Mike Okamoto

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Mike Okamoto attended the Parsons School of Design, in New York City, on a full scholarship from 1971–1975.

[2] For Marvel's Epic Comics imprint in 1990, he and writer Frank Lovece created the four-issue miniseries Atomic Age, a 1950s-style science fiction story reimagined from a contemporary perspective.

[2] Of that last, a critic at the New Age magazine The Monthly Aspectarian, wrote, "[T]his mini-series is worth a look-see for two reasons: the engaging story, and lavish airbrushed painted art which is gorgeous.

The actress June Lockhart commissioned Okamoto for the painted portrait of her as Lost in Space character Maureen Robinson, which she sells as autographed posters.

For his painted work on Issue #1 of Innovation's adaptation of the Piers Anthony novel On a Pale Horse in 1991, Okamoto won the Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award, given annually at San Diego Comic-Con.