Last October, my hometown, Richmond, VA hosted the Virginia Comicon. There were multiple Bronze Age creators at this event, so I made sure I was there. I was accompanied on my trip by Melanorrigby, my co-blogger at Holiday Film Reviews and a big fan of comic books in her own right.
Artist Howard Chaykin was the first artist I got to meet. He was very friendly to us, talking with us about politics, his career, and even shirts (after I complimented him on his attire). Chaykin told me he considered his Bronze Age art to be inferior to his later work. I disagree, but I guess most of us are our own toughest critics.
Next up was Ron Wilson, penciler of many great stories in the 70s and 80s, most notably serving as longtime artist on Marvel Two-In-One. Since the Thing was the star of that book, I asked Wilson if he had any particular affinity for Ben Grimm. He said that it started out as just "a gig," but that he grew to love the character.
Wilson said Marvel Two-In-One Annual #7 was the best story he'd penciled. It's a big favorite of mine too, so I was excited to acquire this super-sized poster of its cover!
Lastly, we met Joe Staton, who provided art for DC, Marvel and Charlton Comics during the Bronze Age. I didn't get to talk to Staton very much due to time constraints, but he was very friendly and signed my copy of the E-Man TPB!
Meeting those three creators made for an exciting day. But it also reminded me that I haven't written at this blog about the many other comic book industry giants I've met. So here are some photos of me and other creators taken at earlier cons:
Comics legend Neal Adams, one of the greatest comic book artists of all time and a longtime advocate for rights of creators!
Comics historian Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson, granddaughter of Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson, who was a co-founder of DC Comics. Nicky promotes the work of her grandfather, which has been unjustly overlooked by other historians. She was very friendly and told lots of fascinating stories about her grandfather. Check out her official site to learn more about Malcolm.
Marv Wolfman, one of the best writers and creators of the Bronze Age. He wrote lots of great tales and co-created great characters like the Black Cat the New Teen Titans!
Danny Fingeroth, a long-time writer and editor at Marvel Comics. Fingeroth is also the author several books about comics history which you can learn more about and purchase at his official site.
Last but not least, here's a photo of me with Michael Golden, one of my favorite Bronze Age pencilers!
It's been a thrill to meet all these great people at cons over the last few years. If you get a chance to meet some of your favorite comic book writers and artists, please take advantage of that opportunity. I was able to tell them "thank you for all the great work" in person.
Thanks for visiting, please stop by in a few days for some new reviews!
J.A.
