The Day After (Jack Kirby left Marvel Comics)

If you've obtained one of the early copies of the book, you've seen that 1941 photo of Marvel Comics founder/owner Martin Goodman holding a color proof for the cover to Captain America Comics #11. (Click on the image to your left to enlarge.)

It's a fascinating photo for a number of reasons. First, it's one of the earliest photos of Martin Goodman that has ever been published. (It's only surpassed in age by the two 1940 New Year's Eve photos we also have in the book.) One of my favorite parts of our book is that we were able to track down seemingly every photo ever published containing Martin Goodman's visage. Each photo that popped up when Michael found another Martin Goodman magazine was a revelation.

There are actually more photos of Goodman in the 1950s, when he began his line of movie magazines, and started hobnobbing with Hollywood stars. My personal favorite in the book is the shot of him and Charlton Heston. Why? Because Heston played Moses in The Ten Commandments, and one of the facts that we uncovered for the book is that Goodman's birth name was also Moses. In fact, Goodman's parents seem to pillage the Bible when landing on names for their kids.

The second most interesting aspect of this photo is when it was taken. Joe Simon and Jack

Video Read-Through of the Book

Did your comic-book store get copies of the book yesterday? Some did, and some of you are waiting until Amazon.com ships on November 16.

But if you want a quick video read-through of the book, check out the book's YouTube page. You can also see a ten-part video series on the making of the book, plus more exclusive video content, such as "The Martin Goodman Exhibit" and footage of the New York City Book Release Event on October 12, 2013.

There's a number of avenues where you can grab a sneak peek of the book:
1) 23-page .pdf excerpt, including the introduction and first chapter.

2) Flickr Photo Album, with numerous still shots of the book.

3) "Secret History of Marvel Comics" Facebook Page, with exclusive content.

4) Fantagraphics Home Page for the book. 

Talkin' with Al Jaffee in NYC

Artist Al Jaffee began drawing for comics as far back as 1941, long before his legendary contributions to Mad Magazine, which included his signature Mad Fold-In back covers, and Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions.

He began working for Stan Lee at Marvel Comics (then known as Timely Comics) on the funny animal strips, like Ziggy Pig and Silly Seal, and finished his run there in the mid 1950s as the long-running artist on the Patsy Walker book. (Click on the image to your left to enlarge it.)

We were thrilled to have him join us for the book's release event last Saturday, and it was even more fascinating, at the dinner beforehand, to listen to him regale us with stories about his earliest days in comics.

Here's eight minutes of Al talking about: Will Eisner, Marvel/Timely Comics, Chad Grothkopf, Stan Lee, Syd Shores, bigfoot cartooning, Bonnie & Clyde, Mike Sekowsky and Steve Ditko needing Photoshop...

Walkin' with Al Jaffee in NYC

We were be joined by famed artists Al Jaffee and Stan Goldberg at our New York City event last Saturday. Both Jaffee and Goldberg worked in Marvel Comics owner Martin Goodman's other publications. They joined us on stage to discuss their memories of working for Goodman during the halcyon days of Marvel Comics in the 1940s and 50s.

Jaffee started with Marvel on strips like "Ziggy Pig and Silly Seal" (click on the image to your left) - indeed, quite a few funny animal books - in the 1940s. He finished his time there in the 1950s on humor and teen books, like Patsy Walker, before becoming a staple at Mad Magazine.

We were very blessed to have both gentlemen with us. The whole day was a blast, just walkin' the streets of New York City with Al Jaffee...

Video of "The Martin Goodman Exhibit"

Thanks to everyone who came out last Saturday to the book's release event in New York City at the Society of Illustrators. It was great to see industry stalwarts like as Paul Levitz (going strong after transitioning from D.C. Comics head honcho), Jon B. Cooke (editor of Comic Book Creator), and Cory Sedlmeier (thrilled by the news of his involvement in Marvel's Miracleman reprints and new material by Neil Gaiman).

We were also blessed to have Nancy Shores Karlebach with us. Her father is the late Syd Shores, featured so prominently in the book. He was the Captain America artist during WWII, and ran the last, true Marvel Bullpen in the late 1940s.

We'll talk more tomorrow about our other featured guests (Mr. Al Jaffee and Stan Goldberg) but, for now, we want to share with you one of the unique aspects of the event that we're sorry you missed. It's "The Martin Goodman Exhibit" and features many of the publications in the book. Michael narrates in the video through the 1930s to the 1950s, showing off various pulps, magazines, bed sheets, digests and so many more formats, all from his collection. Covers feature such prominent pop culture figures such as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Gleason and, of course, Stan Lee, but see for yourself...

Limited number of advance copies available for sale

Thanks to all those that came out to the "Secret History Of Marvel Comics" event last night in NYC. Our guests Al Jaffee and Stan Goldberg were most appreciative of the reception they received. (We'll have a lot more on the event in the coming days.)

We have some advanced copies of the book left over from the event (still weeks before it hits stores) and are making them available on a first-come, first-serve basis. We'll sign them for you, and include one of the signed, tipped-in plates (featuring Stan Lee's visage from 1947) from last night's event too. (Only 100 made.)

Two ways you can get them: if you're coming to the NYC Con today, we'll have some on us, (will be there around 1pm; email ditko37@rogers.com to confirm your copy). Otherwise, we'll mail them out to you this week. Cost is $40 per book. If we ship them, please add another $5.

Same goes for the not-released-until-November "Impossible Tales: The Steve Ditko Archives vol. 4". And the special offer from last night's event is also available: 50% off (the $40 cover price - i.e., $20) of Blake's earlier books:

• Steve Ditko Archives vol. 2
• Steve Ditko Archives vol. 3
• Strange & Stranger: The World of Steve Ditko
• Fire & Water: Bill Everett
• Amazing Mysteries: The Bill Everett Archives vol. 1

There's also ONE copy of the out-of-print "Strange Suspense: The Steve Ditko Archives vol. 1" available and it is $50. (Also, if you purchase the Ditko Archives, you'll get a signed, tipped-in plate.)

Signing Book Plates for Tonight's NYC Event

Join us - authors Blake Bell and Dr. Michael J. Vassallo - for the official book release event in New York City on the night of Saturday, October 12 at 7pm, hosted by the Society Of Illustrators - 128 E 63rd St., between Park and Lexington Ave. You can purchase tickets online at THIS LINK on the Society of Illustrators website

We'll be joined by artists Al Jaffee and Stan Goldberg to discuss their memories of working for Martin Goodman during the halcyon days of Marvel Comics in the 1940s and 50s! You can purchase one of a limited number of the book, weeks before it hits stores. Come and see the unveiling of the "Martin Goodman Exhibit!" Get a first hand look at all those Martin Goodman publications, from the 1930s to the 1950s, up close and personal! The cost of admission also gives you access to an exclusive signing session and catered reception afterwards (with cash bar).


Attendees will receive a signed, limited edition, tipped-in plate for the book. Here's pics of Blake and Michael putting their signatures to the plates...

Proud Parents!

Packing up "The Martin Goodman Exhibit" for NYC Event tonight

One of the unique aspects that should have you running to attend the Official Book Release Event in New York City (tonight at 7pm, hosted by the Society Of Illustrators, at 128 E 63rd St., Park & Lexington Ave) is the debut of "The Martin Goodman Exhibit".

Yes, it's a massive selection of various Martin Goodman publications from 1933 to the 1950s and putting them on display for you to gawk at. Here begins the packing up of the materials...

Yes, it's that wide and that deep. And hey, there's Stan Lee smoking a pipe in 1947 on the cover of "Writer's Digest". And there's Marilyn Monroe kissing Joe DiMaggio on the cover of "Sensation" (Jan '55). Join us tonight for more than just getting a first crack at the book (weeks before it hits stores) and listening to famed artists Al Jaffee and Stan Goldberg discuss their memories of working for Martin Goodman during the halcyon days of Marvel Comics in the 1940s and 50s!

New York Post "Hot Picks" for Book Release Event

Our Official Book Release Event in New York City was the lead "Hot Pick" in the New York Post newspaper. Check out the snapshot below on page 37 that will make Syd Shores famous! (Click on the image to enlarge.)

The piece has new quotes from one of our honored guests, famed artist Al Jaffee. Al and artist Stan Goldberg will join us to discuss their memories of working for Martin Goodman during the halcyon days of Marvel Comics in the 1940s and 50s! (The event takes place on Saturday, October 12 at 7pm, hosted by the Society Of Illustrators at 128 E 63rd St, between Park and Lexington Ave.)

Video Outtakes in "The Making Of..." Series on YouTube

"Nothing good happens after 2 A.M." - Ted Evelyn Moseby

Here's the last video on the book's new YouTube channel featuring the authors, Blake Bell and Dr. Michael J. Vassallo, discussing the secrets behind "The Secret History Of Marvel Comics". It all leads up to the Official Book Release Event in New York City on the night of Saturday, October 12 at 7pm, hosted by the Society Of Illustrators (at 128 E 63rd St).

In Part 10 of 10, you get to watch both men die a thousand deaths on camera as they struggle to string two sentences together back in early August while filming this video series late into the evening and early morning. At least Blake is wearing a cool t-shirt and they're surrounded by Michael's MarvelMan-Cave materials to protect them.

Book Release Event featured in Friday's New York Post

Our Official Book Release Event in New York City has made the New York Post newspaper. (The event is on the night of Saturday, October 12 at 7pm, hosted by the Society Of Illustrators (at 128 E 63rd St).

The story is in print version on Friday, in the "Pulse" section of the paper (look for the Hot Picks section and you’ll find it there...with color artwork too!), and online here (half way down, under the header, "Marvelous"), with new quotes from one of our honored guests, famed artist Al Jaffee.

Al and artist Stan Goldberg will join us to discuss their memories of working for Martin Goodman during the halcyon days of Marvel Comics in the 1940s and 50s!

9th Video in "The Making Of..." Series on YouTube

2nd last video on the book's new YouTube channel featuring the authors, Blake Bell and Dr. Michael J. Vassallo, discussing the secrets behind "The Secret History Of Marvel Comics". It all leads up to the Official Book Release Event in New York City on the night of Saturday, October 12 at 7pm, hosted by the Society Of Illustrators (at 128 E 63rd St., between Park & Lexington Ave).

In Part 9, they discuss their favorite memories of putting the book together, and acknowledge each others' unique contributions. (And look who just laid their hands on a copy of the book for the first time today! Michael wins that race, but Blake will grab the podium on Friday when he arrives in New York City!)

8th Video in "The Making Of..." Series on YouTube

Over the next week, a new video will be posted every day on the book's new YouTube channel featuring the authors, Blake Bell and Dr. Michael J. Vassallo, discussing the secrets behind "The Secret History Of Marvel Comics". It all leads up to the Official Book Release Event in New York City on the night of Saturday, October 12 at 7pm, hosted by the Society Of Illustrators (at 128 E 63rd St., between Park & Lexington Ave).

In Part 8, they discuss the bare-knuckle, drop 'em fist fights while arguing over what was going to go into the book, and how they had to strangle the page count down to 304 pages.

7th Video in "The Making Of..." Series on YouTube

Over the next week, a new video will be posted every day on the book's new YouTube channel featuring the authors, Blake Bell and Dr. Michael J. Vassallo, discussing the secrets behind "The Secret History Of Marvel Comics". It all leads up to the Official Book Release Event in New York City on the night of Saturday, October 12 at 7pm, hosted by the Society Of Illustrators (at 128 E 63rd St., between Park & Lexington Ave).

In Part 7, they discuss the surprises found when uncovering the artists who moonlighted for Martin Goodman's other publishing endeavours; strange and fascinating material by Marvel legends, Jack Kirby, Alex Schomburg, and Bill Everett.

6th Video in "The Making Of..." Series on YouTube

Over the next week, a new video will be posted every day on the book's new YouTube channel featuring the authors, Blake Bell and Dr. Michael J. Vassallo, discussing the secrets behind "The Secret History Of Marvel Comics". It all leads up to the Official Book Release Event in New York City on the night of Saturday, October 12 at 7pm, hosted by the Society Of Illustrators (at 128 E 63rd St., between Park & Lexington Ave).

In Part 6, they discuss the 72-hour "Scanning Marathon" Weekend that brought to light a million more surprises...and how they figured out how to cram as much as they could into 304 pages.

5th Video in "The Making Of..." Series on YouTube

Over the next week, a new video will be posted every day on the book's new YouTube channel featuring the authors, Blake Bell and Dr. Michael J. Vassallo, discussing the secrets behind "The Secret History Of Marvel Comics". It all leads up to the Official Book Release Event in New York City on the night of Saturday, October 12 at 7pm, hosted by the Society Of Illustrators (at 128 E 63rd St., between Park & Lexington Ave).

In Part 5, they discuss the multitude of the moonlighting artists who worked for Marvel Comics in its earliest days, and in owner Martin Goodman's other publishing endeavors, like his pulps and magazines.

4th Video in "The Making Of..." Series on YouTube

Over the next week, a new video will be posted every day in the book's new YouTube channel featuring the authors, Blake Bell and Dr. Michael J. Vassallo, discussing the secrets behind "The Secret History Of Marvel Comics". It all leads up to the Official Book Release Event in New York City on the night of Saturday, October 12 at 7pm, hosted by the Society Of Illustrators (at 128 E 63rd St., between Park & Lexington Ave).

In Part 4 of 10, they discuss some of the specifics about owner Martin Goodman's business practices - e.g., shell companies and flooding the market - that began in the businesses that preceded the birth of Marvel Comics.

3rd Video in "The Making Of..." Series on YouTube

Over the next week, a new video will be posted every day in the book's new YouTube channel featuring the authors, Blake Bell and Dr. Michael J. Vassallo, discussing the secrets behind "The Secret History Of Marvel Comics". It all leads up to the Official Book Release Event in New York City on the night of Saturday, October 12 at 7pm, hosted by the Society Of Illustrators (at 128 E 63rd St., between Park & Lexington Ave)

In Part 3 of 10, they speak about researching the book, separating fact from fiction, so that you have the most accurate history of the origins of Marvel Comics to date. Myth-blowing!

2nd Video for "The Making Of..." Series on YouTube

Over the next week, a new video will be posted every day in the book's new YouTube channel featuring the authors, Blake Bell and Dr. Michael J. Vassallo, discussing the secrets behind "The Secret History Of Marvel Comics". It all leads up to the Official Book Release Event in New York City on the night of Saturday, October 12 at 7pm, hosted by the Society Of Illustrators (at 128 E 63rd St., between Park & Lexington Ave)

In Part 2 of 10, they break down how the book is structured, and what each of its three sections has to offer. (Did they mention that it was "lavish?")

10-Part "Making Of" Video Series on YouTube

Want the real secrets behind "The Secret History Of Marvel Comics"? Check out the book's new YouTube Channel, because today sees the debut of a 10-Part "Making Of" video series. For the next nine days, a new video will be posted featuring authors Blake Bell and Dr. Michael J. Vassallo discussing the secrets behind "The Secret History Of Marvel Comics". (Day 9 includes Part 10 - the Gag Reel!)

Part 1 sees Blake and Michael reminiscing on how the concept of the book came to be. Come back tomorrow when they break down the different sections in the book.