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.)