Sometimes you get news that is downright shocking.  Prior to the internet, the ability to receive information on comic books was limited to a few publications and mail order fanzines.  Recently, I was shocked to discover the unfortunate turn of events that befell one of Marvel's top riders of the 1970's and 1980's.

In the early 1990's, former Marvel writer turned public defender Bill Mantlo suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him in a coma. He suffered major brain damage and is not expected to make a recovery. The reason I looked up Mantlo's name was I was really curious as to what happened to him. He was a major staple of Marvel's bullpen for years and then disappeared. (It turns out he entered law school and that is what was taking up his time)

Bill was a tremendous writer who scripted excellent runs on Spectacular Spider Man and The Incredible Hulk. I always looked forward to reading his work and he was a favorite writer of mine.

I'll write more about my thoughts on Bill's work later. For now, check out this excellent article on his work on the Hulk:

Mantlo and the Hulk