C J Henderson

Chris "C. J." Henderson, born December 26, 1951, and passing on July 4, 2014, was an American writer whose work spanned horror, hardboiled crime fiction, and comic books. He developed a notable presence in these genres, particularly recognized for his Piers Knight and Teddy London series. Henderson's career also included contributions to major comic book publishers like Marvel Comics and Valiant Comics, as well as creating adaptations of existing properties.

Before establishing himself as a professional writer, Henderson held a diverse range of jobs, from the food service industry to managing a movie theater and working as a blackjack dealer. He also contributed to the field of education as an instructor and drama coach. His literary influences were broad, citing authors such as Robert E. Howard, H.P. Lovecraft, and Philip K. Dick, indicating a deep engagement with speculative and genre fiction. Henderson's writing often incorporated elements of the supernatural and the macabre, drawing inspiration from Lovecraftian themes and the Kolchak universe.

C. J. Henderson's writing explored themes that often intersected the supernatural, hardboiled crime, and horror genres. He is particularly noted for his work featuring supernatural detectives, such as the Teddy London series, and for incorporating characters and concepts from H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. His bibliography includes works that directly engage with the Kolchak: The Night Stalker universe, further cementing his connection to supernatural investigation narratives. Henderson's wide-ranging literary tastes, which included authors like Robert E. Howard, H.P. Lovecraft, and Edgar Rice Burroughs, provided a rich foundation for his own genre-bending creations. His stories often featured protagonists navigating dark and mysterious circumstances, blending gritty realism with elements of the uncanny and the occult.

Henderson made significant contributions to the comic book industry, writing for prominent publishers such as Marvel Comics, Valiant Comics, Eternity, Tekno Comix, and Moonstone Books. His comic work included original series and adaptations. Notably, he penned issues for Tekno Comix's "Neil Gaiman's Lady Justice" and adapted "Kolchak" stories for Moonstone Books. He also contributed to DC Comics' "Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight" and Marvel's "Punisher: The Prize." This diverse output demonstrates his versatility within the sequential art medium, applying his storytelling skills to both established characters and new creations.

Beyond his fiction writing, C. J. Henderson had a varied professional background. Prior to his literary career, he worked in numerous service and manual labor roles, including cooking, waiting tables, and dishwashing, as well as managing a movie theater, painting, and dealing blackjack. He also engaged in the education sector, serving as an English and creative writing instructor, a drama coach, and a camp counselor. His publishing experience extended to roles as a movie critic and magazine editor. Henderson was also an active participant in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, contributing to its official publication, the SFWA Bulletin.