In 1981, Rude and writer Mike Baron created Nexus,[3] an independent science fiction comic book with a large supporting cast. For the series, Rude designed numerous distinctive alien races, including the Thunes, the Amphibs, the Quattros, the Giz, the Demons, and others. The series ran for eighty issues although Rude did not pencil them all, and seven short, almost-yearly mini-series after the initial series ended.[4]
In 2004 Rude co-created and penciled The Moth with writer/inker Gary Martin.[3]
Rude's own "Rude Dude Productions" was announced on November 15, 2006. It has published new issues of Nexus and The Moth as well as an anthology series. The new Nexus series was Rude's first work with Baron since the last issue published by Dark Horse Comics. The first Nexus issue from Rude Dude was released as issue #99 (part 1 of the "Space Opera" story), and was set immediately following the last Dark Horse issue. After a few delays, issue #100 was published, followed by the final two issues of "Space Opera" printed together as one double-sized issue.[8]
Rude returned to DC Comics in 2013 and drew the Before Watchmen: Dollar Bill one-shot.[9] The following year, Rude and writer Jerry Ordway produced a Superman story for DC's Adventures of Superman digital series.[10] Rude drew the 1930s variant cover for Action Comics #1000 (June 2018).[11]
Steve Rude was the subject of the documentary film Rude Dude: The Steve Rude Story. Filmed over the course of three years, Rude spoke of his efforts to enter the fine art world and his struggles with bipolar disorder.[12]
^Dabbene, Peter (July 25, 2016). "At Nexus of Independence: Marking 35 Years With a Classic Comic Character". Foreword Reviews. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
^Manning, Matthew K.; Dolan, Hannah, ed. (2010). "1990s". DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 246. ISBN 978-0-7566-6742-9. Writer Dave Gibbons and artist Steve Rude presented a three-issue miniseries...that proved the World's Finest team of Superman and Batman was still relevant.{{cite book}}: |first2= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^Levitz, Paul (2010). "The Modern Age 1998-2010". 75 Years of DC Comics The Art of Modern Mythmaking. Cologne, Germany: Taschen. p. 692. ISBN 9783836519816.
^Cowsill, Alan; Gilbert, Laura, ed. (2012). "2000s". Spider-Man Chronicle Celebrating 50 Years of Web-Slinging. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 262. ISBN 978-0756692360. The mysterious tablet [from The Amazing Spider-Man #75] finally returned in this three-issue miniseries written by Fabian Nicieza and beautifully illustrated by Steve Rude.{{cite book}}: |first2= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^Price, Matthew (September 28, 2007). "Word Balloons: 'Nexus' on hold until January". The Oklahoman. Retrieved January 31, 2015.
^Gerding, Stephen (November 2, 2012). "Wein and Rude Craft Before Watchmen: Dollar Bill One-Shot". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on January 31, 2015.
^Khouri, Andy (April 11, 2014). "Jerry Ordway & Steve Rude's Adventures of Superman Is Like 'A Lost Fleischer Cartoon'". ComicsAlliance. Archived from the original on July 4, 2014.
^"DC Unveils Final Variant For Action Comics #1000". Previews. Diamond Comic Distributors. March 7, 2018. Archived from the original on August 9, 2018.
^"Check Out New Documentary On Legendary Artist Steve Rude". Tripwire Magazine. February 4, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
^"Steve Rude". Lambiek Comiclopedia. 2014. Archived from the original on November 7, 2014.