Bob Layton
Bob Layton | |
---|---|
Born | 1953 (age 70–71) |
Nationality | American |
Area(s) | Writer, Penciller, Inker, Editor |
Notable works | Iron Man, Hercules |
Awards | Inkwell Awards Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame (2020) |
http://www.boblayton.com |
Bob Layton (born September 25, 1953) is an American comic book artist, writer, and editor. He is best known for his work on Marvel Comics titles such as Iron Man and Hercules, and for co-founding Valiant Comics with Jim Shooter.
Early life
Bob Layton was born on September 25, 1953.[1] He learned to read comics from the age of four, explaining that his "older sister Sue became bored with reading the same comic to me about fifty times. (It was a Showcase featuring the Challengers of the Unknown.)"[2]
After leaving high school, Layton began "playing comics dealer ... selling them out of his apartment in Indianapolis,"[3] through which he met Roger Stern in 1973, while the latter was working for a radio station in Indianapolis.
Career
CPL
Layton and Stern began publishing a
Stern recalls that, "CPL started out as Bob's sale catalog. Bob was drawing the covers and including little reviews written by some of his customers. By issue #5, it turned into a small 'zine with a catalog insert, and I started writing short articles for it. I eventually became an editor of sorts."[3]
CPL rapidly became a popular fan publication, and led to the two forming an alliance with
Marvel Comics and DC Comics
Layton's first, albeit uncredited, work for Marvel Comics was inking a single page in the Marvel UK title The Avengers and the Savage Sword of Conan #135 (April 17, 1976).[6]
Part of Layton's role as Wally Wood's apprentice included him occasionally delivering artwork to "NYC from Connecticut." Layton recalls that:
One day, I was in the Marvel offices ... handing in Woody's pages to the production dept. So, I used the opportunity to show my samples around while I had 'my foot in the door'. When I passed the art director's office, I heard John Romita on the phone, frantically trying to find someone to ink a desperately late issue of Iron Man [by George Tuska]. Like an idiot, I stuck my head in his doorway and said I could get the job done in the four or five days that was left on the schedule. It was an utter fabrication ... but I really wanted to work for Marvel Comics! Johnny gave me the pages and said, 'Show me what you can do, kiddo.'[4]
Layton's reaction was one of panic, and his search for help to meet the deadline led him to Dick Giordano and Neal Adams' Continuity Associates where his "fledgling contemporaries," the Crusty Bunkers ("Terry Austin, Bob Wiacek, Joe Rubinstein, Bob McLeod, Joe Brozowski, Carl Potts and a host of others") were able to lend a hand and help him finish the book.
A month later, Layton received a package containing "an entire issue of pencils on the Champions", and discovered that he was "the new regular inker on the book." He worked for Marvel "for about a year, then signed an exclusive one-year contract with DC — after they made me 'an offer I couldn't refuse'."[2][4]
Layton began work for DC Comics in early 1977, taking up regular inking duties on All Star Comics, as well as inking multiple issues of Secret Society of Super Villains, DC Super Stars, and DC Special, among others.[7] In Nov./Dec. 1977, he inked the first issue of David Michelinie's Star Hunters, and after a number of other shorter inking jobs, moved back to Marvel in 1978, to ultimately take up one of his best remembered roles.
In 1978, Layton reunited with Michelinie, to co-write Iron Man. The two would become regular creative partners, and began their collaboration on Iron Man with #116 (November 1978).[8] Micheline and Layton established Tony Stark's alcoholism with the story "Demon in a Bottle", and introduced several supporting characters, including Stark's bodyguard girlfriend Bethany Cabe;[9] Stark's personal pilot and confidant James Rhodes, who later became the superhero War Machine;[10] and rival industrialist Justin Hammer,[11] who was revealed to be the employer of numerous high-tech armed enemies Iron Man fought over the years. The duo introduced the concept of Stark's specialized armors[12] The two collaborated on the title until #154 and then returned for a second run from #215 (Feb. 1987) to #250 (Dec 1989).
Layton continued to ink and work on covers for titles such as The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Power Man and Iron Fist, and Micronauts.[7] In September 1982, he launched one of Marvel's first limited series, writing and drawing the four-issue Hercules: Prince of Power.[13] Its success spawned a four-issue sequel in 1984[14] and a 1988 graphic novel (#37 in the "Marvel Graphic Novel" series) - Full Circle. Around this time, he designed the highly successful Marvel Secret Wars toy line for Mattel, which formed the impetus behind the 1984 Secret Wars event. Layton was one of the inkers on The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #18 (1984) which featured the wedding of Spider-Man supporting characters J. Jonah Jameson and Marla Madison in a story written by Stan Lee.[15]
In February 1986, Layton revived the original X-Men characters in the series X-Factor,[16] which he wrote and Jackson Guice drew. Layton wrote the first five issues before handing over the series to Louise Simonson. Michelinie and Layton became the creative team on Iron Man once again in issue #215 (Feb. 1987) They crafted the "Armor Wars" storyline which ran from #225 (Dec. 1987)[17] through #231 (June 1988). After Michelinie and Layton finished their second Iron Man run with issue #250, Layton returned to the title briefly to write and draw #254 and write #256 before leaving Marvel. A year later, he returned to the comics industry to ink Jim Shooter's Magnus, Robot Fighter #1, from Valiant Comics.[7]
Valiant Comics
Bob Layton was one of the chief architects of the
His first Valiant work appeared in Magnus, Robot Fighter #1 (May 1991), in which he inked
In August 1992, he co-wrote, edited and inked
His workload decreased greatly towards the end of 1994, in large part due to the sale of Valiant (Voyager Communications, Inc.) to video game giant
After a several-year association with Valiant/Acclaim, Layton moved to Florida for a short retirement. Although he found time to write the first eleven (of twelve) issues of Acclaim's Doctor Tomorrow between 1997 and 1998, inking a couple of issues, notably #6 which was drawn by Dick Giordano, who resided in Florida as well and was something of a mentor to Layton.[18]
Return to DC and Marvel
In 1998, he returned to DC, re-teaming briefly with penciler
Between Elseworlds, Layton worked with Marvel Comics on an Iron Man reunion, which saw him produce the four-part limited series Iron Man: Bad Blood with his long-term collaborator David Michelinie. The series ran from September to December 2000, with art by Layton and, as previously, the plot was a joint effort, and the final script by Michelinie. Layton then stayed at Marvel for a short time, teaming with Dan Jurgens as inker on Captain America (#38-50), as well as inking a short run on The Avengers (#44-47). He inked the Dan Jurgens-drawn The Power Company: Manhunter and part of Just Imagine Stan Lee ... Secret Files and Origins for DC in March 2002.
2000s
In December 2000, Layton launched Future Comics, with Dick Giordano, Allen Berrebbi, and David Michelinie. Layton acted as editor-in-chief, Berrebbi was CFO and director of marketing, Michelinie was head writer, Giordano was art director, and Skip Farrell was the publisher. Between 2000 and 2002, they prepared to revolutionize the direct market system by bypassing distributors and selling direct to customers and shops through the Internet.
In August 2002, Freemind #0 was released. Edited and inked by Layton, written by Layton and Michelinie, and with pencils by Giordano, it was followed by another title, Metallix, before the company bowed to pressure and signed with distributor
Layton's work continues to be collected in multiple trade paperback collections. In 2006, he produced a number of variant covers to issues of Superverse Comics' Zoom Suit, written by John Taddeo, and in 2007 his work was featured in issues of Marvel's encyclopedic All-New Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z: Update. Layton worked for Marvel as a freelance artist and writer on several projects including the miniseries Iron Man: Legacy of Doom and Iron Man: The End.
He continues to enjoy doing commission work, writing:
How often do you, as an artist, get an opportunity to revisit a drawing and correct your mistakes? It's also a lot less work that doing a monthly, 22-page comic. And occasionally, the fans come up with some great concepts fore [sic] me to execute.[2]
Layton has been quoted as saying that he "miss[es] telling stories," and to that end has showcased unpublished issues of Future Comics properties on his website, where he presented his serialized comic" Colony,[20] with art by Giordano, and which "is a project that [Layton has] been developing for [over] 10 years and is currently making the rounds in Hollywood."[2] Other potential film deals for the Future Comics characters are reportedly semi-ongoing.[21]
Selected bibliography
Comics work includes:
DC Comics
- Adventure Comics #458 (1978)
- All Star Comics #66-72 (1977–1978)
- Batman Family #18-20 (Huntress) (1978)
- Batman: Dark Knight of the Round Table #1-2 (1998–1999)
- Batman: Hollywood Knight #1-3 (2001)
- Claw the Unconquered #9, 12 (1976–1978)
- DC Special #28-29 (1977)
- DC Super Stars #14, 16-18 (1977–1978)
- Hercules Unbound #9-10 (1977)
- House of Mystery #259, 287 (1978–1980)
- Just Imagine Stan Lee ... Secret Files and Origins #1 (2002)
- L.A.W. (Living Assault Weapons) #1-6 (1999–2000)
- Legends of the DC Universe 80-Page Giant #2 (2000)
- New Gods Secret Files #1 (1998)
- Power Company Manhunter #1 (2002)
- Secret Society of Super Villains #6-8 (1977)
- Star Hunters #1-5 (1977–1978)
- Superboy #222, 233 (1976–1977)
- The Superman Family #182 (1977)
- The Unexpected #191 (1979)
- World's Finest Comics #251 (Green Arrow) (1978)
Marvel Comics
- The Amazing Spider-Man #240, 262, 277, 282-283, Annual #18 (1983–1986)
- The Avengers vol. 3 #44-47 (2001)
- Avengers Annual #16 (1987)
- Captain America vol. 3 #38-48, 50 (2001–2002)
- Champions #9, 11-13 (1976–1977)
- Ghost Rider #31 (1978)
- Hercules #1-4 (1982)
- Hercules vol. 2 #1-4 (1984)
- Hercules, Prince of Power: Full Circle graphic novel (1988)
- Heroes for Hope Starring the X-Men #1 (1985)
- Hulk vs. Hercules: When Titans Collide #1 (2008)
- The Incredible Hulk #230, Annual #7 (1978)
- Iron Man #91 (1976); #116-128, 130-135, 137-153 (1978–1981); #215-244, 246-250, 254, 256, Annual #9 (1987–1990)
- Iron Man vol. 3 #25 (2000)
- Iron Man: Bad Blood #1-4 (2000)
- Iron Man: Legacy of Doom #1-4 (2008)
- John Carter, Warlord of Mars #17 (1978)
- Marvel Comics Presents #11, 39-41 (1989–1990)
- Marvel Premiere #47-48 (Ant Man) (1979)
- Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #4-5 (1984)
- Marvel Tales #197 (Hercules backup story) (1987)
- Marvel Treasury Edition #28 (Superman and Spider-Man) (1981)
- The Order #4 (2002)
- Rom#59, 72 (1984–1985)
- Shadows & Light #3 (1998)
- Solo Avengers #4, 7, 11 (1988)
- The Spectacular Spider-Man #130 (1987)
- Star Wars #78 (1983)
- The Thing#23 (1985)
- Thor #292, 356, Annual #14 (1980–1989)
- Web of Spider-Man #6, 28 (1985–1987)
- What If ... ? #33 (Iron Man) (1982)
- X-Factor #1-5, Annual #1 (1986)
- X-Men #105 (1977)
References
- ^ VIAF: "Layton, Bob"
- ^ a b c d Meth, Clifford (2008). "Bob Layton: Man & Iron Man". Comics Bulletin. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008. Retrieved March 31, 2008.
- ^ a b Cooke, Jon B. (March 2001). "Rog-2001: Sterno Speaks! Writer Roger Stern on the CPL/Gang-Charlton Connection". Comic Book Artist. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing. Archived from the original on March 9, 2012. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g Vasseur, Richard (May 30, 2006). "Bob Layton Legendary Comic Book Writer and Artist". Jazma Online. Archived from the original on April 8, 2008. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
- All-Star Comics#66 (May/June 1977).
- ^ "Baby's First Steps: Bob Layton's First Published Work for Marvel". Back Issue! (106). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 14–18. August 2018.
Iron Man #91 is the first US comic you inked. It's dated October 1976. All of your British art predates that.
- ^ a b c Bob Layton at the Grand Comics Database
- ISBN 978-0756641238.)
{{cite book}}
:|first2=
has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link - ^ Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 187: "In December [1978], co-plotters David Michelinie and Bob Layton, and penciler John Romita Jr. ... came up with Bethany Cabe, a highly capable professional bodyguard and a different sort of leading lady."
- ^ Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 188: "Writer David Michelinie and artists John Byrne and Bob Layton introduced James Rhodes Tony Stark's best friend and future super hero War Machine in The Invincible Iron Man #118."
- ^ Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 189: "Tony Stark's billionaire nemesis Justin Hammer made his first appearance in The Invincible Iron Man #120 by writer David Michelinie and artist John Romita Jr. and Bob Layton."
- ^ DeFalco, Tom "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 202: "In The Invincible Iron Man #152, Iron Man unveiled his all-black stealth armor."
- ^ DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 208: "Written and drawn by Bob Layton, Hercules, Prince of Power was a four-issue limited series set in the twenty-fourth century."
- ^ DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 216: "The first Hercules: Prince of Power limited series (1982) sold so well that writer/artist Bob Layton was commissioned to do another."
- ISBN 978-0756692360.)
[Stan] Lee's script was unmistakable and meshed well with drawings by [Ron] Frenz and finishes by artists Bob Layton and Jackson Guice. The occasion for Stan's return was the wedding of J. Jonah Jameson to Doctor Marla Madison.
{{cite book}}
:|first2=
has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link - ^ DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 227: "Like many older fans, writer/artist Bob Layton longed for the good old days. He missed the original five X-Men and wanted to do a book that featured Cyclops, Angel, Beast, Iceman, and Marvel Girl."
- ^ DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 233: "Although actually called 'Stark Wars', the story arc that became known as 'Armor Wars began in this issue and ran until June 1988."
- ^ ISBN 978-1893905276.
- ISBN 978-0-7566-6742-9.)
{{cite book}}
:|first2=
has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link - ISBN 978-1613775219.
- ^ Layton, Bob (n.d.). "The Days of Future Past". BobLayton.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved March 30, 2008.
External links
- Official website
- Bob Layton at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)
- "DC Profiles #23: Bob Layton" at the Grand Comics Database
- Bob Layton at Mike's Amazing World of Comics
- Bob Layton at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators