The following includes a variety of tributes to my late business partner & friend, Steven J. Massarsky. Along with the video, there are numerous testimonials  below from people that knew him, in and out of the comic industry.

Obituary:

NEW YORK, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Steven J. Massarsky, an attorney and businessman

who was a mentor to many and always generous when it came to sharing

knowledge and guiding others to follow their dreams, died October 5,

2007 at 12:26 p.m. in Manhattan.

The cause was complications related to cancer.

Steven Massarsky was founder and CEO of the Business Incubation

Group Inc. The Business Incubation Group primarily focused on

incubating companies that market and sell consumer products

and services.

In 1989, Massarsky co-founded Voyager Communications Inc.

(Valiant Comics), which grew into the third largest comic book

publisher in the U.S. Voyager was voted "publisher of the year"

by the comic book retail industry. The company was sold to

Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ) where Massarsky

remained as President and Publisher of the Acclaim

Comics division. Earlier in his career, Massarsky operated an

 entertainment law practice. His clientele included Nintendo,

 The Wailers, Cabbage Patch Dolls, the Psychedelic Furs,

Collins Management, Aerosmith, Tom Chapin and

Willie Mays. Prior to his law practice, Massarsky owned and

operated an artist management company handling artists

such as The Allman Brothers Band and The Wailers, and was

responsible for launching the career of Cyndi Lauper.

Massarsky held an A.B. in political science from Brown University and a J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law. He is a founding board member of The Brown University Entrepreneurship Program, served on the boards of Shop Well With You and BAM Entertainment. He was a frequent guest lecturer at universities and graduate schools. Massarsky was a member of the California and New York Bar Associations and the Brown University Sports Foundation. He was a member of the Weehawken, N.J. Hall of Fame.

Mr. Massarsky, son of the late Dr. Asher Massarsky is survived by his mother, Yetta Massarsky, of Fort Lee New Jersey; sisters Ellen M. Gertler and Marilyn Judovin; brothers-in-law Dr. Richard Gertler and David Judovin; five nieces, a nephew and seven great nieces and nephews and his loving fiancee Pui King Hui.

Funeral services will take place on Sunday October 7 at 1pm at the Gutterman-Musicant 402 Park Avenue in Hackensack, NJ. He will be buried at the Riverside Cemetery.

Donations can be made to the James F. Holland Research Fund c/o Dr. James Holland Mount Sinai Hospital, One Gustave L. Levy Place Box 1129 New York, NY 10029

STEVE MASSARSKY: IN MEMORIAM

Steve and I met in 1989, when Jim Shooter brought me in at the start of Valiant to spearhead the creative department.  At first, Steve stayed to himself, content with working behind the scenes as the business side of the corporate brain of Valiant.  But, as time plodded along, and after a series of strategic blunders, the editorial side of the company began to flounder.  It was at that point that Massarsky and I first connected.  I remember the fateful day that, after his observing Knob Row hard at work, Steve sat down at my desk and said, “I just realized that these people don’t work for Jim and me—they’re busting their asses for you!”  I replied, “No…they bust their asses for VALIANT!” That must have been the right answer…at least for Steve.

From that point on, Steve began to respect my opinion and he began sharing his private anguish about the behind-the-scenes war between Shooter and the investment bankers.  What became of that conflict is a matter of public record, but crisis eventually brought the two of us together as business partners…and friends.

It’s true that Steve could be coldly calculating at times.  He was, after all, a lawyer by profession.  And, there were a couple of times that he ‘threw me under the bus’ in our business dealings, especially after Acclaim entered the picture.  However, I always knew that it wasn’t personal. I always respected his knowledge and learned a great deal of my business savvy from him.

And there were a lot of good times.

 'Junior’, as I nicknamed him, had a lighter side that few people ever saw or appreciate.  He got that nickname during one of the lull periods in Knob Row, where everyone took turns giving each other ‘Redneck Bowling Names”. It was also a humorously-ironic choice, since there are no ‘juniors’ in Jewish tradition. I got stuck with the name—“Earl”.

Junior and I traveled a lot in those days and you really get to know someone when you’re on the road. We attended two Super Bowls together, phoning the Knobs back at the Valiant offices at halftime to give them our eyewitness account of the games.  Steve introduced me to a plethora of celebrities from sports, film and music during those travels. And, I also became aware of his peculiarities during that time.  He had a number of allergies, so finding something for him to eat on the road was always a bit problematic.  He was very generous with his employees, but strangely frugal when it came to his personal life.  He would often force me to eat at buffets while we were on the road (something I personally deplore) and he would always make our cab driver take the 59^th Street Bridge to get back home to Manhattan (it was the only toll-free access to Midtown New York).  I use to complain that he was a fuckin’ millionaire—why was saving three bucks in tolls so important to him?!  He replied, “Things change.”

Boy-- was he right.  After 9/11, the ensuing market crash took most of the money I had invested from our sale of Valiant stock to Acclaim.  While Steve was able to sustain his wealth through those tough times, his words still ring true in my ears to this day. 

Things do change.

After I left Valiant in 1996, Steve and I had maintained a cordial relationship and spoke on the phone from time-to-time. And, he was actually very helpful to me, offering his sharp business critiques, during my stint as president of Future Comics. 

I had no idea he was ill.  I knew that he had a bout with cancer back in 2001, but he told he had beaten it.

Unfortunately, time and circumstances had caused us to drift.

We were supposed to hook-up at last year's Big Apple Con, but he turned out to be a no-show.  At the time, I didn't know that he was sick again.

We were close friends at one time…but not during the years leading up to his death.  It hurts me to say that.  But, I’d rather paint a realistic picture of our relationship, rather than a phony memorial piece.

Whatever your opinions of Steve, he was a major contributor to the history of the comics industry. Although he’ll probably never be remembered as the most beloved figure in the history of comics, his contributions and innovations to the industry were many in number and significant in context. I have many fond memories of the long, hard hours we put spent in those offices--struggling to make our company profitable and the excitement that we shared as VALIANT began to show signs of success. I had enormous respect for Steve's sharp business acumen and he was never hesitant to acknowledge my creative input.

Think of him what you will, but at the end of the day, my memories of 'Junior' will always be fond ones.

To that end, I composed this video tribute to him, which only scratches the surface of all the contributions that Steve made to Valiant in particular and comics in general.

“Bob--I understand you are looking for fans to add their comments and thoughts. As he was my uncle, and I, his only nephew, I don't really fit in the fan category.  I do want to thank you for your efforts throughout the years, and especially now.  If there are any questions on which you think I might have any knowledge, I'd certainly do my best to answer them. 

Again, I thank you.  It is very comforting to see that the friends he spoke about during his life are, in a real way, stepping up and showing themselves.

In Jewish tradition, taking part in the rituals relating to death (burying, mourning, eulogizing, et cetera) is referred to as 'Kindness of Truth,' because the person you are honoring cannot reciprocate. 

Thank you for showing your truth.”

David Gertler

Nephew

“It's a very sad day. Steve, for all of his quirkiness, was a good guy. My wife was quite fond of him and cried most of last night, upon learning of his passing.  Steve was very private about his cancer, only sharing it with those of us closest to him.  He had had so many painful surgeries, yet it was always amazing to see him bounce back literally as good as new each time.

After quite some time of losing track of Steve, a few years back, I literally bumped into him on a downtown street.  My wife and I got to know his lovely fiancé Pui King and reconnected over our love of music, comics and those heartbreaking New York Mets for which we shared season tickets.

He had fond memories about the Valiant era and it was a great fun reliving those crazy, messed- up, but radically-inventive days with him.  It's tough to explain to those who weren't there, but it was an incredible place to learn and to think outside of the norm.  I learned a lot during those days and I learn a lot from Steve.  While he was one of the guys in the background, what I hope doesn't go unsaid is what a true pioneer he was.  Steve had a great marketing mind, creating many ideas that have since become staples and are taken for granted in the world of comics. I do hope that the industry will recognize and remember him in that way, I know I will, but I'll mostly remember and miss him as a friend.”
 

Joe Quesada
Marvel Editor-In-Chief
Former Valiant Colorist and Artist

Many people knew Steve as the savvy business man and controversial figure in the comic book industry,  but fewer people knew him as the kind and generous man that I was fortunate to have known. He was always warm, friendly and more than willing offer business advice or help a friend in any way.

As publisher, Steve was the steward of investment monies of venture capitalists.  This was a responsibility that he took very seriously and worked tirelessly to do everything in his power to protect preserve and grow the value of the company. Whether you agree or disagree with his decisions is another matter, but, one thing that is clear to me is that none of it was the greed motivated money grab that he was often accused of.

Being on the business side of a creative endeavor does not go hand in hand with being popular. Because of this, he and his motives were often misunderstood.  In the end, what mattered to him most, was not being liked by everyone, but rather his relationship with a core circle of friends.

I owe much of my successful start to Steve since he was my first contact at Valiant, who lead me right into a portfolio review with Bob Layton and Barry Windsor-Smith. This lead to my first gig in the industry. Timing was important as the industry boom was cresting as my first book was released. The result was a huge royalty check that gave me a very firm financial footing.  Repercussions of that great start are still benefiting me today as I am currently closing on my second home in Queens, NY.  I was fortunate enough to be able thank Steve for the impact he has had on my life the last time I saw him. He seemed genuinely happy to be recognized as an important part of someone else's success.

We always had plans to get together in the near future, but regrettably, I was shocked to hear he was gone. It was just like Steve to endure the hardship of his illness privately.

For many reasons, I'm glad to have known Steve and call him a friend. 

He may not be so concerned with how others see him, but I would like people to know that he was a stand up guy and a good friend.

Sean Chen

Former Valiant Artist

“Steve was my first introduction into the biz ; he gave me an opportunity that few, if any others would have, and allowed me to flourish.

A character that sometimes drove me crazy, but like anyone else in comics, I am always attracted to characters. Enigmatic and pragmatic, he nonetheless gave way to others' creative spirits (as for those who got upset about disagreements, get over it). Valiant was appropriately named: Steve was brave enough to take on the big boys at a pivotal time in the industry.”

Seymour Miles

Former Valiant V.P. of Advertising

“It is with great sadness that I write this.  For me, a man is judged by how he treats others.  And in this regard, at least for me, Steve was a prince. He established a royalty system that paid a bunch of wet behind the ears kids very well when he didn't have to give up a cent. 

My own personal memory of Steve was quite wonderful.  Even though he dealt with some the biggest players in music, he treated me the same as he did Gregg Allman or Steven Tyler, that is to say, with respect.  And he didn't do it in a "Oh, let's placate the artist" way either.  He was just a regular guy, and would talk to you on a equal basis. As I get older, I have come to really appreciate people like Steve, as they are a rare breed.  The world just got a bit colder since he passed.

Condolences and best wishes to his loved ones.”

In respect,

David Chlystek

Former Valiant Colorist

“I am so sorry to hear about Steve's passing; I had no idea he was ill. We ran into each other form time to time on the Upper West Side - usually near Bed, Bath & Beyond. We always laughed and hugged each other! I think he introduced me to his Asian wife or girlfriend a couple of times!

Steve was a quirky, interesting, complicated man; great sense of irony and much more of a child than he liked to seem! I enjoyed him immensely as his quick wit and oddball humor always gave me the idea that he was amused by everything.  He was astute, a good businessman; he cared greatly about his staff. I remember the great parties he had, especially the one at his home upstate; the passes to see Guns & Roses, and all the other things he approved of for us at Valiant. It was after all, the combined vision, talent and business savvy of Layton, Massarsky et al that gave all of us the opportunity to do what we did for so long. 

My favorite and best work experience was at Valiant Comics; nothing compares to our camaraderie (sic) or our joy at being able to make comics!

I miss all of you, not only Steve.”

Randy Brozen

Former Valiant Assistant Production Manager

“Bob, I got your e-mails regarding Steve's passing and, unfortunately, the only interaction I ever had with Steve (after two years of working at Valiant) was the day he fired me.

It was the black Friday after the Acclaim buyout and I and about fourteen other employees were led into his office, given a brief speech, and our walking papers.

In retrospect, the whole incident was pretty fucking hilarious. The man was surrounded on all sides by seething, pissed off, comic book nerds. I remember him sweating profusely, and looking from side-to-side in a disturbingly Nixonian kind of way. He told us that we were all free to clean out our desks at any time as long as we got it done by 5:00pm. He then put forward a pained grin and said, "Well...Goodbye."

Now, this is the best part...The whole bunch of us just stood there staring at him like a tree full of young owls! I shit you not, Bob! No response, no movement, just fourteen ice-cold stares sucking the heat out of the room.

I remember Steve swallowed hard, drummed his fingers on the desk, and continued speaking. "I wish you all continued success in whatever you choose to do after your careers here at Valiant...It's a sad day, but necessary...yadda, yadda, yadda...mutter, mutter, mutter.

So, anyway...Goodbye.”

Again, we all just stood there glaring at him. This thing had gone on long enough now that it was well past uncomfortable and I remember it was so quiet you could actually hear that roaring sound of blood pumping in your ears. The kind of thing you usually only hear when your alone in the dark. That's how quiet it was for several uncomfortable seconds...Then Steve did the damnest thing. I heard his desk chair squeak as he slid it backwards, stood up, and absently adjusted his belt. He then locked eyes with us and said, "Well, Goodbye."

And out the door he went.

No shit. He just up and walked out, leaving a surly, grumbling pack of geeks in his wake and in possession of HIS office.
I wish I could say that I was a big enough person that I didn't allow myself to cherish any bitterness toward Steve for canning me that day. The sad truth is it took a few years before I could laugh about it. I suppose that's because those two years I spent at Valiant were just a balls- out gas.

There were people there that I became good friends with. Not just the sort of friends that can call you up on a Saturday afternoon and you'll help them move, but rather the sort of friends that can call you in the middle of the night and you'll help them move...a body. You don't get to work at places like that very often and they're usually not just places, but rather a time and a place.

What a time and what a place Valiant was! I was lucky to have been there and, in the end, I suppose I owe Steve a debt of gratitude. For without all the hard work and chicanery of the wealthy criminal classes, little slacker bastards like me actually have to do real work for a living. Steve's machinations kept me from that grim fate for two years.
Thanks Steve...RIP.”

Charles Lister

Former Production Assistant

"Valiant Comics, is something you'll hear many fans and comic pros alike, say with feelings of nostalgia. The stories were riveting, the characters were innovative and fascinating, and the people who made them were just as special. But then the discussion always comes around to something like, "What a shame the way it all went down." As an employee at Valiant from 91-96 I was around for most of the great times, and also witnessed firsthand, the unnecessary demise.

One of my bosses at Valiant was Steve Massarsky. Steve recently passed away from cancer, I was saddened to hear this weekend. My initial thought was to wonder if his bouts with Lyme disease were really not Lyme disease at all. But then I thought about all the memories I have of both Valiant, and of Steve. Not necessarily a comic book guy, Steve was a businessman who co-founded the company. It was his drive and leadership that helped put together the pieces of what was to become Valiant Comics. Admittedly it was a team effort with talented professionals like Bob Layton, Barry Smith, Jon Hartz, Jim Shooter, Fred Pierce, Kevin VanHook, etc... but Steve was as important as any of them.

Others talented creators have tried to duplicate the formula and create a comic book universe. Just look at the list of companies that have come and gone, both before and after. But it was Steve who worked to find investors, and who helped assemble the team that made this one successful. The Valiant team came up with innovative ideas like Chromium Covers, #0 issues, #1/2 issues, the Unity #0 free comic, the Deathmate bus tour, and the great characters, along with several other great and not so great ideas...(Valiant Vision?) It was his innovation and his drive that helped Steve succeed where others failed. He was a man you wanted on your side. With him on your team you could think bigger and accomplish more than you ever would without him.

He will be missed.

A side story about Steve... On one of our annual budget meetings, which we held at his upper West Side, penthouse apartment, Steve took me into his Vault to show me one his prized possessions. Both of us being baseball fans, Steve was beaming the day he showed me his autographed Babe Ruth baseball. The smile on his face when he held that baseball was what I'll remember most.”

Darren Sanchez

Former Valiant Production Manager

1991-1996

“One of the things I liked most about Steve is that he came from outside comics, which allowed him to think and innovate beyond the industry's conventional wisdom. Steve was always full of ideas, some of which worked, some of which didn't, but his willingness to think in more expansive terms was one of his greatest assets.

On a more personal note, I always appreciated the way Steve treated me and other freelancers I knew who were working for Acclaim at the time. In an industry where creators are often thought of as not being smart enough to understand concepts beyond their keyboard or drawing board, Steve was willing to treat us and deal with us as grown-ups.
I considered him both colleague and friend and mourn his passing.”
 

Dan Jurgens

Former Valiant Artist

“I didn’t know Steve as well as you, Bob. He seem cool to me and he never said anything bad to me... He just looked at me while I was working, sometimes he would smile and keep walking by. Those are my memories of him.”
 

Winston Blakely

Former Valiant Colorist

“I met Steve the very first day I was in the Valiant offices. I had flown in from Indianapolis to interview with Bob and Jim and talk about my coming on board as the Production Manager and I was surprised/impressed that, "the money guy" came into the office on a Saturday. He was polite and we shook hands, but that was about it. In the ensuing months we interacted a bit, but it wasn't until the week that Jim Shooter left that I felt we had more of a connection. It was a time of upheaval and Steve came to me and said that he wanted me to know that it was OK if we missed shipping a book or two that week.

People would understand. I strongly felt that it was important that our comics continue to come out on time and that we not miss a beat. People were watching and waiting for us to fail somehow. With the help of the famous Knob Row of artists and even my inking backgrounds on a few things, we did just that. Didn't miss a book. We didn't sleep much, but we were on time. A few weeks after that, Steve came by to tell me that he felt I was one of the best things that had happened to the company that year and that I was appreciated. That meant a great deal to me.

As time passed, we became friends. We weren't bowling buddies, but we were friends and one of the many mentors I've had the privilege to have. I never felt nervous going into his office to talk about business or anything else for that matter. I was fortunate that during my time there I felt that we were all on the same side-- trying to build something special that we could all be proud of. While it might have become more divided later we didn't have an, 'us against them'/'editorial vs. marketing and finance' kinda thing. Some of the best story ideas came from folks like Jon Hartz in marketing and some of our best marketing concepts came from people like Bob in editorial.

A few random memories: Through Steve, I got to hang out with Aerosmith for a day. I met members of the Allman Brothers Band. Dickie Betz came through the offices several times. We had the first (and last) annual company picnic at his house in the country. He treated me fairly in my contract negotiations with him and seemed to respect the fact that I really read the contracts and asked for clarification and changes.  I think most folks he dealt with just turned that stuff over to lawyers and I truly wanted to understand it for myself. He had gold records on his wall. And old baseball cards. He kept a journal with every meeting, phone call, etc. logged in it-- like a to-do list. If he didn't get to a call, it was written down in the book that night for the next day. He once called me and told me that he had been wrong about something that someone had done and that he owed me an apology. In this particular instance, there was no way I would have known otherwise. He could have simply not made the call.

But he did.

Toward the end of my relationship with Steve, I think he felt a bit betrayed that I wouldn't come back on staff. I had left to pursue a dream of making films and moved to California and when he tried to bring me back, I ultimately said no. I didn't think it would be fair to my family-- we had just moved to San Diego and were loving it. For a moment, I had consented, but in the end, I just couldn't see myself going back.

Because of that, I feel we weren't as close in later years. I haven't spoken to him since 1997. Ten years. We had simply moved in different directions and while I sent an email or two, they were never returned.

I wasn't even aware he was sick.

Of the Valiant family, I may very well have the reputation for having the thickest set of rose-colored glasses when it comes to my time there. I've publicly said that it was one of the best times of my life.

I learned more and grew more in those few short years than in any other time. So many people became part of my extended family. I stay in touch with a lot of them and consider myself blessed.

I wish I had made a better effort to stay in touch with Steve.

To my knowledge, Steve never dictated content. He didn't censor. He let us do our jobs and that's one of the best things I can say about a Publisher.

To my knowledge, in my dealings with him, he always did what he said he would do. He never lied to me.

And that's one of the best things I can say about a man.

Rest in Peace, Steve.”

Kevin VanHook

Filmmaker & Former Executive Editor of Valiant

I was sad to hear of Steve's passing.  I liked the guy.

Sometimes he seemed like a shyster and sometimes he was generous and full of great ideas.  

I fondly remember a weekend Layton and I  spent with him somewhere up the Hudson, lots of good food and mosquitoes.  

Eventually he wrote me the contract I needed to assure me work when I moved to England for two years.  He set me up to do Shadowman meets Aerosmith, he had been their lawyer,  I think.  I got to meet the band and do a signing with them ("Who's the chubby old bald  guy sitting beside Steve Tyler?)  That was fun.  Thanks, Steve.

He was naive sometimes as we entered the computer era.  "Hey, Bob" he asked once, " how would you like to have computer coloring on Shadowman?"  "Sure," said I., "Who would do it?"  "No, you don't understand," he replied. "it would be computer coloring."

But he knew a lot more than I did about a lot of things -- business for sure.  He and Bob helped me make a little pot of dough-- the only time I ever did or probably ever will -- during that period of the nineties when you could actually make money.  Thanks again.

I think Steve really wanted to be one of the guys.  He could never quite bring it off,  but then neither could I.  I was too shy and he was too much a lawyer.  But for a while there he was CEO of one of the greatest shows in comics.  

He must have liked that. 

Bob Hall

Former Valiant Writer/Artist

"I got to know Steve because we lived in the same building and used the health club, and two middle-aged men desperately trying to stay conscious on adjoining ellipticals can't help but notice each other. Steve initiated the conversation, because he was always extremely social and less out of breath than me. The relationship really sparked because of our common love of the Mets. The more we talked, the more it became apparent that (A) -- Steve knew more than I did about baseball and (B) -- Steve knew more than I did about everything. There was virtually no topic you could wander into where Steve didn't have a wealth of knowledge, experience and great stories. Music? Oh, he discovered Cindy Lauper and managed the Allman Brothers. Entertainment? He was a comic book titan. Business or money? He taught at Brown and managed a billion companies. Politics? Oh, yeah, he knows Kerry and had worked in political consulting. I had to resolve to either learn more about the world to keep up with him, or be quiet and listen and learn something.  So of course, I took the easy way out and just kept talking. And, the amazing thing about Steve was, even though he knew more about what you were talking about than you did, he listened. Politely. And intently. Because Steve loved to listen. And even though he wasn't religious -- lapsed Jewishness was another thing we shared -- his sage and brilliant advice made him as close to a rabbi as I was likely to get.

And even though I had nothing to teach Steve, he did seem to get something from my family. After he met my wife Linda and our kids,  he and Pui King, his wonderful companion, used to come by the apartment to spend time with us. Steve's love and enthusiasm for being with them was so real -- he used to show my older son his collection of baseball cards, invite us to baseball conventions, and give baseball related gifts -- and he came by the apartment just to watch my younger son play baseball in the living room. 

Steve was a very good friend, a wonderful and compassionate advisor, and more than any of that -- he was fun. I'll never forget sitting in the season ticket seats we were considering buying at Shea while the Mets were on a road trip, staring out at the field in an empty stadium, both agreeing that there was something magical about the whole thing. That it made us feel eleven again. And even though I hesitated, he encouraged me to go for it, and we bought the seats together (because he knew everyone in the Mets organization, of course). Every time I go to a game with my family now, I realize he was right about that too."

Marc Lawrence

Personal Friend & Neighbor

There was a bit of controversy that sprung up on the Newsarama message boards shortly after Steve’s passing.  Rather than commenting on some of the outrageous claims and terribly rude comments, I’ve provided the link to the message board. As you will see, even in death, Steve Massarsky continues to be a controversial figure in the annuls of comic industry: