All e-mails sent to Bob may be published on this Letters Page unless withholding is specifically requested.

LETTER OF THE MONTH

Mr. Layton,
I've been a huge fan of your work for many years and I appreciate your passion and dedication to one of the best Marvel characters ever created. With that said, I'd like to show you how your artistic influence over the years has inspired me to create an Iron Man of my own (see attached photo).
Best wishes,
John

Dear John,

OH-MY-GOD!!!

I--I'm speechless.

Hey Bob,
I was doing a bit for a shtick I do on my blog about comic book urban legends (basically debunking them or confirming them), and someone was asking about the creation of Spider-Woman, and how it was strictly to get the trademark rights. That much is clear, as Archie Goodwin even said as much, so I could possibly just run that, but the only thing I don't get (and what, in my mind, makes the piece incomplete), and I thought maybe you'd know (I know you had JUST started doing work for Marvel at that point, late 1976) is exactly what was it that got Marvel so spooked? It seems clear from the rushed out product plus the almost instant trademark application that Marvel was worried about something. I just can't seem to figure out what it was that they were worried about, and since Mr. Goodwin is sadly not with us, I do not know of who I could even check it with.
Thanks!
Brian Cronin

P. S. And if there's ever any rumor that you would like to see publicly debunked, I always love new material!

Brian,
Although I can't provide you with anything 'factual', my understanding at the time (which was strictly rumor ) was that DC was going to put out a book with a female 'Spider-character'. Since Spider-Man was growing rapidly in popularity and the company's flagship character, the rush move to protect the franchise was understandable.  Also, if you look how jealously they moved to protect anything with the letter "X' in it subsequently--it supports that concept.  Hell, they tried to sue Valiant over 'X-O Manowar'. However, Steve Massarsky (who was an entertainment lawyer himself) reminded their overly-zealous lawyers that you can't legally trademark a letter of the alphabet.
I hope this helps.

UPDATE:

As soon as I responded to Brian Cronin's

e-mail, he got back to me with this straight skinny on this mystery. Brian replied:

"Hanna-Barbara had a Tarzan cartoon show which, in 1976, they merged with Batman (Batman/Tarzan Adventure Hour). In 1977, they planned on expanding it with five other new superheroes as Tarzan and the Super 7. Well, one of those heroes was going to be "Spider-Woman."

So quick as a flash, Marvel created and trademarked Spider-Woman.

The Hanna-Barbara character was then renamed-

'' Web Woman."

Bob,

The Internet is an amazing thing.  40-year-old former comic book junkie gets an idea:  What would happen if I ‘Googled’ the names of some of the artists I grew up with?  The answer:  I found your website, and ones for John Romita Jr., Jim Steranko, etc.  Very cool.  I've always been an unreasoning fan of comic books, comic strips, cartoons and animation, and your legendary Iron Man make-over in the 80's (it was the 80's, right?) blew me away.  I collected all kinds of super hero comics and yours were always right up there.  I even had aspirations of being an artist but for one disability--I can't draw worth a lick.  (Hey that hasn't stopped some guys!) So the point of this rambling note is primarily just to say thanks for all the fun.  I still check out the comics at the local bookstore from time to time (It looks a little weird for a 40-year-old fat, bald guy to be hanging around the comic stand), but things have changed.  You don't need to answer this letter really, but I'd love to see a treatise from you on the website about what you think is right and wrong about the comic book world today.  I have mixed feelings, but I'll tell you one thing:  a lot of what's out there today I really wouldn't want my 12-year-old son reading.  The level of violence and sex has risen dramatically, and while I'm not a prude, I do think there should still be some comics for younger kids.....other than Archie.........which is cool in its way, but still.  Also:  Any thoughts on "The Incredibles"?  Brad Bird claims he wasn't a comic book fan as a kid, but he showed a lot of facility with the whole superhero mythology, tossing in a dash of the Golden Era, and adding in up-dated "real world" problems.  Some call it a goof on the super hero concept, but I think it's a lot more.  Wonder what a guy who's in the biz thinks????????

Hey, thanks for plowing through all that stuff and thanks again for the years of fun.  I'll be checking the website from time to time and looking for your new projects.  Rock on.

Godspeed,

Mike in Virginia

Dear Mike,

I always think it's great when a long-time fan discovers my website. Welcome aboard.

In answer to your question about my opinion of the current crop of comics: check out my reply lat month to Heath McKnight's letter on the December '05 letters page. I think it states clearly how I feel about the state of the comics industry at the moment and what needs to be done about it. I've also just completed an interview that Clifford Meth will be running in his column on Silver BulletComics.Com that addresses that same question.

As far as The Incredibles--I think that sometimes the best stuff happens from people who aren't influenced by decades of absorbing comics. Regardless of his influences, it was a really fun romp.

Bob,

Thanks for the reply to my email about the state of comics.  You nailed it on the head--old fans with little training writing with some variation what they've read, ie, regurgitated.  As an aspiring filmmaker and, hopefully, a comic book writer, I place value in learning how to write creatively, be it screenplays, comic scripts, short stories or even novels. (Throw in poetry, too, though I'm bad that that.)
Once today's publishers start re-hiring the old guns and new writers that have a solid background and/or education, I'll start reading again.  I now understand why you're so hard on publishers.  Maybe it's time for the independents, like John Taddeo and others, to take over the industry.
I also emailed Don Perlin to let him know the fans are thinking of him and wishing him a fast, easy recovery.
Your pal,
Heath McKnight

P.S. Glad you like the Iron Man tattoo!  Maybe I'll get the Armor Wars poster you sent to me done on my other arm...

Heath,

Thanks so much for jumping in there and giving Uncle Don some much-deserved kudos.

Maybe a readers' revolution is necessary to return comics to a viable art form.  Fortunately for us, there are other venues where storytellers can practice their craft. 

As for me, I'm developing my first series to be published right here--exclusively at Bob Layton. Com and it'll be absolutely free to everyone.  Now, how can you beat a deal like that?

In the meantime--go easy on the Iron Man tattoos. You DO have a limited space to work with, y'know?

Hey Bob,
I'm a fan of Iron Man and a big fan of your work over the years.  I believe the 1st comic book I ever read was Iron Man #124 - "Pieces of Hate" which you worked on with JR JR, and that really started the whole love affair with the character.  So thanks for getting me into comics!  I was looking over your website this morning and got to wondering if you've got any notable Iron Man collectibles, other than your own wonderful pencils over the last few decades.
Also, do you work strictly on paper, or do you work digitally as well?  If so, what software do you use?  Photoshop? Alias Sketchbook Pro?
Thanks for your continued contributions to the Iron Man character via your website.  It's good to see there are still talented individuals who are still committed to wonderful characters!
Michael Stamps

Michael,

Marvel is pretty strict (and extremely pricey) when it comes to licensing their characters.  I'd love to have an Iron Man poster or print available to the fans, but the economics (and politics) won't allow it.

Yeah--I'm pretty much 'old school' when it comes to my art. I work strictly on paper.  Although I do the majority of my own web updates, I'm not really versed in Photoshop...yet.  Personally, I like having the physical board to look at when a page of art is finished.  Also, since my work these days primarily consists of commissions, the call for digital art is small.  Most of the color work for Bob Layton.com is done by the very talented Ian Sokoliwski.

Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to drop me a line.

Dear Mr. Layton,
How are you doing?  I hope everything is going well! 
Words cannot begin to describe how talented and accomplished you are.  My older brother and I are huge fans of yours.  We love the Iron Man comics.
A couple years ago, he was involved in a car accident in which he received stitches and horrible scars all over his face.  He is getting surgery to remove the scars permanently removed soon and I was wondering if you could find it in your heart to send 2 personally signed sketches or drawings to us, one for myself and the other for him.  I would love to give it to him as a get well present, which might make the healing process less painful.  He totally idolizes you, as you are an inspiration and a role model to him.  I would really appreciate if you could inscribe it to him and me with your own personal message, it would mean all the more. 
Take your time (I know you're busy). Thank you for your time, and good luck in everything that you do. 
Kind regards,
Name withheld on request

Consider it done.

Bob,
This is MUCH too late but I am finally writing you to thank you for your work on the X-O Manowar/Bloodshot piece that you worked on with our mutual friend Don Perlin (who is back at home now recovering, thank God).  Don drew Bloodshot battling a 'monster' and
left the drawing of X-O and the inking to you.  This is one of the best pieces I have seen from you guys and I thank you SO much for your contribution.  The piece was actually used as part of a fund raiser for Cystic Fibrosis and got a donation of over $300 for it.  I will share
this with you as I did Don: The 'donator' of this piece ended up mailing it back to me as a birthday present.  We raised over $17,000 for that fund raiser that ended in September of this year.
The great news is that the following month, I did a four day fund raiser... well I got the check for that fund raiser last week to the tune of $13,200 !!! (it is made out to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and goes directly to the C.F.F.).
I wanted to make sure that I mentioned all of this to you and thank you so much for your help, your time and for your great art.  Don is very dear to me and when I asked about a project for the last fund raiser we came up with the X-O/Bloodshot idea.  Don put the 'monster' idea in there himself, I think as a subconscious reference to 'Valiant Heroes Fighting Cystic Fibrosis' that I had mentioned, the monster symbolizing CF. 

So again, thank you very much, sir.
Our website which tells our story about Cystic Fibrosis is here if you wish to read about it and what we do: CLICK HERE>>
Thanks again,
Chris Scott

Chris,

You're very welcome.  I was honored that I was asked to play a part in making your charity drive a success.

A long time ago, I was taught that it's important to give back to the community that has supported your efforts. 

So, I'm always up for a project that will help out a worthy cause such as yours.

Thanks for the update.

Hi Bob:

Just a fan telling you how much I have always loved your Iron Man work, there’s something about the way you make metal look shiny. I don’t thank anyone else captures it quite as well as you. When I was a kid (mid 80's) I had a chance to pick up some original art of yours from a comic shop in Ohio, the cover to Galactus #1. It’s a great piece of work and the only piece of original art I had professionally framed.

Thanks again

Scott McLeod

Toronto, Canada

Scott,

I remember that cover well.  It's reassuring to know that it found a good home with you.

1. Bob, you've worked for Marvel, DC Comics and headed Valiant. Now, you've been in Hollywood promoting your Future Comics properties.  In all of your comic book-related dealings, you must have met many interesting and important people. As far as I know, you've never publicly name dropped. How about telling us about a few of the famous folks you've encountered.

DEATH WISH DIRECTOR

MICHAEL WINNER

1. It's been a long, strange trip for a lil' kid from Indianapolis who wanted to just be a cartoonist. In my various duties over the years, I've had the opportunity to meet numerous celebrities and actually form friendships with a few of them.

Through Valiant's business relationship with Upper Deck Trading Cards, I've met with several figures from the sports world like Joe Montana, Reggie Jackson (Jackson and I did a Charity gig together which was great fun), Erik Dickerson, Dan Marino and ESPN's Chris Berman (a genuinely funny guy).
During the many convention appearances over my career, I've shared the stage with many figures from Hollywood. At one time or another, I've met most of the Star Trek cast (but I especially enjoyed my relationship with late Jimmy Doohan and Bibi Besch). Through various Marvel, Valiant or Future Comics functions, I've shook hands with Stephen King, John Belushi, Walt Willey, Robert Englund (Bob's a great guy--he and I watched a Super Bowl together in L.A. one year), David Letterman, Rob Schneider (who, at the time we met, was a huge Michelinie/Layton Iron Man fan), George A. Romero, Bill Murray, Jack Klugman, Diane Keaton , Julie Newmar (there's a great story attached to meeting her that I simply can't divulge here) and 'Thirtysomething' and 'Huff' creator/director Scott Winant to name a few. From the music industry, I've been in meetings with Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Steven Tyler and all the members of Aerosmith, the Allman Bros. Band and Richard Butler of the Psychedelic Furs (one of my fave groups).

My all-time favorite moment was when I was in England, doing a promo tour for Marvel, and I was introduced by a mutual friend to Death Wish director, Michael Winner (he insisted on calling everyone 'my darling'). Michael invited me into his beautiful home in London, then proceeded to march me down the street to meet his neighbor, Ray Harryhausen.  Ray took us on a tour of his private studio, filled with all the great monsters he's created over the years. It was quite the memorable experience.

2. Rumor or fact... It's been said you¹ve made millions working in the comics industry-- particularly with Valiant. You¹ve publicly stated that you bought back your contract from Valiant, although no specific numbers were mentioned. Was it difficult giving up a big contract, and how did you cope afterwards, both from the loss of income and your departure from the comics industry under harsh circumstances?

2. Mike, I've always been very public that I made millions off the sale of my Valiant stock when Acclaim made the deal to buy the company. (2.6 million, actually) Also, I've made no bones about stating that I gave most of that money back to get out of my contract with that corrupt company. Unfortunately, what little money and stock I was able to hang onto was lost with the closing of Future Comics, which I personally financed. I haven't met many people who literally gave up millions of dollars because of a principle, so I still believe in my heart that my decision to return the money was one of the high points of my life. It was at that moment that I knew that my craft meant more to me than all the financial security in the world.
 I grew up as poor as anyone could (by a single Mom who worked as a waitress to raise four kids.). What I discovered about having wealth, once I made a shitload of money, is that it doesn't change who you are all that much.  The only difference is you don't look at price tags when you buy things.

Although I no longer have the kind of financial security I once had, I have a hell of a lot more wisdom, which I believe is priceless.

3. You once wrote that if you hadn't become a comic book artist and writer, you would've been a chef. In fact, your recipe for Beef Stroganoff
appeared in a Hercules story featured in MARVEL TALES #197, March 1987. How did you develop an interest in cooking, and what's your favorite dish to prepare? Do you do all the cooking in your household?

3. I developed my interest from watching Graham Kerr and Julia Child on TV as a kid. They inspired in me the notion that cooking is as much entertainment and art as it is a necessity. Mom wasn't that great of a cook, so once I was out on my own, I tried to discover the world's various cuisines. And since I was a bachelor for most of my adult life, cooking for myself (and for my dates) became a requirement.

My favorite cuisine to prepare is Indian food. Chicken Saag is Jill's favorite dish of mine.  Actually, Barry Windsor-Smith was a great chef and (he made a wicked Tandoori Chicken.) taught me a lot about Indian cooking.

Jill is very skilled and cooks on the weekend while I do most of it during the week (since I work from home, it makes more sense that I do it).  We try to watch our weight (since both of us have jobs that require a lot of time sitting on our rumps), so most of our cuisine is low-carb. Surprisingly, you can eat a lot of great, flavorful food, without it being bad for you.

4. You're also a musician; a bass player.

Here's a JPEG of the So-Low Blues Band, the musical group you formed while at Valiant. The photo was taken during your 41st birthday party in the ballroom of the Southgate Hotel, 09/23/1994. I'm not sure who¹s who in the photo, so I don't know if the names are in order.

How did you get involved with music, and did you ever jam with guitarist David Michelinie? Your favorite types of music and bands are...?

 THE SO-LOW BLUES BAND

Eric Lusk on drums,  Phyllis Novin on vocal chords, Bob on Bass, 'Hard Rob' Johnson on keyboards and Andrew Wendel on lead guitar.

4. You'll find that a good number of comic pros are also musically inclined. I was first in a band in high school (called "The Unlimited Few"). However, I really didn't pick-up the bass until Valiant.  There were so many talented musicians in the company that it was hard NOT to get together and jam. Michelinie and I have played on several occasions ( I even keep a Washburn bass at David's place so I don't have to schlep a guitar when I visit him.) However, David and I vary a bit in our musical tastes.

As a kid, I grew up influenced by The Doors, Cream, Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa (my personal favorite). As I matured, by tastes became very eclectic, encompassing modern jazz, Texas swing, classical, zydego and a host of other types( I never developed a taste for Country, though.) I'm a nut for anything by Elvis Costello.  Currently, I really like Death Cab for Cutie, The Killers and Franz Ferdinand.

5. Football. You¹re a compulsive fan. What's the big attraction? And how did you become so passionate/compassionate over the N.Y. Jets?
Thanks, Bob. And Happy New Year.
Mike Kalibabky

(who wishes he were in Florida just after snow-blowing eight inches of snow out of his driveway and eating half of it when the wind shifted)

5. To me, Football is very much in the same genre' of super-heroes--it's about powerful beings, in colorful costumes, doing stuff that would kill a normal human. There's a plot in Football and it's a game of skill, emotion and strategy--much more than any other sport. (Never liked Basketball--I've heard it said that any game that you can score a hundred points in four quarters is designed wrong.)

I lived in NYC most of my life and the Jets were my team.  It's as simple as that. 

See you next month, Mike.

BOB.LAYTON@BOBLAYTON.COM