Preparing Mantlo: A Life in Comics

The family and friends of Bill Mantlo are working on a tribute to the former comic writer/lawyer, titled Mantlo: A Life in Comics.

Mantlo, whose credits include The Incredible Hulk, Spectacular Spider-Man, Alpha Flight, Cloak & Dagger, Rom and Micronauts, was struck by a hit-and-run driver in 1992. He suffered a closed-head traumatic brain injury from which he has never recovered.

Per the press release, Mantlo: A Life in Comics will provide an in-depth look at Bill’s career. Featuring commentary and interviews from many of Bill’s collaborators and contemporaries, such as Keith Giffen, Ed Hannigan, Tony Isabella, Al Milgrom, George Perez, Roger Stern, Herb Trimpe and Marv Wolfman, the book will also feature a previously unpublished prose story, Something Like Courage, written by Bill in 1990.

Mantlo: A Life in Comics is planned as a 64-page, 8.5 x 11 release with color and black & white throughout. It is being produced and edited by David Yurkovich in cooperation with Bill’s family. All proceeds will go to Bill's guardian, who can then direct any, or all, funds to specific needs that will benefit Bill. Artists and editors who’ve worked with Bill are encouraged to contact the editor at david@sleepinggiantcomics.com. Release date and other specifics will be forthcoming.

Tony Isabella consistently writes about Mantlo each year to remind people of his condition. You can read one of his columns about Bill here.