I have a couple of e-mails asking me if I'm affected by the California wildfires. They're nowhere near me, if that's what you're asking. 90% of Los Angeles would have to have burned to the ground before the flames got anywhere near where I live…but yes, I'm affected. I'm affected any time people are losing their lives and/or homes…from mass shootings, hurricanes, fires, anything. I'm concerned for friends and even for strangers. That's how I'm affected.
Last Monday night in New York, there was a tribute/memorial evening for Stan Lee at the New Amsterdam Theater — the Broadway house where Disney's Aladdin plays on other nights. According to reports, there were a few speeches by folks who knew and worked with Stan and several from actors who play Marvel characters in recent TV shows and movies. It was all recorded for a special which will be broadcast on ABC at some yet-to-be-announced time. The audience was in large part, a gathering/reunion of Marvel staffers and freelancers from the last few decades.
I just got someone to take down a tirade posted on Facebook. It was anger over the celebration of Stan Lee without a corresponding celebration of Jack Kirby and as an example of the snub, they said that I, Jack's one-time assistant, was not invited to the event. That's not true. I was invited. I just chose not to spend the time 'n' dough to fly to New York for the one evening. (Most of those who did, I assume had another reason: To attend the New York Comic Con which was held in the days just before the Stan event. Given my unpleasant experience at that con two years ago, I didn't want to go to that.)
But, please…relax, Kirby fans. Jack's getting more recognition than he ever has and I'm as certain as I can be of anything that there will only be more and more ahead. We can argue that Stan sometimes gets feted for the work of others but many things he inarguably did are still cause for celebration and remembrance. And time will add more perspective to what he didn't do.
This morning was the Returning Registration online scramble for Comic-Con International 2020. A certain number of badges were available for past attendees and that certain number sold out in 59 minutes. On some as-yet-unannounced date, they will have Open Registration when anyone with a Member I.D. can try to get the badges that will be made available at that time. I will try to post that date when it's revealed but if you want to try for badges then, don't count on me. Sign up for the e-mail alerts and keep an eye on the Comic-Con website. Many who want badges will not be able to get them and there's nothing you, I or anyone can do about that.