Gene Colan: The best of times, the worst of times

Did Gene Colan live happily ever after? He's certainly had a rough year—even rougher than the rest of America. But he’s had no illusions. Gene understands that it's hard work and perseverance alone that define a man’s destiny.

Gene, who turned 84 last week, spent the first half of 2010 in a hospital bed recovering from a broken shoulder and many thought he’d never draw again. But that’s like betting against the Yankees. Down the in 9th, two outs, nobody on, and Gene has proven once again that if anyone has the right to wear the spandex of Captain Comeback.

Gene spent today with fellow artist Rudy Nebres (pictured above) at ComicArt Con in Secaucus greeting fans, talking comics, answering questions, and reminiscing about Adrienne, his wife of 48 years, who passed away in June of congestive heart failure. His message was the same one he imparted ten years ago when the doctors informed him that he'd remain blind in one eye, and years before that when Jim Shooter chased him away from Marvel for a short spell: You take the chin music, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep going. And he has. His current commission work is as sharp today as anything he’s ever created, and his last book, Captain America #601, took this year’s Eisner Award for best single issue.

Pay attention. There's a lesson in this for all of us.