STEVE DITKO IN THE 1960s

STEVE DITKO IN THE 1960s: IN HIS OWN WORDS, IN HIS INTERVIEWS, IN THE WORDS OF THE FANS WHO KNEW HIM is a treasure chest of over one hundred Steve Ditko gems from the 1960s, the majority of which have never been reprinted and which have not seen the light of day for over fifty years. The result of over twenty years of research, this book is jam-packed with Steve Ditko art, interviews, letters - and, perhaps best of all, reviews, analyses, tributes, homages, and critiques by that first generation of Ditko fans who bought brand-new Ditko comic books fresh off the newsstands in the 1960s and who could not wait to write and share their thoughts and insights about their favorite artist. These early Ditko fans who grew up reading his comic books during their formative years express a love and an enthusiasm for the artist that remains unmatched to this day. The exact contents of this book include the first five interviews that Steve Ditko ever granted, and each is reprinted in its entirety. Bernie Bubnis, the first person to ever interview the artist, recounts his many visits to Steve Ditko's studio from 1962 to 1964 and his successful attempts to persuade the artist to attend the 1964 New York Comicon. Also included are eleven substantial letters Steve Ditko wrote in the 1960s: three to future artist Ken Landgraf that are filled with advice about art, and eight letters the artist wrote to various 1960s publications. In addition, seventeen pieces of rarely-seen and little-known Steve Ditko art are reprinted here, many for the first time anywhere, that originally appeared in such obscure, impossible-to-find publications as THE COMIC READER, YANCY STREET JOURNAL, AURORA, THE CRIMESTOPPER MONTHLY, and several early convention programs. Finally, this book presents insights about Steve Ditko in letters from those who worked with him and knew him the best: Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, Gary Friedrich, and Flo Steinberg. Be prepared to be amazed as you read about Steve Ditko in the 1960s: in his own words, in his interviews, and in the words of the fans who knew him!