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Ron-Man, as I affectionate
call my friend, is best known for his work for Marvel Comics on their
various "cosmic" titles, most particularly the Silver Surfer (vol. 3)
series, which he pencilled for almost six years (1988-1994).
David Michelinie and I were lucky enough to procure Ron's considerable talents for our new Iron Man/Dr. Doom mini-series for Marvel Comics (Scheduled for release in April 2008). Ron is one of the friendliest and most professional fellows I've ever worked with and his boundless enthusiasm is a plus to any project he works on.
If you don't believe me, simply read on--!
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Bob: First of all, I'm not going to ask you how you started in comics because, as long as you're doing comics, I'm happy.
Ron: Ok. (laughter). I'm just happy to be working with you!
Bob: I DO have a question considering our past--
Ron: Go ahead!
Bob: The first time I ever saw you in person, you were on stage at a convention and you were working for an independent company. This was sometime prior to you starting at Marvel. Refresh my memory, what Indy company was that?
Ron: Yikes! Was that in Atlanta? I was working on a book called Ex-Mutants for Eternity comics. I haven't thought about that in a loooog time.
Bob: Yes! Yes! Yes! That’s it!! Bob for the win! (laughter)
Ron: You win!!! Wow -- it was SO cold there. I'm not used to snow, you know.
Bob: The reason I remember, is that you said something on stage that made me laugh out loud. And this is a quote, "I'm happy with what I'm doing, I don't care if I ever work in mainstream comics." Do you remember that? Because, I was literally cracking up in the audience. You were far too talented to ever remain doing tiny, independent comics. Do you remember hearing some guy laughing in the audience?
Ron: Did I say that? I do not remember that at all! I guess I was fibbing...you are too kind! Hey, I DO remember someone laughing while I was on stage though! That was YOU?!!
Bob: Absolutely!
Ron: That is hilarious! (Laughter)
Bob: You were, as I said, one of the most talented guys I had ever seen come out of that market. I didn't believe for a friggin' minute that you were going to wind-up doing Indies for the rest of your career. I chalked it up to you being incredibly sincere and slightly naive! Have you become slightly jaded since then?
Ron: I was just happy to be working in comics in any form. (Laughter) Yeah, maybe a little. But not much!
Bob: So, you came to work for Marvel after that. And, from that point on, you successfully avoided working with me through two decades! I mean, I never got to ink one, freakin’ cover from you. Nothing! How did that happen?!
Ron: Yeah, how weird is that? You know what--at one point, one of my editors said we were going to work together, but it fell through. I was totally bummed. I would have KILLED to work with you!
Bob: What was that going to be on? I would have given my left nut to work on any project with you. I have been a Ron Lim fan from day one, Dude!
Ron: I don't remember the specific book, but it had Iron Man in it! Left nut? Ouch! (laughter) I dug your Hercules series--great, great stuff! In fact, it was one of the few books that actually cracked me up while reading it.
Bob: Thanks, Ron.
Ron: Two words: Drunken Galactus! (laughter)
Bob: I could have used you on a couple of issues of that too!
Ron: We need to do a new Hercules project!!!
Bob: I agree! Let's re-pitch my Hercules:The End proposal to Marvel as soon as we're done with this interview! And--just for that, I'm going to give Hercules a pet monkey, just for you. (laughter)
Ron: Pet Monkey? For me? Bob, you are the man! I'm in!!! (laughter)
Bob: Before we started the Iron Man/Doom mini-series, you told me that you were a big fan of David Michelinie and my run of Iron Man. It's obvious to me, from the pages that you've done so far on the book, that you really DO have a feel for that era. How are your memories of the original run, and the art from that period, influencing what you are doing now?
Ron: Oh, yeah--your run on Iron Man is one of my favorite series of all time, man! When I picture the character from Iron Man, I automatically envision your work in my head. So, I think that rubs off while working on this new series. In fact, you were the first guy to draw the armor looking like real metal, and it definitely influenced my work on the Surfer.
Bob: For me, working on 'Legacy of Doom' has been akin to time travel for me, no pun intended. I think the art that you're doing on this job is extremely reminiscent of those glory days of the Iron Man series. Yet, your work continues to be contemporary and fresh. How do you keep it that way? What do you do to keep that energy level up?
Ron: I don't know -- I think I am just trying to capture the feel you guys gave Iron Man back then and give it a bit of the wackier layouts of current comics. As for the energy, working with you on Iron Man is something I never thought would happen, so this is very exciting for me. I want to do my best to create Iron Man art that you and Dave will be happy with. By the way, IM #150 is one of my all-time, favorite Iron Man stories -- so doing this sequel with you and Dave is just too cool!
Bob: Not to turn this interview into a giant circle-jerk, but, in my opinion, if you had been drawing the book during our last run of Iron Man, it's possible that we all would still be on the series today. The pages of that you're doing on Legacy of Doom bear that out. You have a natural feel for the character, Ron.
Ron: Wow, thanks! I would have given my right nut to work with you guys back then.
Bob: Your right nut? Then both of us would have wound-up being the Lance Armstrongs of comics! (laughter)
Ron: Well, it shows! When I saw your inks, I was blown away. So, how does it feel for you to be drawing ol' Shellhead again?
Bob: Like I said before, it's kind of like time travel. I sit at my drawing board and I feel like I've gone back in time working on this project. I'd forgotten how much I love this character. I think that happens because I hear so much negative feedback about the current incarnation of Iron Man. I think that, sometimes, it clouds my judgment. I certainly don't want to say anything bad about what Marvel's doing with the character. After all--it's their 'toys' to do with what they will. But, it definitely isn't the same one that David and I did way back when.
Ron: Yeah, I love Iron Man, but the current Tony Stark is such a scumbag! (laughter)
Bob: A lot of fans will be surprised to learn that this is actually our second effort together. You have any thoughts about our days of working together on Metallix for Future Comics?
Ron: I loved working with you and David on Metallix. It was such an exciting project-- a throwback to good old-fashioned super-hero comics, which was refreshing for me.
Bob: I guess we should mention to those fans that haven't followed the Future Comics series that Metallix ran for 6 issues before we ceased publishing. All of those issues, including the unpublished Metallix # 7, are available on my website. How'd you like that shameless plug, Ron- Man?
Ron: I love plugs -- especially hair plugs...
Bob: Hair plugs? Are you getting a little thin, Ron Man?
Ron: Sorry. Just
rambling. (laughter) Actually, I'm currently sporting an
Bob: We should also mention that our colorist on that series, the ever-ebullient Moose Baumann, will be joining us on “Legacy of Doom”. So, we literally have the old Future Comics team back together for this new project.
Ron: Yes! Mr. Moose! It will be great to have the old gang together again, Whodda thunk?
Bob: One of the
things I wanted to ask you is about is the last issue of Metallix that
never saw print. As I mentioned previously, issue #7, which was only
printed as an ashcan, is available for download on the archives page of
my website. However, as you recall, there was an issue #8 that we almost
completed. I believe there's about 5 pages left for you to pencil, for
Dave to script, and for me to ink. I'd really like to finish that story
and publish it on the site sometime in the near future. , It was
conjunction with this interview, for the fans to see. It's got some GREAT girl shots!
Ron: Well, what are we waiting for? We must finish the job!
Bob: Right NOW? Shouldn't we finish the interview first?
Ron: Oh, ok. I guess you are right..! (laughter) Cool. I haven't seen those inked and lettered pages, right?
Bob: Right. I'll make sure to get jpegs to you of everything that was completed so far.
Ron: Sweet! Thanks!
Bob: Of course, I still have to talk Michelinie into doing it..!
Ron: You can do it! Da-vid! Da-vid! Da-vid! (laughter)
Bob: Getting back to mainstream comics for a minute, what were you doing before starting work on 'Legacy of Doom'?
Ron: I just finished a Fantastic Five, 5-issue series. It’s set in the MC2 universe.
Bob: I'm a comics moron, Ron-Man. What the hell is the Fantastic Five? Is that the Fantastic Four-- with John Byrne as the permanent guest star? That's a funny joke if you look at this month's Jim Shooter Roast video!
Ron: (laughter) It is Tom DeFalco’s bunch of books set in the near future, where the heroes are older and their kids are becoming heroes. The stories are more like the slam-bang comics of old.
Bob: Cool, I'll have to check it out!
Ron: I did several titles with Tom: J2, Wild Thing and Avengers Next. Let me know what you think when you check 'em out.
Bob: Hey--Next time you talk to my pal, "Linguine," tell him that Baby-face Bob says "Come esta!"
Ron: (laughter) Linguine?!
Bob: Yeah, Linguine, my Marvel nickname for Tom DeFalco. During the years I worked there, I would walk by his office at Marvel and say, "Hey Linguine, come esta?" and he would always reply, "Bakala!" . I have no idea what he meant. I think it's a dessert.
Ron: Ah, I get it! Now I'll have to call him and pass on your message!
Bob: There was some funny stuff with Tom in last month's video if you get a chance to see it.
Ron: Bakala? I'll have to ask him about that, too! I'll have to check it out that video!
Bob: You and I have been doing comics for a very long time, while maintaining a fairly high degree of enthusiasm over the years. I've had an opportunity to do just about everything I've wanted to do. Is there anything that you haven't had a chance to get your hands on it yet?
Ron: I've worked on most of the characters at Marvel, but I'd love to work on several characters in a series, like Iron Man, Thor and a couple others that I've only drawn in crossovers or single issues. At DC, Batman has continually eluded me.
Bob: Oh snap! I've done Batman! I could do it again! Hey! Let's do a Batman mini-series!
Ron: Whoa, that would be a total blast! I'll go get my tights!
Bob: When I was 11, I actually thought I WAS Batman! I had a costume and everything! Then, when I got to Marvel, Frank Miller told me I was mistaken. HE was actually Batman when he was 11. Frank informed me that I was an imposter. I’d like to think I was Adam West to his Christian Bale. (laughter)
Ron: I think I have an ancient photo of me as a kid with my Batman costume on. Never to be seen again, of course!
Ron: That is too funny! I think I saw two 11 year old Batmans the other day...
Bob: You saw two 11 year old Batmans? Okay, one must have been Earth 2, the other one Earth 1. So, is it Batmans? or Batmen?
Ron: I prefer Bat People. (laughter)
Bob: Really? I've done several Elseworlds at DC featuring Batman. David and I also came up with a springboard document with about 5-6 really interesting Batman concepts we threw at Bob Schreck when he was the Bat-Editor at DC. Maybe it's time to revisit that material, especially if we can get you on board?! I'll talk to David.
Ron: You know I would be up for working with you on that!
Bob: So when Brandon gets older, what's it going to be: DC or Marvel?
Ron: Hmmm. I think I'll let him choose. I'll set them out on a table and see what he tears up first. (laughter)
Bob: Just don't let him eat the paper. It's not hygienic, Ron! It sits on the dirty floor at Quebecor! Plus, don't forget that Mark Gruenwald is in a few issues...literally. (laughter) However, I'm envisioning the Lim family being the 21st century version of the Romitas. (laughter)
Ron: Wow-- wouldn't that be something! (laughter)
Bob: Let's get serious for a minute.
Ron: OK.
Bob: Let's talk about work ethics for a moment. You have one of the best reputations in the business, as far as quality and deadlines. How do you discipline yourself to keep your nose to the grindstone for all these years, given the current market place where, if somebody does four issues, it's considered a Herculean task?
Ron: I guess I have just taught myself to be focused when I work. And, the fact that I love comics probably helps. But I've always been one to try and hit those deadlines as part of trying to be a pro at the job. The comic fan side of me prefers artists and writers who stay for a good, long run. But that’s getting more-and-more rare these days.
Bob: Ron, just as an aside comment, I have to say that coming back to Marvel, after being absent for seven years, has been an interesting experience for me.
Ron: I'm sure it has! You'll have to tell me about it!
Bob: I mean—I asked for you as the penciller on the Iron Man mini-series and they complied. I asked for the page rate I wanted, and they gave it to me. I asked for Moose Baumann as our colorist, and they got him. All in all, this experience hasn't sucked for me, which is a far cry from my last stint at Marvel.
Ron: No kidding -- that is FANTASTIC. That's the way we like it!
Bob: I was just surprised. My last gig there was a painful experience, at best. It's nice to know that things look like they've changed for the better.
Ron: No doubt!
Ron: Molly IS awesome! I have been working with her as my editor on the last two MC2 books and she is so great to work with. I was surprised when she called and offered me the Iron Man assignment -- I was a happy camper.
Bob: Let's hope it's the first of many new Iron Man jobs for the both of us! She's going to be our editor on Iron Man: The End, as well. We're just waiting for the official word on who the penciller is going to be. Actually, I know who it is, but I’m not allowed to say.
Ron: You can tell me. Really!
Bob: It's ####### #####! I refuse to work with anyone unless they are Asian.
Ron: That's right! You told me already -- my memory ain't what it used to be.
Bob: Don’t worry--David Michelinie is changing his last name to Wong.
Ron: Ha-ha! What about you?
Bob: I will remain the token Round-Eye!
Ron: Is that like Short Round?
Bob: By the way, you and I need to start putting our heads together on some cover ideas for this mini-series!
Ron: Yeah, covers! I can't wait to get cooking on those covers!
Bob: Back to Legacy for a minute. Since you have all four plots in your possession, have you read the entire series or are you choosing to attack them simply one at a time?
Ron: I DO NOT have all four plots. Molly has sent me the first two, so I have yet to read the whole thing. Help me!
Bob: Personally, I think it might be a bit of a hindrance to not know where we are heading with the entire storyline.
Ron: No spoilers, please! (laughter)
Bob: I will tell you that both Doom and Iron Man will go through a major armor change in issue #3. Oh, and the world is threatened with total annihilation in issue #4. But other than that, no big deal.
Ron: Say what? Really? How so? This is some heavy stuff! I can't take it..!
Bob: Oh shit! Don't quit on me!
Bob: I suppose I should wrap this up. But before I go, I have one last question.
Ron: Hit me.
Bob: I've been to your website.
Ron: Oh… no.
Bob: What's the deal with the friggin' monkeys?!!! (laughter)
Ron: I love me some monkeys!!! And, so do Stephanie and Brandon. So, I guess we’re a monkey-loving family. Also, I enjoy drawing them. Preferably with pants on. (laughter)
Bob: Oh, you prefer drawing pants on monkeys..? Or are you drawing the monkeys while not wearing pants? I’m confused?! (laughter) I mean--they're NOT silver surfin' monkeys, they're not Infinity Gauntlet-wearing monkeys--they're just...monkeys. (laughter)
Bob: What’s a good idea--pants? (laughter)
Ron: At the moment? Um...yeah! (laughter)
Bob: We'll get you some pants, Ron.
Ron: Bob--you are the best!
Bob: Let me just say in closing that you are my favorite penciller to work with--ever. And, this project has been an absolute dream-come-true for me. And, I thank you for your efforts in making this Iron Man mini-series a reality.
Ron: Same here, Bob! I could not be happier. This is definitely a dream project and I am so happy that you let me join you and David on this great ride.
Bob: Alright buddy, Give my best to Stephanie and little Brandon.
Ron: Thanks, Bob!
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BOB LAYTON SPEAKS WITH
PENCILLER SUPREME RON LIM!
Ron: That's an
awesome idea! Silver Surfin’ Monkeys! (laughter)