You worked your way up the ranks the good old fashioned way, Mr. Gafford, moving through Marvel, DC, Hanna-Barbera, Disney and Topps, ultimately forming the influential, fanzine organization, Blue Plaque Publications.
As an editor and colorist, you knew just what to trim and just what to inject to make a tale catch the eye.
Whether it was Scooby-Doo; Warlord; the Flash; Amethyst; Godzilla; Aquaman; the Flintstones; Batgirl; Yogi Bear; "Talespin"; Starman; Chip 'n Dale; the Frankenstein Monster; Captain Kirk; Captain Carrot; Dracula; "Duck Tales"; Mr. Spock; Ladybug; Captain Marvel (Shazam!); Aladdin; Tarzan; Teen Titans; or any number of the Super Friends in general, you gave them all your special touch. And in turn, you touched a generation of admirers, who'll never forget (and be forever grateful for) your vast and colorful contributions.
He will be missed ! Carl was an early mentor to a then 15 year old lad who just wanted to revel in the newly discovered world of fanzines and ama-comics. He helped me to navigate and understand the underground world of comics and sci-fi fandom. He printed my first zine on his purple ink ditto machine and penciled my first ever comic strip script. What a nice fella of whom I have nothing but fond memories !
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a personal and heartfelt account, Steve. I've only ever heard nice things about Carl. It appears he's helped quite a few burgeoning artists along the way: one of the true-blue good guys.
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