Dick Wood was an American comic book writer known for his work during the Golden and Silver Ages of comics. He was born Richard Hamilton Silva on the 6th of December 1919, in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA and spent much of his early life there. Details about his childhood are scarce, but he grew up during the Great Depression, a time that heavily influenced many pulp and comic book writers of his generation. From a young age, he displayed an interest in storytelling and adventure fiction, which would later shape his career in comics.

Wood became a prolific writer, contributing to various comic book publishers throughout the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. He worked across multiple genres, including superheroes, crime, war, science fiction, and Westerns, bringing a dynamic and fast-paced style to his scripts. His ability to craft gripping, action-driven narratives made him a sought-after talent among publishers.

Dick Wood made significant contributions to the Phantom comic book series during the 1960s, writing numerous stories that enriched the lore of the Ghost Who Walks. His work was featured in issues published by Gold Key Comics, King Comics, and Charlton Comics. Collaborating with artists like Bill Lignante and Jim Aparo, Wood crafted engaging narratives that captivated readers.

His first Phantom story appeared in Gold Key comic book number 11 titled ‘Blind Man’s Bluff’ in 1965 which was illustrated by Bill Lignante. He would go on to write a total of 17 stories in the series, with the last one appearing in edition number 33, published by Charlton Comics in 1969 titled ‘The Curse of Kallai’.

His scripts helped bring the character to a new generation of readers, blending the traditional pulp adventure elements with new threats and villains that expanded the mythos of the Ghost Who Walks. His work respected the legacy of Falk’s creation while infusing the stories with fast-paced action and intrigue.

Beyond his work on the Phantom, Wood wrote for several major publishers, including DC Comics, Timely Comics (later Marvel), and Fawcett Comics. His writing could be found in titles such as Mandrake the Magician, Man From U.N.C.L.E., Star Trek, Batman, Doctor Solar, House of Mystery, Boris Karloff, Sky Masters of the Space Force, Doctor Solar Man of the Atom and McLintock showcasing his versatility in handling different storytelling styles. He also contributed to television, working on scripts for adventure-based shows, further extending his impact on American entertainment.

Despite his extensive contributions to the comic book industry, Wood remained a somewhat elusive figure, with much of his work going uncredited or published under house names. He eventually faded from the industry as comics evolved in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Dick Wood passed away on the 7th of January 1972, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA. Though his name is not as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, his work on the Phantom and other classic comic book series helped define an era of pulp-inspired adventure storytelling.

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