held by Ramona Fradon), he also did the covers for almost all 56 issues. Cardy also designed characters such as Mera and Ocean Master. During his long tenure on Aquaman, DC game him more artistic freedom as evident in many Aquaman covers (some are very romantic--while others scream "Action"). He also worked on the first 42 issues of Teen Titans vol. 1. He also worked on the fondly remembered, but short-lived, western series, Bat Lash in 1968. Around this same time Cardy assisted his childhood friend Al Plastino, on the Batman syndicated Comic Strip.

Cardy also drew the cover to the 1st appearance issue of Wonder Girl in Brave and the Bold Vol 1 #60. However he doesn't even get partial credit to her creation since Wonder Girls character was based on Wonder Woman, who was created by Robert Kanigher.

He was fired from DC for not following a layout given to him by Carmine Infantino. But was quickly rehired by Julius Schwartz who praised him for the choice. Cardy was the main DC artist from the early to mid-70's.

Cardy left comics in the mid-1970's to pursue a commercial art career drawing ads and movie posters. He also worked on the first comic book to feature a black character, although the editor changed it at the last minute, it is an historical issue that showed times were changing.

Famously Cardy designed one of the most iconic Star Wars Episode IV posters for the 1977 release.

Cardy was honored for his contributions to the comic industry when he was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2005.

Characters Created by Nick Cardy

• Black Manta
• Mera
• Tula
• Ocean Master
• Lilith Clay
• Fisherman
• Ding Dong Daddy
• Neil Richards
• Awesome Threesome
• Typhoon