There are thousands and not just Marvel and DC but Dell, Tower, Charleston, Harvey, Atlas, and Tower. I’ve talked with my wife about going through them for years. Maybe the time has come. Thank you
I understand completely. I notice that huge amount of investment is going into the film & TV studios here, it’s a big growth areas. Afraid my network in that area is a little thin on the ground, Kirk Jones who directed Nanny McPhee is a friend but he has moved to Bristol. I taught two of his boys. Grace has a friend who is very mixed race called Jess (Irish, Japanese and West Indian background) who was in the recent batman film as a dancer in the Penguins night-club scene. I hope your daughter enjoys London, certainly Grace only moved up there a few months ago and loves all the music scene and fun. She has found a delightful boyfriend who I approve off. I quite understand you wanted her to return to the US, as I say to my parents at school, ‘having a child is is like having your heart running around outside your body.’ I wish her the very best of luck. Thank goodness for face-time so we can see they are ok. David
‘having a child is is like having your heart running around outside your body.’ is perhaps the most succinct and accurate way or expressing those "leaving the nest" emotions (from a parent's side) I've ever heard.
I feel my allergies acting up, I need to find a tissue.
It's always interesting to hear where you get your reference points. As someone working with an artist as a writer, I enjoy seeing the way they interpret my words. I definitely feel like it might be even more interesting to hear more about that.
Andrew, I was fortunate enough to take Robert McKee's Story lecture twice.
One of the things that he stressed was that screenwriters should take acting classes, and actors should take a writing classes. This will give each an understanding, and respect for what the other does and why they make certain decisions.
Want to learn how to write dialog that flows naturally out of an actor's mouth, study acting. Want to know why your character is saying what they're saying and the subtext. underneath each line, study screenwriting.
I believe the same is true in comics. I broke in as an artist with a head full of ideas. But I studied creative writing intensely because I wanted to convey those ideas with clarity and eventually feel confident writing my own stories.
I can totally understand that. I've definitely done some viewing of things as actors. My main comic actually started as a screenplay. I had a number of actors read out the story to show me where some of my dialogue isn't landing.
Funny enough, I've been to a few sketch duels at Fan Expo and one of the writers/illustrators of a comic said that one of the best things you can do as a writer is to hand over the script and then just shut up. Because it's the illustrators' job now to do what they're going to do.
I've also listened to Stan Lee describe the Marvel method and... well it's hard to disagree with the master of comic storytelling.
Thanks Mr. Joe. Great article. You might have answered this already and I apologize if you did, but any more plans for more book collections of your artwork...with the non-Marvel stuff? Love the Marvel one by the way.
Thanks, J. There are no plans currently, but I have had offers to collect my non Marvel art. I just don't feel the timing is right. But 2024 feels like the year when more and more things will start to kick into gear on my end, and being a subscriber you'll get to hear most of the news first.
I know I asked about some One More Day content a while back and you kindly replied perhaps one day, so is this a response to that or 😁
Jokes aside, even though the story itself is not among my favorites for obvious reasons, and I hope I'm not offending you with this, I think you're really inspiring and a constant influence of mine with your thoughtful and art (any chance I can do a over the mail interview with you one time?), the artwork of those issues is really amazing, I think probably among your finest works, I feel like this with David Finch on Ultimatum as well.
Your daughter leaving for London must really be a special kind of sadness, which I can't yet fathom because I'm not a parent yet, but I'm sure you are super proud of her.
Gyorgy, it's a bitter sweet because it's an amazing opportunity for her.
And, I don't mind negative comments about my work as long as we can discuss it like adults, which I know we can because you posted it in a civil manner. Let's face it, no creator likes to hear, "You suck," which is unfortunately how much of the negative comments are dished out on most social platforms these days. Nothing constructive comes out of that.
This is why I love Substack so much. Everyone is here and reading because they want to be here. And if you disagree with something I say, or didn't like a story I worked on, etc., I'm more than happy to listen to that critique.
We're all not going to agree on everything, but I know we'll all respect each other's opinions. There's too much polarization in the world, and I simply don't want to be a part of it and I think more and more people are feeling that way.
Thank you for your comments, I appreciate you more than you know.
I wholeheartedly agree with everything. Things are cyclical even in comic books, one thing you will like, others you won't, and there is bunch of other stuff, there's everything for everyone.
Regarding my interview question, I set up my website a week ago and want to also do a blog section where I dive deep into influences, methods of creators, since I work as an artist in the field as well (well movies/tv shows, but also trying to improve and applied to comic stores to do store exclusive covers). Is that something I could perhaps persuade you to take a look at if I send over some questions?
Gyrogy, feel free to email them to me, but be patient, because I have a backlog of work and interview requests that I'm falling behind on as is. That said, I'd be happy to answer what you've got.
I will have the questions ready by the weekend sometime.
Can you please send me your address? (I sent you a LinkedIn connection request, if you'd prefer to send in a private message) or please let me know if there's any other way you'd prefer.
Until I started reading these column I never realized the work that went into drawing covers. Taking photos. But you do it well it may hurt your feeling your daughter is not excited about your job. I doubt you are the only father that deals with that. King of comics covers next to Jack Kirby and Gil Kane. More please.
Hey, Kevin, the thing is that every cover is different. Sometimes I use photo ref, sometimes I don't. As a professional, you use every tool at your disposal that will get you the final result.
Another wonderful and heart-warming Newsletter Joe. Great stories. I can’t imagine what it would be like having your daughter in London, she is nearer me. My daughter, Grace, is living in Islington with two school friends, one a Junior Doctor. So if she needs a friend I am sure Grace would connect. What is she doing in London? A daughter is wonderful thing. Mine did an English degree is a good artist but has wound up as a Project Manager for AECOM the Global Construction Company, she’s a good artist and talked about David Hockney at her interview! Not a conventional route, followed those ‘crooked roads’, William Blake mentions. All the best and thank you for answering my last message.
David, while I can't get into specifics just yet, she's in London to get some hands on production training. Movies and TV is where she currently wants to hang her hat. And I will pass along you message to her. If I'm totally honest (and I hope she doesn't read this comment), I hope she's so busy that she doesn't get much free time for a social life while she's out there. Also, she better not fall in love with some young Brit and decide to move their permanently.
I kid.
But not really.
Okay, maybe meet someone who's dreamed of living in the States. I'm good with that ;^)
I also have a daughter and now she's like a bird leaving the nest. I'm struggling with the strange feeling of protecting her and at the same time with the desire to see her fly high... :)
Memo to everyone: it’s condescending to the pup to say they’re good. They know they are it’s a very, very rare one that isn’t good. They’re bred by now to be better than us.
So, I check with Tom Brevoort who is not only one of the very best editors in the history of the comics biz, but also a historian, especially when it comes to Marvel. Here's what Tom had to say about the matter.
"Everett May have called Jack that at one point or another, but it was Stan who gave Kirby the “King” nickname in print where it stuck. Kirby never really liked it, though, because when he was starting out, one of his first employers was a man named Victor Fox who published a shoddy line of comics. He was apparently a character, who would walk through his bullpen of working artists declaring, “I’m the king of the comics!” The artists used to make fun of him with this phrase when his back was turned. So being called Jack “King” Kirby felt a bit to Kirby like being jabbed rather than honored."
That the scene between Everett and Kirby happened at *might* be possible.
I want to cite Steranko’s histories but on that I’m certain I’m wrong.
And leave Tom alone. He’s readjusting to his ungodly commute and juggling both the Avengers office and the X-office. You really need to subscribe to Tom’s Substack 😉
We all start to hate our old work. Sometimes it's because we've leveled up, sometimes it's because we could always be better. I tell this to people a lot -- "You're definitely not the only one who hates their own work!"
Hannah, to be clear, I don't hate my work (well, maybe some pieces), but when I do look back, I always see the places where I could have done better knowing what I know now.
Thank you.
Than, YOU, Bonnie!
Makes me want to go through my Spider-Man comics from the 60’s.
William, I say go with that feeling.
There are thousands and not just Marvel and DC but Dell, Tower, Charleston, Harvey, Atlas, and Tower. I’ve talked with my wife about going through them for years. Maybe the time has come. Thank you
Dear Joe,
I understand completely. I notice that huge amount of investment is going into the film & TV studios here, it’s a big growth areas. Afraid my network in that area is a little thin on the ground, Kirk Jones who directed Nanny McPhee is a friend but he has moved to Bristol. I taught two of his boys. Grace has a friend who is very mixed race called Jess (Irish, Japanese and West Indian background) who was in the recent batman film as a dancer in the Penguins night-club scene. I hope your daughter enjoys London, certainly Grace only moved up there a few months ago and loves all the music scene and fun. She has found a delightful boyfriend who I approve off. I quite understand you wanted her to return to the US, as I say to my parents at school, ‘having a child is is like having your heart running around outside your body.’ I wish her the very best of luck. Thank goodness for face-time so we can see they are ok. David
David,
‘having a child is is like having your heart running around outside your body.’ is perhaps the most succinct and accurate way or expressing those "leaving the nest" emotions (from a parent's side) I've ever heard.
I feel my allergies acting up, I need to find a tissue.
It's always interesting to hear where you get your reference points. As someone working with an artist as a writer, I enjoy seeing the way they interpret my words. I definitely feel like it might be even more interesting to hear more about that.
Andrew, I was fortunate enough to take Robert McKee's Story lecture twice.
One of the things that he stressed was that screenwriters should take acting classes, and actors should take a writing classes. This will give each an understanding, and respect for what the other does and why they make certain decisions.
Want to learn how to write dialog that flows naturally out of an actor's mouth, study acting. Want to know why your character is saying what they're saying and the subtext. underneath each line, study screenwriting.
I believe the same is true in comics. I broke in as an artist with a head full of ideas. But I studied creative writing intensely because I wanted to convey those ideas with clarity and eventually feel confident writing my own stories.
I can totally understand that. I've definitely done some viewing of things as actors. My main comic actually started as a screenplay. I had a number of actors read out the story to show me where some of my dialogue isn't landing.
Funny enough, I've been to a few sketch duels at Fan Expo and one of the writers/illustrators of a comic said that one of the best things you can do as a writer is to hand over the script and then just shut up. Because it's the illustrators' job now to do what they're going to do.
I've also listened to Stan Lee describe the Marvel method and... well it's hard to disagree with the master of comic storytelling.
Loving the Newsletter! Especially the behind the scene's stuff. No one is pointing out that Joe's calves look like Arnold Schwarzenegger's.
Scott,
As my trainer use to say, I don't have calfs, I have full grown cows.
It had nothing to do with working out, I think all of my muscle mass just settles around my ankles and up.
Thanks Mr. Joe. Great article. You might have answered this already and I apologize if you did, but any more plans for more book collections of your artwork...with the non-Marvel stuff? Love the Marvel one by the way.
Thanks, J. There are no plans currently, but I have had offers to collect my non Marvel art. I just don't feel the timing is right. But 2024 feels like the year when more and more things will start to kick into gear on my end, and being a subscriber you'll get to hear most of the news first.
Awesome. Thank you. 😊
Maya the Chug is too cute!
Hey, Jay.
She is, and out of all the emails I receive, the most requested thing is not more art, or tips or stories, but more photos of "Maya The Chug."
I know I asked about some One More Day content a while back and you kindly replied perhaps one day, so is this a response to that or 😁
Jokes aside, even though the story itself is not among my favorites for obvious reasons, and I hope I'm not offending you with this, I think you're really inspiring and a constant influence of mine with your thoughtful and art (any chance I can do a over the mail interview with you one time?), the artwork of those issues is really amazing, I think probably among your finest works, I feel like this with David Finch on Ultimatum as well.
Your daughter leaving for London must really be a special kind of sadness, which I can't yet fathom because I'm not a parent yet, but I'm sure you are super proud of her.
Thanks again for the great blog entry, Joe!
Gyorgy, it's a bitter sweet because it's an amazing opportunity for her.
And, I don't mind negative comments about my work as long as we can discuss it like adults, which I know we can because you posted it in a civil manner. Let's face it, no creator likes to hear, "You suck," which is unfortunately how much of the negative comments are dished out on most social platforms these days. Nothing constructive comes out of that.
This is why I love Substack so much. Everyone is here and reading because they want to be here. And if you disagree with something I say, or didn't like a story I worked on, etc., I'm more than happy to listen to that critique.
We're all not going to agree on everything, but I know we'll all respect each other's opinions. There's too much polarization in the world, and I simply don't want to be a part of it and I think more and more people are feeling that way.
Thank you for your comments, I appreciate you more than you know.
I wholeheartedly agree with everything. Things are cyclical even in comic books, one thing you will like, others you won't, and there is bunch of other stuff, there's everything for everyone.
Regarding my interview question, I set up my website a week ago and want to also do a blog section where I dive deep into influences, methods of creators, since I work as an artist in the field as well (well movies/tv shows, but also trying to improve and applied to comic stores to do store exclusive covers). Is that something I could perhaps persuade you to take a look at if I send over some questions?
Much appreciation!
Gyrogy, feel free to email them to me, but be patient, because I have a backlog of work and interview requests that I'm falling behind on as is. That said, I'd be happy to answer what you've got.
Awesome Joe, thank you, I truly appreciate this!
I will have the questions ready by the weekend sometime.
Can you please send me your address? (I sent you a LinkedIn connection request, if you'd prefer to send in a private message) or please let me know if there's any other way you'd prefer.
I've always loved the USM 160 cover and now I have even more reasons to do so. What an amazing piece.
Thanks, Nacho!
Until I started reading these column I never realized the work that went into drawing covers. Taking photos. But you do it well it may hurt your feeling your daughter is not excited about your job. I doubt you are the only father that deals with that. King of comics covers next to Jack Kirby and Gil Kane. More please.
Hey, Kevin, the thing is that every cover is different. Sometimes I use photo ref, sometimes I don't. As a professional, you use every tool at your disposal that will get you the final result.
Another wonderful and heart-warming Newsletter Joe. Great stories. I can’t imagine what it would be like having your daughter in London, she is nearer me. My daughter, Grace, is living in Islington with two school friends, one a Junior Doctor. So if she needs a friend I am sure Grace would connect. What is she doing in London? A daughter is wonderful thing. Mine did an English degree is a good artist but has wound up as a Project Manager for AECOM the Global Construction Company, she’s a good artist and talked about David Hockney at her interview! Not a conventional route, followed those ‘crooked roads’, William Blake mentions. All the best and thank you for answering my last message.
David, while I can't get into specifics just yet, she's in London to get some hands on production training. Movies and TV is where she currently wants to hang her hat. And I will pass along you message to her. If I'm totally honest (and I hope she doesn't read this comment), I hope she's so busy that she doesn't get much free time for a social life while she's out there. Also, she better not fall in love with some young Brit and decide to move their permanently.
I kid.
But not really.
Okay, maybe meet someone who's dreamed of living in the States. I'm good with that ;^)
I also have a daughter and now she's like a bird leaving the nest. I'm struggling with the strange feeling of protecting her and at the same time with the desire to see her fly high... :)
Memo to everyone: it’s condescending to the pup to say they’re good. They know they are it’s a very, very rare one that isn’t good. They’re bred by now to be better than us.
Manqueman, I still believe that, like us, they like to hear it.
I heard what I heard, but since they already know they’re, one sounds a little dopey tell them they’re good.
But yes, it makes you happy, of course tell them.
Historic factoid: Bill Everett was the first to call Kirby -- to his face, no less -- the King. Stan Lee resuscitated the name and it stuck.
Sweet! I had no idea.
Oops! Forgot to note it happened back in the 1940s. For the life of me, I can’t remember where I heard it.
So, I check with Tom Brevoort who is not only one of the very best editors in the history of the comics biz, but also a historian, especially when it comes to Marvel. Here's what Tom had to say about the matter.
"Everett May have called Jack that at one point or another, but it was Stan who gave Kirby the “King” nickname in print where it stuck. Kirby never really liked it, though, because when he was starting out, one of his first employers was a man named Victor Fox who published a shoddy line of comics. He was apparently a character, who would walk through his bullpen of working artists declaring, “I’m the king of the comics!” The artists used to make fun of him with this phrase when his back was turned. So being called Jack “King” Kirby felt a bit to Kirby like being jabbed rather than honored."
That the scene between Everett and Kirby happened at *might* be possible.
I want to cite Steranko’s histories but on that I’m certain I’m wrong.
And leave Tom alone. He’s readjusting to his ungodly commute and juggling both the Avengers office and the X-office. You really need to subscribe to Tom’s Substack 😉
We all start to hate our old work. Sometimes it's because we've leveled up, sometimes it's because we could always be better. I tell this to people a lot -- "You're definitely not the only one who hates their own work!"
Hannah, to be clear, I don't hate my work (well, maybe some pieces), but when I do look back, I always see the places where I could have done better knowing what I know now.
I am a bit hyperbolic, forgive me!
Nothing to apologize for, I know what you meant.
I mean, it's not I've ever been know to be hyperbolic :^)
On the One More Day cover (which is fantastic), what made you decide to have Peter's mask pulled up over his mouth/nose?
John, awesome question. So we could see his reaction.