APRIL 2005

LETTER OF THE MONTH!

Mr. Layton,

I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner but my 'regular' job in payroll has been hectic of late-- it's that time of year.

I can't describe the look on Tiny's face when she opened the package you sent (I couldn't wait for her to turn ten- she tore into the moment it came out of the mailbox.) I wish I could have captured it on film because she lit up like I've never seen. The drawing was incredible--so above and beyond-- and the ARMOR WARS trade paperback-- well, I think she's read it 3 times already. She's really enjoyed the story and, as usual, the art throws her for a loop. ("He makes the armor so shiny looking. How does he do that on paper?") I don't know how to thank you, but... well, thanks. (Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers as Iron Man and James Rhodes-- just thought I'd throw that in.)

Needless to say, your drawing has been framed and will ever be a part of Tiny's life. (That's so cool!) When we go to the Philly Convention this year, she wants to hunt down all the issues you and David Michelinie did. (I can never spell his last name right.) Tiny, Terri, (my wife) and I spend the weekend in Philly during the convention because we can all have a good time. The thrill of hunting down old comics or action figures is like a mini vacation. Comics have helped Tiny learn to read (as they did for me so many years ago.) and her imagination has learned to wander and create. Which brings me to a more sad part of this letter-

I found some copies of 'Freemind'. (I apologize, but they were not easy to find.) I really enjoyed it and would have liked to see it continue. It was a fun read. I'm sorry to hear the company ended. I think comics have changed too much-- the 'fun' in the 'Big 2' has gone away.

A few years ago, I tried putting out an independent comic called "Morningstars" (Sort of a 'Look what happened to Rosemary's baby' thing --like the Son of Satan in Marvel, but an easy fun read.) The printer I was going to use was the Small Publishers Co-op in Stuart, Florida. (Good and cheap to start with.) The only problem was I ended up going through 3 artists and could never finish the book. I have 8 pages that look great, but for now-- the project is on hold. If you ever want a good laugh, I've got some stories on www.scifi-stories.com . It's a magazine that actually reads the stories out loud to you. It's an odd mechanical voice.

I have a novel called 'The Chalice of Souls'. It's a barbarian story on a small independent POD/E-book publisher's site. www.3MPUB.Com/Kisella

I drew the cover with the help of a friend. Its kind of homage to Pablo Marcos (Loved his ATLAS stuff, and the Nefarious Avengers he did w/Byrne.) Anyway, the cover sucks, not just because I can't draw (I always use the excuse that I'm left handed- it works for a few seconds. Yeah, Tiny's a lefty too.). The colors are so off.

I know tons of people probably ask for commissioned work, and I'll completely understand if the answer is 'no', but would you consider doing the cover to my novel? I can send you a copy of the book and you can name your price and percentage. I don't know if it would sell, but I'd love to have a 'Layton Cover' if at all possible.

Again, thank you so much for everything- -you've been so kind. If you're ever in 'Jersey'-- I'll make the Pasta. We're all looking forward to your next project whatever it may be.

I've attached a couple of Halloween pictures. Tiny was Spidergirl two years ago (DeFalco would be proud) and Supergirl this year.

Take care of yourself-

Sincerely,

Nick Kisella

KISELLA FAMILY AT HALLOWEEN TINY & NICK

Nick,

I'm very pleased that my gift to 'Tiny was met with such enthusiasm. When I received your first letter about her, it moved me so much that I wanted to show my appreciation by sending her some goodies from the "Bob Layton vaults".

I loved these family photos and I hope you don't mind that I'm sharing them with the rest of my readers. You obviously have a great family and are very close. You have every right to be proud, my friend.

If you are interested in locating Freemind, or any of the back issues of Future Comics titles, I still have more than enough copies available.

As far as your independent project goes, I'd be more than happy to illustrate a cover for you. As far as rates and such, simply click on the commissions button at the bottom of this page for specific information.

And, if I ever get to Jersey, I'll be honored to hunker up to a heaping plate of linguini with you and the family, Nick.

And, tell 'Tiny that Bob says "Hi!".

Bob,

Just wanted to let you know that my commissioned piece arrived yesterday and looks even better in person than in the scan you sent. I've got it posted to my galley on comicartfans.com and have already received numerous comments on it and inquiries as to how to get in touch with you. Hopefully you'll be seeing quite a bit of activity in the near future. (Hopefully not too much that you'll be too backed up by the time I'm ready to get another one)

Before I decide on getting another one though, I do have one question for you. How do you feel about redoing a cover that was originally done by someone else, either line-for-line or a "Laytonesque interpretation"? My sentimental favorite Iron Man cover of all time is the cover to issue #100 that was done by Jim Starlin, and (since the person that currently owns the original doesn't feel like parting with it at this time, and even if he did I'd probably have to sell an internal organ to afford it), I figure the only way I'll ever have one would be a recreation. Is this something you'd consider or do you prefer to just stick to ones that you originally worked on?

I'd be happy either way so let me know what you think.

Thanks again for another great piece, and as I said, hopefully...you should be getting a rush of inquiries soon.

Stu Neft

Stu,

I'm happy that my illustration met with your approval. I try to treat every fan assignment as if it was being done for a major publisher.--no skimping or shortcuts.

In fact, I did get several art inquiries as a result of your posting, so I owe you a big debt of gratitude.

In answer to your question about doing recreations of other artists' covers: My rule of thumb is that I WILL do them, but only if I don't have to copy it line-for-line. As an artist, a straight copy offers me little challenge and, in some cases, might be considered an insult to the original creator. As in the case of the Gil Kane Iron Man covers I've recreated in the last few months, since Gil is no longer with us, it would be very difficult to get a recreation from the original artist, wouldn't it? Actually, I have done my own interpretation of that Iron Man #100 cover (originally drawn by Jim Starlin) for a patron several months back.

Generally, I prefer to work on drawings that I had something to do with the creation of--but it's not a hard and fast rule. If the assignment is challenging and we credit the designer of the original, I don't have a problem doing it.

Thanks again for the plug, Stu.

Dear Mr. Layton,

Please forgive the length of the e-mail.

First, I would like to say, that I have been an Iron Man fan since I was a child and he has remained my favorite comic hero to this day. I have even recently begun to go back and start a new collection of the original Iron Man series (I don't understand or like this new stuff they have done with all these Reborn and Returned stuff?), as a while back my collection met a demise that I won't comment on.

I would also like to say, that by far my favorite artist for Iron Man has undoubtedly been yourself and I am not just trying to suck up. When Todd McFarlane came on the scene with Amazing Spider Man in the late 1980's, it really ushered in this new "era" of super detailed comic art and, although certainly it is very good stuff, I've got to say it just doesn't please my eyes the way the character and body of work did back in the late 1970's and 1980's (I guess I feel the same way about the music now days). Once again, I am not trying to suck up here but I think your art particularly in the era of Iron Man and most particularly around the Armor Wars saga is, hands down, my favorite and most beloved. Your designs of the armors both Iron Man and the villains were, and continue to be, second to none. Extremely well thought out and VERY original, as well as each being UNIQUE.

I ran across your site through a fan page for Iron Man and was blown away at the presence you keep online and the commissioned art and such.

A few years ago I purchased a rare poster that, if memory serves me correctly, was a full-pager from one of the Iron Man comics (#231 I believe). It is the infamous, as you called it, "Hall of Iron" piece, which I believe was just a beautiful rendering and idea. Being an Iron Man fan for years, I fell in love with the artists and storyline's ability to introduce new armor for a character and in addition to that, to see that "Tony Stark" likes to inventory all his past creations as the "Hall" piece defines. I don't want to bore you but I have to be honest, that piece stands out so clearly to me for multiple reasons...

1.) I love it when a character is drawn in more or less a full head on shot, so you can soak in the details with little movement or the absence of movement. Similar to how they did with the old Marvel Universe series of Bios. Likewise, I believe it became a kind of ongoing thing in the Iron Man series to create a full pager of a new armor any time a change or new design came along. Of course, to see all the armors in the "Hall" full and head on was the epitome of that liking. It is kind of like being able to scroll through and compare all the armors side by side and maybe see how they have evolved... Hell--its just cool, okay?

2.) As far back as I can remember, I have always loved seeing multiples of a character in the same frame or storyline. Whether it be just another character with similar powers or attributes (Crimson Dynamo, Titanium Man), or a clone (Scarlet Spider), or someone wearing the same costume or armor (Venom, James Rhodes, etc). This didn't just apply to comics mind you. TV. was another source of the occasional "evil twin" scenario from The Hulk, The Dukes of Hazard, Knight Rider, The A-Team, Airwolf, etc, etc. My favorite episodes were always the doubles episodes.

3.) In addition to all my other anal retentiveness, I also like to see things organized and with all the bells and whistles thought out carefully. I must also admit here, that after reading your comments on your site about how some artists mess up an armor's appearance or details, I couldn't agree more. It always bothered me to see a misrepresentation of one of the armors and I would think to myself when I was younger... "which way is it really suppose to be or did they change the design intentionally". As I have gotten older, I realize that these slight mess-ups are just that, slight mess ups, surely unintentional in a way but, never the less, annoying. I like the fact that you seem to be the keeper of the flame and knowledge of how an armor, suit or character is suppose to look and you keep with the continuity.

At the very least, thank you for your time

Sincerely,

Dustin S. McGinnis

Dear Dustin,

Thanks for the kudos on my "faith-based Iron Man initiative". I've always been a stickler for details myself, so I understand where you're coming from.

Y'know, that Hall of Iron piece that I did for Marvel Fanfare is probably THE page of art that I'm most known for, which is ironic. I did it for Al Milgrom as an inventory filler, never dreaming that it would become one of the 'signature pieces' of my career. It's been reprinted countless times, in hardcover books, posters and the like. And, it's one of the most frequently-requested for recreations.

As we discussed privately, I would someday like to re-address the concept in a 2' x 3' illustration that encompasses ALL of the Iron Man armors ever conceived. That would be a daunting task--but perhaps it could turn out to be my comic book equivalent of a Sistine Chapel?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Bob,

First of all, thank you for printing my "letter to the editor"! I've never had a letter printed in a comic or a website of this type.

Second, LOVED the first few pages of Peacekeeper #1! Can't wait to see the rest! I saved each image next to my copy of Metallix #7 I downloaded from the old Future site before it was taken down. Now if we can only get you to print the 'ashcan' of that unpublished Freemind issue. Thanks for bringing me another dose of "Future Comics" and reminding me why I enjoyed them so much.

Thanks,

Tim Thomas

Dear Tim,

You're in luck, Pal.

After I complete posting the remaining pages of Peacekeeper #1, I plan on showcasing that never-before-seen issue of FREEMIND #8. So, hang in there until June and you'll get your wish.

Mike's Monthly Missive--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bob,
First of all, thanks a million for posting the Iron Man Reinforced Combat Armor design in the March 2005 “News” update. Truly, a magnificent rendering of old Shellhead at his technological best! This is the REAL stuff. Please, please, please continue to provide these superb illustrations for us iron-deficient Laytonites.
Also, well-deserved and long-overdue kudos to Jillian for her monthly maintenance of boblayton.com.
Some questions...
1. During your IRON MAN run with David Michelinie & John Romita, Jr. and again with your and David’s IRON MAN: BAD BLOOD issue #3, the eyeports on Iron Man’s faceplate were sometimes down-turned to express Tony Stark’s confusion or dismay. Was this visual poetic license your idea?
2. Your two cover illustrations for Assassination Comics’ upcoming ZOOM SUIT comic have recently been colored and posted on the company’s website. (Too bad they couldn’t have gotten colorist Moose Baumann of METALLIX fame for this task!) Is there anything further you can tell us concerning your involvement with ZOOM SUIT, such as providing more cover artwork for future issues? (Interestingly, Bart Sears contributed a cover image that’s an homage to his and your cover illo for X-O MANOWAR #14, featuring Turok.)
3. You mentioned in your March 2005 update that you’d been requested to create Iron Man’s new red & silver armor for IRON MAN #200 (Vol. 1) after designs for the suit by John Byrne and Al Milgrom had been rejected. Now in IM #200 another new armor debuted -- IRON MONGER. Did you design that suit as well?
4. Your sense of humor is indomitable. It was first proven during your two HERCULES mini-series and, later again, in THE BAD EGGS (1996), eight issues of anthropomorphic, madcap hilarity and social satire featuring two, teenaged raptors, Claude and Ript, as they try to survive in a prehistoric world turned upside-down. You wrote the series, published by Acclaim/Valiant, which was broken into two, four-issue arcs, and the creative team of Don Perlin and Gonzalo Mayo translated your delightful insanity into sidesplitting visuals. The eight action-packed books both parodied and out-and-out lambasted popular culture (including MAJOR attacks on the comics industry, including the on-coming editor-in-chief of Acclaim/Valiant at the time), the government and numerous other dumb-assed goings-on in our misguided, modern world. Queries/comments....
A. Why raptors as the lead characters? And, why a funny-animal book, in the first place?
B. THE BAD EGGS is a “Mature Audiences” comic, primarily for language. Obviously, Acclaim editorial had no problem with the idea of producing a book targeted for adult readers.
C. Your joy of storytelling not only shines through in the pages of THE BAD EGGS, it’s blinding. You had an absolute blast over the eight-issue run, obviously.
D. Dropping Claude and Ript into Turok’s world at series end was a stroke of brilliance as well as proof of an undying loyalty to the continuity of the original Valiant Universe.
E. While reading through THE BAD EGGS, I was angered by the ads for the upcoming, at that time, new Acclaim/Valiant Universe -- “Same as it New Was.” What a huge* load of crap*. And we all knew it would be.
*Not the words I was actually thinking of.
Thanks so much again, Bob, for being so loyal to us fans. Trust me, it’s truly appreciated.
Mike Kalibabky

Mike,

Here we go with some answers to what I now refer to as Kalibabky's new column-- "Mike's Monthly Missives":

1. It was artistic license, Mike. I found, as in my previous runs of Iron Man, that the angle of the helmet helps to establish expression on what is an expressionless faceplate. Tilt the head upwards--and he looks surprised. Tilt it downwards and you get a pissed-off look. Occasionally--that technique needs a little help, so I'll exaggerate the eye and mouth slits a bit.

2. Although I'm not a big fan of the coloring on those two covers, I'm a professional. Therefore I keep my big mouth shut after the art leaves my hands. I'm currently working on several more covers of ZOOM SUIT. Other than illustrating the covers, I have little involvement in the project itself. Zoom Suit is the brainchild of John Taddeo and his website can be found at: www.superverse.com

3. Nope.

About the BAD EGGS:

A. Raptors are considered by many to be the most intelligent and cunning of all the dinosaur species--so they seemed to be the perfect vessels for wise-ass humor. I had always desired to step out of the super-hero genre' and find an outlet for humorous side of my artistic leanings. Hercules was a blast--don't get me wrong, but it was still thickly-mired in thick Marvel continuity. Also--my wife, Jillian, is a sucker for a potty joke--so I basically created the series for her. I love to make her laugh.

B. The Bad Eggs initially began under my editorial auspices. By the second mini-series, Fabian took over as E.I.C. and made himself a huge target along with the executives at Acclaim and bureaucracy in general. In order to do the kind of satire I was interested in doing, we had little choice but to slap on a "For Mature Audiences" warning. The Bad Eggs was to be the flagship title of a line of Valiant books ( Called DIME COMICS) designed for the more adult reader. Unfortunately, that line didn't get off the ground, due to my departure from the Editor-In-Chief position.

C. To say the least. And, if John Taddeo succeeds in winning the bid for the Valiant properties from the New York bankruptcy court, I'll be on my hands and knees--begging him for the opportunity to revisit those characters.

D. It seemed like a good call at the time. I already knew that Fabian wasn't going to stay with the VI continuity, so leaving them in the Lost land was the safest place to put Ript and Claude. (BTW: Mrs. Layton's two cats bear the names of those cartoon raptors.)

E. Mike--the VH2 relaunch WAS a huge load of crap! Ask any true Valiant fan.

Hey Bob,

Last night rummaging thru some of my older books to have Mike Grell sign, I found a Legion backup story by Nasser and Layton from 1976.

Was this one of your earliest publications? It was...rough, I thought. Faces were pretty distorted almost disfigured. It wasn't recognizable as your work at all.

Bob, when you started, who mentored you? Whose assistant were you when you began?

Larry Clay

Larry,

First off--the word just came thru the grapevine from a mutual friend--CONGRATS ON THE NEW ARRIVAL!!

Gwendolyn Sarah Clay, 6 lbs 7 oz, 19.5 inches. born at 7:13 AM, 3-13-05. I'm always happy to welcome a new comic fan into the world.

In answer to your question about the Legion of Super-Heroes back-up: It was the very first thing I ever did for DC (and Nasser's first outing, as well) and I was very green. Mike also rendered with the side of his pencil, making the inking difficult to interpret, since the drawing was very impressionistic. Fortunately, we both got a lot better as time went on.

As far as my mentoring, I began my apprenticeship at Wally Wood's studio, then moved over to work with Dick Giordano at Continuity Associates. Along the way, I worked with a variety of artists as a background inking assistant-- like Frank McLaughlin, Vinnie Colletta, Jack Abel, Mike Esposito and Tex Blasdale to name a few (all really good "old school" guys).

Hey Bob!
I was just wondering if you had any cool Future Comics stuff lying around. I really like Freemind and Deathmask and didn't know if there were special issues, promo items...anything really from any of the books...that I might be able to buy from ya.
Let me know!
Thanks,
James Kilpatrick

James,

There are a couple of special issues and some Future merchandise.

Future specialty items that are still available are Metallix #0, Freemind Bound Volume (compiling issues #0-3), the Future Characters 2' x 3' poster (shown above), FC Logo Tee-Shirts (in M, L, XL &2XL-- in gray, white or black) and a limited amount of the Peacekeeper #1 & Freemind #8 ashcans.

All of these products are available for $3.00 @ + $3.50 for postage and handling, as well as all regular issues of the Future Comics titles.

Anyone who is interested in picking up a Future title or two can send their order to me at:

BOB LAYTON , P.O. BOX 2776, VALRICO, FL 33595

All items will come autographed, of course.

Bob,

I was wondering if you happen to remember what this piece was done for? I have never seen it published anywhere. The signature lists it as either

1985 or 86.

Be seeing you,

Brian Peck

Brian,

As I recall, this was an early model sheet I created for the new X-Factor uniforms. I believe it was published in the special X-Factor issue of Marvel Age.

It was created in '85.