Layton, Bob

Bob Layton (born 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. 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.)"

After leaving high school, Layton began "playing comics dealer ... selling them out of his apartment in Indianapolis," 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 fanzine called ''CPL'' (''Contemporary Pictorial Literature'') out of Layton's apartment.

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."

''CPL'' rapidly became a popular fan publication, and led to the two forming an alliance with Charlton Comics to produce and publish "the now-famous '' Charlton Bullseye'' magazine." During the mid-1970s, both Marvel and DC were publishing in-house "fan" publications (''F.O.O.M.'' and ''The Amazing World of DC Comics'' respectively), and Charlton wished to make inroads into the superhero market, as well as "establish a fan presence", leading to the alliance with CPL to produce the ''Charlton Bullseye''. This led to Charlton giving Layton and Stern "access to unpublished material from their vaults by the likes of Steve Ditko, Jeff Jones and a host of others." This association with Charlton (and Bill Pearson, production manager) in turn led to Layton becoming acquainted with the legendary Wally Wood, with whom he apprenticed. This apprenticeship led to work for Charlton on anthology titles, but not working from the Charlton offices, Marvel Comics and DC Comics, while still publishing fanzines.

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).

Part of Layton's role as Wally Wood's apprentice included him occasionally delivering artwork to "NYC from Connecticut." Layton recalls that:

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'."

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. 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). 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; Stark's personal pilot and confidant James Rhodes, who later became the superhero War Machine; and rival industrialist Justin Hammer, 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 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''. In September 1982, he launched one of Marvel's first limited series, writing and drawing the four-issue '' Hercules: Prince of Power''. Its success spawned a four-issue sequel in 1984 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.

In February 1986, Layton revived the original X-Men characters in the series ''X-Factor'', 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) 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.

Valiant Comics

Bob Layton was one of the chief architects of the Valiant Universe, along with Jim Shooter, Barry Windsor-Smith, Steven J. Massarsky, and Jon Hartz. He co-created a number of the core characters including X-O Manowar, and later became Editor-in-Chief and Senior Vice President, during which time he controlled the company during its most profitable period.

His first Valiant work appeared in ''Magnus, Robot Fighter'' #1 (May 1991), in which he inked Art Nichols' artwork from Jim Shooter's script. He would continue with ''Magnus'' for five issues and produce covers to issue #9, while inking the inaugural issues of ''Solar, Man of the Atom'', which he edited. In February 1992, he co-created with Shooter and Steve Englehart and penciled the first issue of ''X-O Manowar'', after which he handed over the core art duties to Sal Velluto, but provided inks for #2. The following month he drew the cover to David Michelinie's ''Rai''

In August 1992, he co-wrote, edited and inked ''Archer & Armstrong'' #1, edited and provided pencilwork on ''Eternal Warrior'' #1, and inked Barry Windsor-Smith on ''Unity'' #0. Starting in November 1992, he co-edited with Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson the ''Predator/Magnus, Robot Fighter'' two-issue crossover, and in December was again inking and editing a Michelinie-written comic book series: ''H.A.R.D. Corps''. Layton edited '' Turok, Dinosaur Hunter'', ''Deathmate'' and ''Secret Weapons'' before writing the first of thirteen issues of ''The Second Life of Doctor Mirage''. He was editing a vast array of titles during this time, for which he won the Editor of the Year award in 1993, as voted by the readers of the comics magazine, ''Wizard''.

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 Acclaim Entertainment for $65,000,000.00 USD, a deal in which Layton played an instrumental part. His story concepts and design work on ''Turok, Dinosaur Hunter'' was utilized to great effect by Acclaim when the video game became the largest selling title in Acclaim's history, with over 1.5 million units sold. He continued to work editorially, largely for the new Acclaim imprint Armada Comics, for which he edited a number of ''Magic: The Gathering'' comics during 1995-96. He edited Bob Hall's four-issue ''Armed & Dangerous'' (April–July 1996), and returned to ''X-O Manowar'' for which he wrote the final three issues.

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.

Return to DC and Marvel

In 1998, he returned to DC, re-teaming briefly with penciler Sal Velluto on a story in September 1998's ''The New Gods Secret Files and Origins'', before collabotaring with his fellow Floridian and artistic friend/mentor Dick Giordano on several projects. The two-issue prestige format Elseworlds tale ''Batman: Dark Knight of the Round Table'' was co-drawn and co-inked by the both of them, from a script by Layton and debuted a month after their six-issue mini-series '' The L.A.W. (Living Assault Weapons)'', which ran from September 1999 to February 2000, with script and inks by Layton, and full pencils by Giordano. The two wrote a second Batman Elseworlds tale, ''Batman: Hollywood Knight'' a three-issue mini-series which told the story of a Serials-actor who became convinced he was The Batman. It was written by Layton with pencils and inks by Giordano.

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 Diamond Comics Distribution in an attempt to maximize sales while maintaining their independent approach. Ultimately, after three titles the third was ''Deathmask'', and seventeen total issues, the company was not making enough money to survive, and it folded, with one announced title — ''Peacekeeper'' — unpublished.

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:

Layton has been quoted as saying that he "miss stelling stories," and to that end has showcased unpublished issues of Future Comics properties on his website, where he presented his serialized comic" ''Colony'', with art by Giordano, and which "is a project that ayton hasbeen developing for ver10 years and is currently making the rounds in Hollywood." Other potential film deals for the Future Comics characters are reportedly semi-ongoing.

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

External links

*
*
"DC Profiles #23: Bob Layton"
at the Grand Comics Database
Bob Layton
at Mike's Amazing World of Comics

at the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators

{{DEFAULTSORT:Layton, Bob
1953 births
20th-century American artists
21st-century American artists
American comics artists
American comics writers
Artists from Indianapolis
Comic book editors
Comic book publishers (people)
Comics inkers
DC Comics people
Living people
Marvel Comics people