09 Reminiscences and Tributes – Page 4

(…that I can think of at the moment, in no particular order)

1. Bill Gaines’ opening remark to me, each and every time I saw him: “My ambition in life is to weigh less than my refrigerator.”

2. Editor Carl Potts to me: “The problem with you is that you’re stubborn.”
Me: “Well, that’s the Potts calling the kettle black.”

3. Editor Larry Hama to me: “All the really creative people are crazy.”
Me: “I’m not crazy.”
Larry: “Exactly.”

4. Gil Kane to Louise Simonson: “Yes, my boy.”

5. Jack Abel to anyone who displeased him while in polite company: “Ingest excrement and expire.”

Prophet of Doom

By Jim Shooter

On June 3, 2011

In 09 Reminiscences and Tributes

In 1992, not too long after the “Death of Superman,” I wrote the following piece for Diamond’s 1992 year-in-review issue of Dialogue:

Dialogue Year In Review Questions

What is the biggest challenge facing the comics industry today?

The recent collapse of the sports trading card market presages the biggest threat now facing the comics industry.

Collectibility is an advantage intrinsic to the comics medium. However, during recent years, so much emphasis has been placed upon the collectible aspect of comics that the entertainment aspect has been neglected. This trend has been fostered, promoted and exploited by publishers, distributors, retailers, fans and creators. Lately, a great many tricks that can only be pulled once a decade or so have been used to add collectibility to comics, including new number one issues, various cover gimmicks and even the “death” of Superman! That’s how enamored we’ve become with the short-term benefits of collectibility.

Comics are an entertainment medium first and collectible merchandise second. We as an industry, must resist the urge to turn comics into a fad.

Just for good measure….

By Jim Shooter

On June 1, 2011

In 09 Reminiscences and Tributes

Memorial Day put me in a “Tributes” mood. Here’s another one I came across today, written in 2007, my thoughts on why Jack Kirby was “King.”

Jack Kirby was crowned King by Stan Lee when Stan gave Jack the Marvel nickname “King.” Did Jack deserve the coronation? Certainly. His creative record is not only unmatched in the comics field, but possibly, idea for idea, unmatched by anyone in any field. Ever. At his peak, in the early to mid 1960’s, Jack was the absolute master of comics storytelling, and had evolved a powerful, wonderful, exciting, magical style that blended just enough solid drawing with just enough abstraction and just enough exaggeration. He changed everything. He influenced countless creators. He awed and entertained millions of readers. His work moved people. King, indeed.

Tributes

By Jim Shooter

On May 30, 2011

In 09 Reminiscences and Tributes

JayJay here. Jim has written many wonderful and moving introductions and tributes to the people he has known over the years. Here are some more.

Dave Cockrum

When I first moved to New York City in 1976, as it happened, Dave had a room to rent and I needed a place to live. We didn’t know each other at all, but it worked out fine for the eight months or so I stayed there. Dave was good-natured, easygoing and easy to get along with—also, totally honest and honorable. The place was great. I tended to avoid the room where he kept the snakes and lizards. They stunk. Or, I guess, some of what they ate stunk. Anyway….

Hall of Famers

By Jim Shooter

On May 27, 2011

In 09 Reminiscences and Tributes

I thought these might be of interest. Each of the last two years, I was asked to write intros for all-time greats who were being inducted into the Overstreet Hall of Fame. It was an honor.

Archie Goodwin

Ask the average fan to name the greatest creators in the history of comics and the name Archie Goodwin will not leap to the minds of many, because so much of Archie’s brilliant work was behind the scenes or flew under the mainstream radar. But ask the creators with whom he worked! Ask other all-time great writers, artists, editors and creators! Gather the elders, the best of the best and ask them! His name will be among the first mentioned. Archie Goodwin was an amazing writer with outstanding story sense, penetrating insight, a gift for dialogue, an effortless knack for character, a flair for drama and utter mastery of the art of delivering the payoff. His sheer creativity ranks with the best ever. He was an all-time great editor and teacher. He made everyone he worked with better. On top of that, Archie Goodwin was a fine, wonderful, noble and honorable soul, loved and respected by everyone because he deserved it. This industry may never see his like again. How sad. He is desperately missed.

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman

By Jim Shooter

On May 24, 2011

In 02 Early Life, 09 Reminiscences and Tributes

When I was fourteen, I went on my first business trip. It was in June, 1966, soon after school ended for the year, and almost a year after I’d written the first Legion story DC bought. Fresh out of ninth grade, I was off from home in Pittsburgh to New York City to spend a week in DC’s offices learning more about comics production—things like coloring and inking that are hard to explain over the phone. At DC’s insistence, my mother had to accompany me.Even with the income I was making from DC added to the mix, my family wasn’t exactly prosperous. When you start deep in the hole, it takes a long time to dig out. My mother was worried that she didn’t have anything appropriate to wear. And there was no money to go clothes shopping. A friend of hers from church who was a seamstress offered to make her a few dresses, as a gift.

But, as for the trip itself, DC paid all expenses—the airfare, meals, the hotel. They put us up in the Summit Hotel, a top shelf place in those days. It also happened to be located at Lexington and 51st, right across the street from 575 Lexington Avenue, where DC had its offices. For about a week, I reported to the office every day, met people and learned things.

An Airplane Ride or Three with Herb Trimpe

By Jim Shooter

On May 23, 2011

In 09 Reminiscences and Tributes, Uncategorized

Herb Trimpe used to own a 1939 Stearman, which is an open cockpit biplane. When we worked together at Marvel, he’d often invite me to come upstate where he lived to go for a ride. Even after the Marvel days, sometimes, when we’d run into each other. I never got around to it. Always too busy.Now, let me tell you something about my father. He loved airplanes. All kinds. He used to build model airplanes, including those radio controlled ones. So, during the VALIANT days, when he came to New York from the family home in suburban Pittsburgh, one of only two times he ever made it to the Big Apple, I had this brilliant idea. Why not ask Herb to take him for a ride instead of me? I happened to have business up Herb’s way anyway. I figured that my father could come with me and therefore, we’d be in the neighborhood.

Bill Sienkiewicz IS Spider-Man

By Jim Shooter

On May 20, 2011

In 09 Reminiscences and Tributes

Here’s a tale from ancient days starring Bill Sienkiewicz.First, the origin.

I’m sitting at my desk at Marvel one day, doing Editor-in-Chief stuff, whatever, and the phone rings. The receptionist asks me if I will take a call from someone named “Neal Adams.” Who? Yes, I will take a call from Neal Adams.

Neal tells me that a young artist turned up at his studio showing samples. He thought I might be interested, but he wasn’t sure because, Neal said, “He draws like me.”

Well, not interested then.

Paul Levitz’s Finest Scam

By Jim Shooter

On May 15, 2011

In 09 Reminiscences and Tributes

While Jack was in the hospital in Queens, Paul called me to ask if Jack had insurance through Marvel. Yes, but it was the standard major medical coverage, which only paid 80%. Paul said Jack had been enrolled in Blue Cross/Blue Shield through DC (Jack worked at both places), but he had let his coverage lapse. He hadn’t made a payment for six months. What are we going to do?

Neither Paul nor I made a fortune in those days, but Paul said that if I’d split the past due payment with him, he could fudge the paperwork and get Jack seamlessly back on BC/BS. Cool.

So we executed his brilliant, benignly wicked scam and Jack was covered. Between Marvel’s coverage and DC’s, he didn’t have to come up with a nickel. Insurance paid for everything.

Howard Chaykin’s Finest Hour

By Jim Shooter

On May 14, 2011

In 09 Reminiscences and Tributes, Uncategorized

I didn’t know Jack Abel very well during my first few years at Marvel, which were also my first few years in New York, my first time in close proximity to the majority of comics professionals. I saw Jack once in a while when I was visiting Continuity — Neal Adams’ studio. Neal rented office space to a number of artists. I guess I also ran into Jack occasionally when he was delivering a job to Marvel. Jack had inked several of my Legion stories back when. So, I knew of him, and knew him a little.

In 1980 or ’81 — I forget — Jack had a stroke that paralyzed his right arm and his drawing/inking hand.

A few of us at Marvel went to visit Jack in the hospital in Queens. Roger Stern was with me, maybe one or two others, I forget. We tiptoed into Jack’s room, all unsure of what to say. Jack was almost unaware of us. He kept staring at his inert right hand, trying to move his arm and his hand without result. We muttered the usual platitudes and stood there stupidly. And ignored.

Then, Howard Chaykin came breezing in. Howard had been one of Jack’s roommates at Continuity.

Howard’s opening line was words to the effect, “You were a lousy inker anyway, so no great loss.” Then he proceeded to insult Jack’s talents, his ancestry, his looks, his wife, his kids…..

Jack looked up. At Howard. And fired back. And they had a raucous insult-fest.

It brought Jack back to life.

Thank you, Howard. You knew what to do and you did it, while we dimwits stood around helplessly.

Writer. Creator. Large mammal.

Category: 09 Reminiscences and Tributes Page 4 of 5

10 Best Comics’ Creators’ Quips and Quotes

Prophet of Doom

Just for good measure….

Tributes

Hall of Famers

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman

An Airplane Ride or Three with Herb Trimpe

Bill Sienkiewicz IS Spider-Man

Paul Levitz’s Finest Scam

Howard Chaykin’s Finest Hour