The first of two episodes recorded at the Baltimore Comic-Con — which is the last Eating the Fantastic episode of 2022 — was a bit like stepping into a time machine for me. That’s because guest Al Milgrom was the artist for my ’70s run on Captain Marvel, and therefore the co-creator of Dr. Minn-Erva, portrayed by Gemma Chan in the Captain Marvel movie. But Al’s so much more than Captain Marvel.

He edited The Incredible Hulk, drew The Avengers, and both wrote and drew Spectacular Spider-Man. During his early days in comics, he lived in the same Queens apartment building as Howard Chaykin, Walter Simonson, and Bernie Wrightson. His career at Marvel lasted far longer than mine, for he was the inker of X-Factor for eight years (1989–1997) and edited Marvel Fanfare for its full 10-year run (1982–1992). But his impact wasn’t limited to Marvel, as over at DC, he co-created Firestorm with previous guest of the podcast Gerry Conway. He also worked at nearly every existing comics company during his career, including Archie, Dark Horse, Image, Star Reach, Warren, and more.

We discussed our time working together on ’70s Captain Marvel, how he responded when Gerry Conway asked him to provide cover sketches for Jack Kirby, his memories of meeting Jim Starlin in middle school (and what Joe Orlando said about the duo when they brought their portfolios up to DC Comics), what he learned working as a backgrounder for the legendary Murphy Anderson, the day Marie Severin and Roy Thomas sent him on a wild motorcycle ride to track down Rich Buckler, how the artists on Marvel’s softball team always played better than the writers, why (and how) he works best under pressure, how he became a triple threat writer/artist/editor, the conflicting advice Joe Orlando gave him about his DC Comics covers, what not to talk about with Steve Ditko, how Jim Shooter got him to edit at Marvel, and much more.

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Here’s the meal we shared at Little Italy’s La Tavola —

Bread and Olive Oil

Frito Misto
flash fried calamari, eggplant, zucchini and shrimp
with grilled polenta and marinara sauce

Scott’s Vitello alla Norcina
veal scallopini sautéed with kalamata olives
in a pomodoro sauce with a touch of freshly made pesto
and served with farm fresh vegetables

Al’s Pollo alla Parmigiana
chicken breast, thinly sliced eggplant and melted mozzarella
in a light pomodoro sauce with farm fresh vegetables

Cannoli

And here’s something equally as tasty — some of Al’s early fanzine work which we discuss during the episode.

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Coming up next to start off 2023 — Ron Marz, perhaps best known for his writing of the characters Silver Surfer and Green Lantern, but also for his work on the Marvel vs. DC mega-crossover and Batman/Aliens.

Tthanks for listening!