The Official Dave Cockrum Blog

March 13, 2014

For immediate release

Contact: 862-245-2273
Email: alphawolf@aardwolfpublishing.com

COMIC BOOK BABYLON EXPOSES THE REAL VILLAINS OF COMICS: THE PUBLISHERS

“A decade ago, Marvel settled with Cockrum over his X-Men characters. But nothing has changed.”

Ten years ago today author Clifford Meth brought in an unprecedented settlement for Dave Cockrum regarding characters Cockrum created for Marvel Entertainment’s X-Men franchise. But the author says nothing has changed for other individuals suffering from poor deals or poorly defined deals with the entertainment giants. Meth’s new book Comic Book Babylon ($26.95, Aardwolf Publishing) recalls his battle with Marvel as Cockrum lay in a hospital bed, as well as the struggles of other comics creators.

“Behind the scenes of their imaginative creations, writers and artists fight a never-ending battle for truth, justice, and an equitable share of the profits denied to them by their publishers,” Meth explains. “Although we’d hoped to set a precedent, what artist Neal Adams did for the creators of Superman in the 1980s, and what Neal and I brought back for the Cockrums in 2004, were anomalies.”

Comic Book Babylon chronicles the struggles of comic book creators of the past fighting against Marvel and DC Comics for royalties and, just as importantly, recognition. In the midst of this often life-and-death struggle for aging artists, Meth separates the heroes from the villains and uncovers the dirty realities behind the comics’ industry. Against the backdrop of this struggle, Meth presents the pantheon of modern comic book creators from an insider’s point of view.

Stan Lee, who provides what many may feel is an out-of-place introduction for such a book, also appears in an extended interview where Meth gets at the creative mind behind the iconic billionaire face of Marvel Comics. Meth also presents in-depth interviews with such industry gurus as Alan Moore (Watchmen, V For Vendetta), Frank Miller (Sin City, 300), and science-fiction icon Harlan Ellison, who the book is dedicated to.

“ Meth’s Comic Book Babylon purports to reveal the seedy underbelly of the comics industry but that's only part of the story—there are also heroes,” writes Comics Bulletin. “Readers might come for the scandal, but they’ll stay for the people. ”

Comic Book Babylon is beautifully illustrated by Michael Netzer. Funded by a successful Kickstarter, it is available now at selected comics shops and through the publisher’s website www.aardwolfpublishing.com

Aardwolf Publishing
179-9 Rt .46 West
Rockaway, NJ 07866

Contact: 862-245-2273
Email: alphawolf@aardwolfpublishing.com
website: aardwolfpublishing.com

Colan maintained high spirits despite dire circumstances.

If you've followed my blog, you know how I felt about my pals Dave Cockrum & Gene Colan. What you probably don't know is what went on behind the scenes of their struggles with Marvel. Perhaps you read between the lines. Maybe you missed the episodes entirely and content collecting their comics and art. Fair enough.

Cockrum was cheated but never complained.

But if you're interested in their real stories--and some of the other sordid happenstances in the world of four-color funnies--you might want to check out this video.

Aardwolf Publishing has launched it's first Kickstarter project around my book ComicBook Babylon. With an introduction by Stan Lee and art by Michael Netzer, it's little wonder why the project funded in less than two days. But the Kickstarter is just the beginning. The book will be the real event. Come meet the real Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Joe Kubert, Walter Simonson, Bob Layton, Herb Trimpe and many other key creators of the comic book universe. Come read Harlan Ellison answer tough questions for tough Jews. Have a look at what I consider my most exciting project in more than a decade. Click here to take that journey.