Otto O. Binder
Otto O. Binder was a prominent twentieth-century science fiction author and comic scriptwriter, born in Bessemer, Michigan. He pursued his education in Illinois, attending institutions like the City College of Chicago and Northwestern University. Starting his writing career in the 1930s, he collaborated with his brother, Earl Binder, and their first published story, "The First Martian," appeared in 1932 under the pseudonym Eando Binder. Otto's significant contributions to science fiction include the influential story "I, Robot," published in 1939, which later inspired episodes of popular television series like Star Trek and The Outer Limits.
Binder also made a mark in the comic industry, working for the Harry A. Chesler Studio and eventually becoming a key scriptwriter for Fawcett Publications, where he notably contributed to the Captain Marvel series. He married Ione Frances Turek in 1940 and had a daughter, Mary. Later in his life, after personal losses and declining health, Binder explored themes of reincarnation and extraterrestrial life in his writing. He continued to reside in New York until his passing on October 14, 1974, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both science fiction literature and comic storytelling.
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Subject Terms
Otto O. Binder
Fiction and Nonfiction Writer
- Born: August 26, 1911
- Birthplace: Bessemer, Michigan
- Died: October 14, 1974
- Place of death: Chestertown, New York
Biography
Otto O. Binder, a twentieth century science fiction author and comic scriptwriter, was born in Bessemer, Michigan. He received most of his education in Illinois, attending the City College of Chicago, University of Illinois, and Northwestern University. He grew up a fan of science fiction and began writing in this genre in the 1930’s.
Binder wrote his first published story with his brother, Earl Binder. This story, “The First Martian,” was published in Amazing Stories in 1932, and was written under the pseudonym Eando Binder. This name was intended to be “E. and O. Binder,” but was incorrectly published in the byline as “Eando.” Binder continued to collaborate with his brother Earl on other published works.
In 1935, Binder left Illinois and took an editing job at Otis Kline’s literary office in New York City. It wasn’t until 1939 that Amazing Stories published “I, Robot,” which was another story written by Otto and Earl Binder. At the time of its publication, this story was considered on the leading edge of science fiction writing. “I, Robot” was used later as the basis for episodes on the popular television shows Star Trek and Outer Limits.
In 1939, while still working at Kline’s office, Binder began doing freelance work to supplement his income. He contracted as a comic scriptwriter for the Harry A. Chesler Studio where Jack Binder, another one of his brothers, was a manager. During this time, Binder wrote scripts for the comics Vulcan, Black Owl, and Captain America. On November 2, 1940, Otto Binder married Ione Frances Turek, a writer of children’s books and cookbooks. They continued to live in Chestertown, New York and had one daughter, Mary.
In 1941, Binder began contract work for another publishing company, Fawcett Publications. Through this publishing house, Binder wrote scripts for Spy Master, Bulletman, and Captain Venture. Eventually, Binder became Fawcett’s premiere scriptwriter and was soon assigned to the famous Captain Marvel series. For twelve years, Binder was the primary writer for this series, producing more than 60 sixty percent of its scripts until the series was discontinued in 1953.
Toward the end of his life, Binder suffered from fading health and the death of his daughter. At this time, his science fiction writing turned to themes such as reincarnation, flying saucers, and aliens. He continued to live and work in New York until his death on October 14, 1974.