BOB'S LETTER OF THE MONTH:

Hi Mr. Layton,

First of all, let me just say something which I know you've heard many, many times before – how big a fan I am of your work!

From reading around your site (which, by the way, is amazing), I can see that you're a very busy man these days.

Iron Man #145 (“Raiders’ Rampage”) was the very first issue of Iron Man I ever bought as a child; one of the very first comics I ever purchased and the one that sparked my adolescent obsession with the character and comic books in general! Over the years, I must've read and re-read that issue a thousand times, and stared at that cover over and over again (I've always thought it was the coolest cover, and I loved the villains in that issue - the Raiders!). As a kid, I collected every issue of Iron Man from that point on (as well as buying every back issue I could lay my hands on), up until a little past the end of your second run on the book. I loved comics of all types and collected many different books from many different publishers; my interest in other characters and books would come and go, but Iron Man was always my favorite and the only one I always got every month without exception.

To this day, as I know many others do, I consider your runs on the book to be the definitive version of the character. The stories you and David Michelinie told captured the humanity of the character, and you are the only artist who really and truly made Iron Man look like a man in a suit of high-tech armor. Many have tried before and since, but (in my humble opinion) none have succeeded. Again, I'm sure it’s something you've heard thousands of times before…!

I'm a television producer, and I can trace my passion for telling stories visually directly back to my childhood love for comics (and cheesy ‘80’s TV and movies); it was my first look at “storyboarding” and the impact of visual storytelling.

Like many others, as I got older I moved away from reading and collecting comics, and by the time I entered college in the early nineties I had left the hobby behind. However, I have recently rekindled my childhood passion through original comic book art. I only have a few pages, but they are from some of the issues I loved most as a child and mean a great deal to me. For the most part, your artwork seems to be relatively scarce from what I've seen (at least your Iron Man work); so after coming across your website I thought, why not just commission exactly what I want from the man himself? Plus, it’s always nice to see the money actually go to the artist himself or herself directly, rather than someone who just re-sells the artwork.

Your work helped to teach me the power that visual storytelling can have; both you and David Michelinie not only entertained the hell out of me as a child, but also taught me about right and wrong as well!

Thanks so much for the time, and the inspiration!

Sincerely,

Anthony Dunne

P.S. – Modern comics leave me cold, and I have pretty much zero interest in them; however “Legacy of Doom” is going to be an exception to that rule. I can't wait to read the finished books!

Dear Anthony,

Congratulations! Your sincere comments concerning storytelling and content were well-thought out and has qualified you to be this month's recipient of Letter of the Month. You will be receiving the line art to March's Iron Man Concept : The Golden Centurion.

When we create comics, we're generally concerned about telling the story clearly and entertaining our audience. Occasionally the work you do as a creator will spark something in the reader that causes him or her to be inspired. For me, it was reading Challengers of the Unknown by Kirby and Wood that made me want to become a cartoonist. I'm sure at the time that Jack and Woody were working on that story, it never occurred to them that they would inspire a young Midwestern boy to follow in their footsteps. That's the beauty of the medium. We can entertain, educate, and occasionally change someone's life for the better through our craft.

Thank you,

Hey, Bob--

Great update on the site. Lotsa fun stuff.

In the small world department, it was great seeing a pic of you with my buddy Ray Park. He and I did a movie called Slayer together and I'm going to be directing him in my Jason and the Argonauts sequel this summer.

AND it was good to see that you and Mike Ruggiero hooked up. I'm directing a documentary on Makeup FX for him now. He's Starz Entertainment (Denver) and I'm a VP of Starz Media (Burbank), but we're trying to work together on projects that come up. He's a great guy and of course I've known Schreck for over half my life.

The new XO image looks fantastic. The fans will love it.

Well, take care of yourself--

Best always,

Kevin VanHook

Kevin,

I love the fact that you never hesitate to drop me a line and keep me informed of what's going on with you in Tinseltown. I truly enjoyed meeting your pal, Ray Park (Darth Maul). He was a fascinating and charming fellow who went out of his way to be kind to all of the folks at the show.

Mike Ruggiero and I go back to the old Creation Con days of the 1980s, so seeing him again was a real thrill. I am so glad that you have the opportunity to work with Mike for Starz Entertainment.

Thanks for the kind words about the XO-Manowar job. There's a great preview shot of the cover in this month's Art Gallery. Go take a peek when you have a chance!

If there are any other projects that you're working on that you'd like me to plug, feel free to drop a line to let me know and I will pass it on to my readers!

Always great to hear from my former second-in-command at Valiant.

Hello Mr. Layton,

I would like to send you my very best wishes from Germany (sorry for my poor English). I am an old comic fan who remembers his childhood fondly. My favorite heroes were Batman, Superman and Spiderman. 

It was an amazing time to be a kid. Now, over 40 years later, I still enjoy comic artwork. Reading comics and looking at art is my way to relax as an adult (after work).

It was/is a great pleasure for me to visit your website and enjoy the pictures. In your art gallery, I saw a lot of amazing sketches. 

My question is the following: Is it possible to purchase some of it or place an order for your commission work from Germany?

By the way, have you ever visited Germany? It’s my hope that you will someday.

I wish you all the best,

Guenter Welky

Dear Guenter,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write! I'm glad that you've been enjoying the website and I hope that you'll continue to drop in each month to check out the new updates.

In answer to your question, I am more than happy to do commissions for customers overseas. Currently, I have commissions from people in Spain, England, Thailand and New Zealand, to mention a few.

The only problem with agreeing to overseas commissions is the amount of paperwork involved with shipping through customs and the price for postage. Generally speaking, it costs about a third more than shipping domestically. So long as you're willing to shell out for the extra dough for postage, I'm more than willing to take on the job.

I have visited Germany in the past. During my stint as Editor-In-Chief at Valiant, Steve Massarsky and I attended the Frankfurt Book Fair on several occasions. Unfortunately, due to my busy schedule, I wasn't able to be much of a tourist during those trips. I know there's a lot more Germany to see and, hopefully, I will get back there sometime in the near future. Maybe someone who puts on a show there will ask me to come as their guest. I would jump at that opportunity!

Just in case the language barrier is too much to handle, I've attempted to answer you in German, as well!

Lieber Guenter,

Traurig für meinen armen Deutschen. Danke soviel für das Dauern der Zeit zu schreiben! Ich bin froh, daß Sie die Web site genossen haben und ich hoffe, daß Sie fortfahren, in jeden Monat auf Überprüfung aus den neuen Updates abzufallen.

In Beantwortung Ihrer Frage bin ich mehr als glücklich, Kommissionen zu einen Kunden übersee zu tun. Z.Z. habe ich die Kommissionen von den Leuten in Spanien, England, Thailand, Neuseeland, zum einige zu erwähnen.

Das einzige Problem mit Überseekommissionen ist die Menge der Schreibarbeit mit einbezogen in das Versenden durch Gewohnheiten und des Preises für Porto. Allgemeines sprechend, kostet es einen ungefähr Third mehr als Verschiffen inländisch. Solange Sie bereit sind, für das Extrageld für Porto heraus zu schälen, bin ich mehr als willend, auf dem Job zu nehmen.

Ich habe Deutschland in der Vergangenheit besichtigt. Während meines Pensums als Herausgeber-In-Leiter an Valiant, sorgten uns Steve Massarsky und ich die Frankfurt Buch-Messe bei einigen Gelegenheiten. Leider wegen meines beschäftigten Zeitplanes,WAR ich nicht in der Lage, viel eines Touristen während jener Reisen zu sein. Ich weiß, daß es viel mehr Deutschland gibt, zum zu sehen und hoffnungsvoll ich zurück dort einmal in naher Zukunft erhalte. Möglicherweise bittet jemand, das an ein Erscheinen dort setzt, mich, als ihr Gast zu kommen. Ich würde an der Gelegenheit springen!

Dear Mr. Layton,

I was rereading my set of METALLIX comics (again) and came across the ad for Future Comics T-Shirts. I was wondering if you still had any available for purchase. I checked the store on your site and didn’t see any listed, but I figured I’d give it a shot. Thank you for your time and, as always, I look forward to hearing any news about the Future Comics properties.

Sincerely,

Brian W. Thomer, ESQ.

Dear Brian,

I'm pleased that you've continued to enjoy those issues of Metallix. Thank you.

I do have a few Future Comics T-shirts left in stock. If you let me know what size you need, I can check it out and forward the information to you. Unfortunately, there aren't many color choices left (just gray, black, and white) and none of the custom shirts (tie-dyed, etc.) are available.

Bob:
Just saw your website (I was showing a grandson your artwork) and came across my email and your reply. Thank you!
Glad you remember me. I can remember writing to you frequently during the CPL days and even a couple phone calls. I recall speaking to you once on the phone after you and perhaps one or two others traveled to Dan Adkins' (I think he was in East Liverpool, OH then) and you were traveling on Route 30 and came within 3 miles of my home without knowing until after the fact.
I have fond memories of CPL and the excitement it generated in fandom. I also recall writing Letters to the Editor to you and my memory is very hazy at times but I vaguely recall possibly having a submission printed. And, this may or may not be same memory, but I recall drawing a one page 'strip' and sending it to you and you replying that you liked the words, but the artwork didn't cut it (true) and that you would redraw it for CPL. Any memories of this?
You may or may not recall a small mimeo zine I published two issues of in 1971-1971 called Informative On Comics.
I was basically done with comics for the most part around '76 but checked in from time to time and bought most of your run on Ironman. I was an avid fanzine buyer in the 70's. Most were lost when a former live-in moved and several of my boxes went with her out of state. I somehow retained a CPL #12 though and contacted Doug Supila and others this weekend looking to buy CPL's, Collector, etc...
Zines like CPL taught me a lot that was useful later, especially when I published two music magazines and a auto racing magazine in the 80's.
Just in case you are interested: In December I 'retired' from motorsports/auto racing management, promotions, marketing, journalism after over 30 years. After taking another few weeks off I will begin writing the first of three books on motorsports for Coastal 181 publishers.
I had a very interesting and rewarding career in motorsports and was fortunate enough to be inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame and featured on CNN.
I will be married 31 years in April to a great lady (a nurse). Have a son who will be 30 in a couple weeks, a 28 year old daughter and a 25 year old son. A wonderful daughter in law and son in law and the best part is I have four grandsons!
The funny thing is I couldn't get any of my kids to read a comic book or have any interest in superheroes at all as they grew up. No matter what!
My grandsons? The two oldest (4, 7) can quote chapter and verse superheroes, their secret identifies, their arch-enemies, supporting characters...very impressive! (And the toys!!!) I think the oldest one could be an artist! They have comics, coloring books, action figures, DVDs, etc...
I have had a good life and have a wife much better than I deserve. I have slowed down due to health issues. Feeling pretty good now but from 2003-2006 I had three heart attacks which resulted in open heart surgery...five bypasses...with some complications that have since been taken care of. After 25 years of 18-hour days its nice to take some time and breath! And reflect.
Kind of you to post those scans! What a kick! And by the way, for what its worth, you have two enthusiastic fans in my two oldest grandsons, Hunter & Beau. They check your website out, we have some trades (Granny B-I-G on reading & education) and have been 'educated' on Iron Man and Bob Layton. (It'll cost me a fortune when all the new Ironman movie toys come out......they already have me doing recon on the internet with them.)  I am sure once they are older Brenden (2) and Kaden (6 months) will follow suit.
Just wanted to say hello again and let you know how much CPL and yourself meant to me back in the day. I have nothing but very good and fond memories of that time and how exciting it was in fandom back then. And I am very impressed with all you have accomplished, your talent is amazing. You have much to be proud of.
 

Respectfully,
Doc Lehman

P.S. I wrote up something on CPL for my blog, you may get a kick out of it:

Dear Doc,

Thanks for the trip down 'memory lane'. I think your recollection of that time is much better than mine! So, even though you might have had several heart bypass operations, there's nothing wrong with your thought processes.

I have posted a link to your blog so that my other readers can have an opportunity to peruse your comments concerning those early fanzine days. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences and keep in touch!

Best wishes,

Dear Mr. Layton:
Now that Marvel has changed the title of "The Incredible Hulk" to "The Incredible Herc" (where Hercules is now the titular character), any chance you'll re-pitch your "Hercules: The End" mini-series since Herc has picked up steam? Curious.
 

Respectfully,
Kurt Anthony Krug

Kurt,

Funny you should mention that.

I have recently done two, separate interviews concerning the Prince of Power, one for Marvel Spotlight and one for the evil entity known as Wizard Magazine. In both of those pieces, I discuss my former plans for Hercules: The End. Hopefully, 'Mr. Popular Demand' will rear his head and insist that Marvel allow me to complete the future saga of Hercules. In the meantime, I have agreed to do a few pages in an upcoming issue of the Incredible Hercules. As soon as I know what issue and when it's going to be solicited, I'll post that information here on the website.

Keep your fingers crossed that The End will come.