Gene Colan Update, Marvel Steps Up & Man Struck by Lightning in Rockaway

Not only has Marvel Entertainment awarded Gene Colan a generous retirement bonus, but also plans are underway for an impressive tribute book for early 2009. While the project has not been officially approved, it appears that I will soon be editing THE INVINCIBLE GENE COLAN for Marvel. I'll share more details as they emerge.

On the home front, Gene is feeling better but is certainly not out of the woods. Medical tests are inconclusive and a biopsy is forthcoming while my friend is functioning on only 10% of his liver. Nevertheless, he reported a healthy appetite yesterday and got out to enjoy the weather now that the heatwave has blown by. Gene attributes his "improving health" to the love and devotion fans and peers have shown him these last six weeks. What a guy!

In an unrelated story, a minister from Pequannock, NJ, was reportedly struck by lightning yesterday in my town and lived to tell the story. "The lightning burned a hole in my hat, entered through my head, exited through my left ankle, and blew off my sneaker," the 47-year-old Rev. told reporters. My son Jesse and I heard the report on 1010 WINS this morning. "I don't believe it," said Jesse. "You think the radio's full of crap?" I asked. "No," said Jesse, "but I don't believe that man." Now that I think about it, I'm not sure it's fair dinkum either. Hard to imagine a man my age who can't tie his sneakers well enough to keep them on, rain or shine.

Don't forget to order Meth, Colan & Other Theologians: Click here for details.

You can still get The Gene Colan Treasury signed/numbered by Gene - only a few remain - click here.

Finally, if you're looking for some great Silver Age comics at reasonable prices, click here

Gene Colan: Medical Update

The news has been encouraging in the Colan home with the addition of a new doctor.

Adrienne Colan, Gene's wife, shares her recent letter to Dr. Nancy Bach at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York:

I'm generally so focused on and attending to what is wrong with Gene that it just occured to me I can share one thing positive for sure with you tonight: There is no question since under your care that Gene has made a 1000% return to better stamina than I've seen on him for a very, very long time. Even a year ago, he was falling asleep in the middle of conversations, in the middle of dinner, even if it was at a restaurant. We didn't know what was wrong. This week, it is so evident that he is awake and alert and even back to drawing his beloved comic books (he's currently drawing Captain America). So tonight, Dr. Bach, you are the superhero. I can't thank you enough for your remarkable devotion to trying the best you can to restore quality to Gene's life.

Gene Colan Benefit Auction Continues

My friend, the artist Dave Gutierrez, has stepped in to help with the Gene Colan Benefit Auction. Nearly 40 new items have been posted to Ebay. Please have a look by clicking here.

And don't forget to order Gene's new book: Click here for details.

You can still get The Gene Colan Treasury signed/numbered by Gene - only a few remain - click here.

Finally, if you're looking for some great Silver Age comics at reasonable prices, click here.

Marv Wolfman On Meth

Marv Wolfman--who dreamed up the character Blade and gave us decades of terrific comics scripting--offers some wonderful memories of Gene Colan in his introduction to Meth, Colan & Other Theologians (the reincarnation of Perverts, Pedophiles & Other Theologians that Aardwolf Publishing will be reissuing in September). Marv even has a few nice words about the author:

[Meth's] writing is dark, relentless and always in your face. It doesn’t make for easy reading, but it is highly emotional and makes you pay attention, which is the best thing a writer can do… You might even turn away from some of his twistier concepts, but I don’t think Clifford expects otherwise. He writes from a place others won’t walk [and] forces you into some queasy speculations that make everything you just read even creepier. Clifford’s strength is that he makes your imagination work overtime, again one of the best things a writer can
do.

You can order the signed/numbered limited edition NOW; send $20 plus $3 shipping via PayPal to: sales@aardwolfpublishing.com

BEA Wrap-up

Just back from the BookExpo... Had a grand meeting with my producer and his exec, a jolly time with the IDW folks, and bought Harlan a birthday present ("For Chrisakes Clifford, I specifically told you not to buy me anything! I have six of everything!" "I got you an Alexander Dumos bookmark." "Okay. I didn't have that.") Other highlights included running into Cheech Marin and Slash (from Guns 'N Roses), lunch at Jeff's Gourmet Sausage on Pico Blvd. (yes, it's kosher, you silly, silly people), then spending my last hour before heading back to LAX at the Santa Monica pier where an overage hippie accosted me with anti-Israel propaganda. All in a week's work.

And there's an interview with me at Westfield comics.

And the Gene Colan Benefit Auction continues with new items.

Gene Colan Benefit Auction Begins

Check back regularly -- this post is frequently updated with new items and increasing bids... And bidding may close at any time on any item. Last update: June 14 - 11:30 pm

Most items were donated by the writer or artist - sold items are deleted once paid for
------

Now on Ebay:

top two items were just added:

Tomb of Dracula page by Gene (just added!)

V for Vendetta page from David Lloyd!

SNAKED original art from Rufus Dayglo

Metal Gear Solid art

Cliff Robinson - color art from Judge Dread (sold)

Walter Simonson Iron Man and Thor (sold)

Iron Man cover (sold - but not paid for!!! still awaiting pmnt)

2000 A.D. Original Art (sold)

Justice League original art (sold)

Superman art by Ernie Chan (sold)

Sandman Sketch by Dave Gutierrez (sold)

You can also bid on the following items by sending your bid directly to: Cliffmeth@aol.com - note that you will also pay shipping:

1. The Puppet, The Professior and the Prophet (third book in the ABADAZAD series from J. M. DeMatteis and Mike Ploog) - beautiful hardcover signed by DeMatteis (only released in the U.K.) - CURRENT BID: sold
3. The Pro comic - signed by Garth Ennis - CURRENT BID: sold
4. The Boys #16, 17 and 18 (3 comics) - signed by Garth Ennis - CURRENT BID: sold
7. Dan Dare #1 - signed by Garth Ennis - CURRENT BID: sold
8. Wormwood tbp - signed by Garth Ennis - CURRENT BID: $20.00
9. The Uncanny Dave Cockrum hardcover (signed/numbered $40 value) - CURRENT BID: another one just added
18. BAMF! The Art of Dave Cockrum - signed by editor Clifford Meth - CURRENT BID: $10.00
19. Hawkman #0 signed by Wm. Messner-Loebs - CURRENT BID: no bids yet
20. god's 15 minutes - hardcover - signed by Clifford Meth - CURRENT BID: another one just added
21. Balm in Gilead - signed/lettered hardcover (signed by Clifford Meth and Joe Kubert; $50 value) - CURRENT BID: $25.00
23. Of Bitter Souls - tpb - signed by Norm Breyfogle - CURRENT BID: sold
24. Norm Breyfogle Art Portfolio (B&W) - signed by Norm Breyfogle - CURRENT BID: sold
24-a. Three-item package, all signed by Norm Breyfogle: Neophyte, Danger's Dozen and Danger's Dozen poster - CURRENT BID: sold
25. Two-item package, both signed by Bill Gavlin: The Scrapyard Detectives & Daredevil original sketch - CURRENT BID: $20.00
28. Hulk: World War Hulk tpb - signed by Greg Pak - CURRENT BID: sold
29. Hulk: Planet Hulk tpb - signed by Greg Pak - CURRENT BID: $25.00
31. Daredevil limited-edition bust (yellow costume) from Bowen Designs - CURRENT BID: $100.00
34. Avengers: The Ultimate Guide (coffee-table size hardcover)- signed by Tom DeFalco - CURRENT BID: $15.00
38. Manuscript to the novel Emissaries From the Dead-- This will be personalized by author Adam-Troy Castro and sent to the winning bidder - CURRENT BID: just added
45. FLARE #29 (Heroic Publishing) signed and donated by Frank Brunner - CURRENT BID: no bids yet
49. From NY ComicCon, an Ultimate Experience package for the 2009 event. The Ultimate Experience package includes 2 passes to the con as well 2 Ultimate Experience passes. These passes will allow you to meet one of the Guests of Honor at the 2009 event during a private reception with 50 other VIP guests. The reception typically lasts one hour and allows you to have items signed by the guest. Since the 2009 Guest of Honors have not been announced, additional details are TBD at this time, but 2008 Guests of Honor included Grant Morrison, Neil Gaiman, Mike Mignola and Bryan Hitch. The package is worth about $300. - (one sold, one still left) CURRENT BID: no bids yet

53. World War Hulk: X-Men - graphic novel signed by writer Christos Gage - CURRENT BID: just added
54. Wildstorm Armageddon - graphic novel signed by writer Christos Gage - CURRENT BID: no bids yet
55. StormWatch (Post Human Division) Book Two - graphic novel and The Man With No Name (comic) #1 - both signed by writer Christos Gage - CURRENT BID: just added
57. Bloodstained 02 by Christopher Golden and James A. Moore, hardcover, U.S. Signed/Ltd Edition (value $175+) donated by Christopher Golden - CURRENT BID: $90.00
58. Amazing Spiderman #230 signed by John Romita Jr. and Amazing Spiderman (Free Comic Book Day issue) signed by Dan Slot and Phil Jimenez - CURRENT BID: sold
59. DC Universe #0 signed by Grant Morrison and Marvel Knights Spiderman #1 signed by Terry Dodson - CURRENT BID: just added
60. Marvel Adventures: Spiderman #29 signed by Peter David and Chris Giarroso, and Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness signed by Art Suydam and John Layman - CURRENT BID: just added
61. Spider-Man Chapter One #2 - Dynamic Forces Exclusive Alternate Cover #12077 and Spiderman House of M #1 (of 5) WizardWorld / ComicCon Exclusive cover - CURRENT BID: just added
62. Marvel Knights: Wolverine #20 signed by John Romita Jr. - CURRENT BID: just added
63. A lot of twenty-five (25) comics from the personal collection of Dave Cockrum... includes two X-Men comics. All books sealed "Dave Cockrum Estate" (minimum bid is $25) - CURRENT BID: just added
64. Transformers Animated (IDW Publishing) - Vol I and Vol. II - both signed by animators Marty Isenberg, Irineo Maramba, Derrick Wyatt, and Matt Youngberg - CURRENT BID: just added

66. The New Fantastic Four - hardcover - signed by Dwayne McDuffie - CURRENT BID: just added
67. Fantastic Four: The Beginning of the End - graphic novel - signed by Dwayne McDuffie - CURRENT BID: just added
68. Animation Magazine - signed by animators Michael Cornacchia, Shawn Harrison, Rob Hoegee, Yuri Lowenthal, Andy Milder, James Tucker, Kari Wahlgren - CURRENT BID: just added
69. Cory Doctorow's Futuristic Tales (IDW Publishing) hardcover -signed by Cory Doctorow - CURRENT BID: just added

70. Four different Marvel cards - signed by Stan Lee, Don Heck, Mike Ploog, and Dave Cockrum, respectively (from Clifford Meth's boyhood collection) - CURRENT BID: just added

71. X-Men Essentials (Dave Cockrum's personal copy; signed by Dave on a pasted-in sticker... cover pulled away from binding... also marked "Dave Cockrum Estate") - CURRENT BID: just added - CURRENT BID: just added

72. Legends of the Dark Crystal - signed by author Barbara Randall Kesel - CURRENT BID: just added

73. Alan Moore's Another Suburban Romance - hardcover - CURRENT BID: just added

74. A collection of TwoMorrows publications, including Alter Ego #65 (Nick Cardy issue), Comic Book Artist #13 (Gene Colan cover and special), #14 (Wally Wood special), #11, #12 (Charlton special), #7 (Paul Gulacy cover), #10 (Severin/Fradon/Robbins), and #9 (another Charlton special) - CURRENT BID: just added

75. Death: The High Cost of Living #1 (signed by Neil Gaiman and Chris Bachalo) - CURRENT BID: just added

76. Complete set of Watchmen comics (all 12 original issues) - CURRENT BID: just added

77. Set of Clifford Meth books (all signed): Crib Death & Other Bedtime Stories, This Bastard Planet, Crawling from the Wreckage, Wearing the Horns - CURRENT BID: just added

78. Andru & Esposito: Partners for Life - hardcover - signed/numbered edition (#211/300) signed by Mike Esposito and co-author Daniel Best - CURRENT BID: just added

79. Batman sketch by Norm Breyfogle (pictured) - CURRENT BID: sold

80. Batman art by Dick Giordano (pictured) - CURRENT BID: sold

And don't forget to order Gene's new book: Click here for details.

Also: You can still get The Gene Colan Treasury signed/numbered by Gene - only a few remain - click here.

A Note from Adrienne Colan...

To Gene's fans and colleagues:

I'm on my fourth attempt to find the words to express my gratitude to you. Our gratitude. Our current challenges are dwarfed by your generousity, love and respect for Gene. It means even more to be coming from men and women of great accomplishment in their own right. You've all enriched our life throughout Gene's six decades in Comics. Thank you all dear friends.

Adrienne for Gene

Gene Colan Benefit Auction: Update

The date for the Gene Colan Benefit Auction has not yet been set but it appears that only relatively expensive items (original art) will be part of the "big" auction at ComicLink.com; other items (e.g., signed comics and books from folks like Garth Ennis and many others) will be part of a blind auction via this blog.

I plan to start posting items, with minimum bids, this weekend. If you see an item that you want, email me the bid and the highest bids will be listed at the end of each day. Winning bids will be posted and winners will be notified.

Bids will not include shipping costs.

Pictured: A sensational, unused cover pencilled by Gene Colan and inked by Neal Adams that Neal has generously donated to the auction (above)... And a piece that Walter Simonson created specifically for this auction (below). Click on them!

Let's All Help Gene Colan

Note: This post from Sunday, May 11, will continually be updated with new information. Last update was May 22 at5:00 p.m.

You can help right this minute: Order Meth, Colan & Other Theologians -- the full proceeds will go directly and immediately to Gene. For details, click here.

In addition, numerous artists and writers will be contributing drawings and/or signed books to help Gene and Adrienne Colan with their mounting medical costs. Items will be auctioned by ComicLink.com

This list will be updated regularly. So far, it includes (in alpha-order):

Neal Adams, Daniel Best, Doug Braithwaite, Norm Breyfogle, Randy Bowen, Ed Brubaker, Adam-Troy Castro, Ernie Chan, Paty Cockrum, Peter David, Rufus Dayglo, Tom DeFalco, J.M. deMatteis, Tony Dezuniga, Pat DiNizio, Harlan Ellison, Garth Ennis, Mark Evanier, Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith, Joe Kubert, Erik Larsen, Bob Layton, Jae Lee, Jim Lee, Stan Lee, David Lloyd, Tim Mandrake, Leah Moore, Albert Moy, Michael Netzer, Josh Olsen, James A. Owen, Tom Palmer, Greg Pak, Mike Pascale, Richard & Wendy Pini, Jim Salicrup, Bob Shreck, Dave Simons, Gail Simone, Walter and Louise Simonson, Joe Sinnott, J. David Spurlock, Jim Starlin, Roy Thomas, Juan Torres, Andrew Wildman, Marv Wolfman and Ash Wood.

Aardwolf Publishing, Harris Publishing, IDW Publishing, Marvel Comics, NY ComicCon, PaperCutz and Vanguard Productions have also stepped up.

And please keep spreading the word!

Make Mine Marvel

I am delighted beyond delighted to announce that Marvel Entertainment has made clear its intentions to help Gene and Adrienne Colan.

In a warm conversation this morning, executives at Marvel offered Adrienne and I some of the many things that they plan to do for the Colans to provide immediate and long-term relief. I will provide the details soon.

For now, I thank all of you for your encouragement and assistance in this matter. Please continue to support the auction and book sale.

Meth, Colan & Other Theologians

Aardwolf Publishing will be publishing Meth, Colan & Other Theologians, the proceeds of which will go directly and immediately to Gene and Adrienne Colan. The new book will include everything that was in Perverts, Pedophiles & Other Theologians (the short-fiction collection Gene and I did together for Aardwolf in 1997) plus two never-before-published stories (one-co-written with Gene). Foreword by Mark Evanier (as well as the original introduction by the late Steve Gerber). This will be a limited edition (aprox. 100 pages) of only 500 copies, all signed and numbered. You can order it NOW by using PayPal to send $20 plus $3 shipping to: sales@aardwolfpublishing.com

Gene Colan's Love-In

The emails don't stop... the phone calls... but more importantly, the generous contributions of art and other items for the soon-to-be-announced auction to aid Gene Colan.

Just this morning (and it's only 9:30) I received art pledges from Jim Starlin, Michael Netzer, Juan Torres, and Walt Simonson who writes, "I see a Beta Bill Ray vs. Iron Man in my future!" For the full list of contributors, click here.

I'm sure Marvel will join us soon in helping one of the pioneers who built their empire.

Pictured: Iron Man #1 by Gene Colan

Publishers Aid Gene Colan

Aardwolf Publishing, IDW Publishing and Harris Publishing have stepped up to help Gene Colan and his family in his hour of need. So has New York ComicCon and Bowen Designs. Many are wondering out loud what Marvel will do for the man who did so much for Marvel. This from author Tom Spurgeon:

I think what's particularly worth noting is that Marvel has been asked for help. Colan played a key role in creating and developing the two properties that happened to launch both phases of Marvel's major movie-making history: Blade, in his Tomb of Dracula run, and his work on those Iron Man comics. There's no reason on earth why that company shouldn't spare what will probably amount to a single cash payout during a single quarter to a single board member to someone that paved the way for that success. I hope they come through.

Artists, Writers, Celebs... Want to Help Gene Colan?

We're getting lots of email saying, "How can I help?" If you're a writer or artist or TV/film professional, please contact me at cliffmeth@aol.com -- Or just mail a drawing or signed book or whatever it is you're contributing to:

COLAN c/o Clifford Meth
179-9 Rt. 46 West
Box 252
Rockaway, NJ 07866

Items will be auctioned off at ComicLink.com (details, dates, etc. TBA)

Community Galvanizing for Gene Colan

It's a love fest... And Marvel will join us soon, I'm sure... In the mean time, Joe Kubert, Norm Breyfogle and Leah Moore have joined the team of contributors to an auction that will benefit the Colans. And we'll have a Fender signed by the Smithereens (courtesy of Pat DiNizio). And my friends at ComicLink.com will run the event.

Gene Colan: Call For Action

Spoke with Gene this evening. He was exhausted but very optimistic. Good for Gene! But his wife Adrienne has no illusions. She writes, "My darling, sweet, handsome and brilliantly gifted husband's liver is failing. The complications are very nasty. This week it's fluid retention and encephalitis. He's on powerful meds now to diminish the symptoms. He sleeps a lot and has very little energy."

I've contacted a number of writers and artists this evening asking for a few signed items to auction on the Colans' behalf. Stan Lee, Neil Gaiman, Mark Evanier and Peter David immediately pledged their support. Many more will join the list over the next few days. Not sure which outlet will be used to auction these items yet, but we'll get to that soon enough. For now, if you're a pro reading this blog, please contact me and pledge a few signed books or a drawing. If the rest of you would spread the news to your own blogs, that would be enormously helpful, too. Let's get this ball rolling and give Gene and Adrienne a quick boost.

Gene Colan Needs Our Help

I'm saddened to announce that Gene Colan has liver failure. While Gene's wife Adrienne shared this with me some weeks ago, and asked me to keep it private, I received a note from someone else regarding this matter several hours ago, then saw it posted at someone else's blog. So the news is out and it will spread fast... And with that, there's no reason not to announce some efforts to help the Colans immediately as they have zero pharmaceutical coverage and are paying crippling prices for meds.

Two weeks ago, Gene approached Marvel with a plea for help. We've all been waiting to see if that help is forthcoming. In the mean time, I know of no organized efforts to help the Colans so let me start with this: Purchases of any of my books or comics will be earmarked for Gene's benefit. I will also seek help from my peers and inform all of you regarding those efforts and how you can help.

Free Meth

As a promotion to re-invigorate its mailing list, Aardwolf Publishing will be giving away free signed copies of some of its books and comics. Jim Reeber, Aardwolf’s chief bottle washer, says the freebies will include STRANGE KADDISH (signed by Harlan Ellison), THE FUTURIANS #0 (signed by Dave Cockrum), and PERVERTS, PEDOPHILES & OTHER THEOLOGIANS (signed by Gene Colan and myself). “Prizes will be awarded randomly,” said Reeber.

To be eligible, just email aardwolfpublishing@gmail.com with the words GIMME FREE STUFF in the subject line; include your name and mailing address in the body of the email.

Dave Cockrum says, "Shazam!"

Dave Cockrum was thoroughly obsessed with Fawcett's Captain Marvel. In fact, when I commissioned a drawing from him nearly two decades ago and asked specifically for Gene Colan's design of the green-and-white costumed Marvel Comics Captain Marvel, Dave couldn't help himself: He returned a drawing with a word balloon coming out of Mar-vel's mouth that said, "I still liked it better when he said SHAZAM!"

Many of the comics from Dave's personal Captain Marvel collection (including WHIZ Comics, Captain Marvel Adventures, and Captain Marvel Jr.) are now for sale. Click here to see them.

Stan Lee & Gene Colan Remember Steve Gerber

Following Steve Gerber's passing, Stan Lee and Gene Colan each dropped me notes this evening asking that I share them:

“As a writer, Steve was a true professional,” said Stan, “but even more than that—he was a total individualist. He refused to do anything that was just the same old stuff. Whatever he did was touched by originality and flavored by irreverence, as witness his most famed creation, the totally unique and brilliant icon—Howard the Duck. Steve's passing is a great loss to the entire creative community.”

“Steve was my favorite writer,” said Gene Colan. “Working with him on Howard the Duck was the most fun I’ve ever had professionally in all the years prior and since.” Gene and Adrienne remembered getting ready to do the syndicated HTD strip and waiting for Steve’s scripts. “They were really late,” Adrienne recalls. “Months and months of waiting until finally a huge manilla envelope arrived at our home in New Jersey. ‘Ah! Finally!’ we said. Nope. Inside was a 20-page letter from Steve to Gene explaining all the reasons why they needed to put their best foot forward on this job! Aargh! We roared! But that was Steve.”