Thank you

My two fan boys, Richard Minsky and Richard C. Levy, both born
January 7, 1947 ... my lucky day.

Hildy Mesnik, my dear friend and the editor who guided this book
throughout its development.

Jenette Kahn, president of DC Comics, who gave me my first big break.

Tom DeFalco, editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, who gave me my second,
third, fourth, and fifth breaks.

Dick Giordano and Paul Levitz who taught me how to plot.

Stan Goldberg, Dan DeCarlo, Jane Gennaro, Bert Stern, Pat Gorman,
George Braziller, and Inez Geller for inspiring me.

Karen Berger, Joe Orlando, Bobby Chase, Sid Jacobson, Parry Teasdale,
editors who helped make me look good.

Nancy Hoag, who got me started teaching teens to do graphic novels at
the Claverack Library in upstate NY.

All the librarians who hired me to teach. Special thanks to Carol Roberts
from the Troy Library, Elizabeth Powhida from Valatie Library, Sally
Alderdice and Thea Schoep from the Claverack Library, and Becky Klein
from the Chatham Library who hired me time after time after time!

My cousin Gayil Greene, whom I watched with awe and wonder while
she drew beautiful women. I was 6 and she was 8.

My high school art teacher, Mr. Firestone, who said, “Draw what you see,
not what you think you see.”

My family, Charlie and Pearl Slate, Sheryl and Bettie C. Levy, Jeffrey Slate,
and Emily Masters.

Samantha Slate, my daughter and art assistant.

And last but certainly not least, Sparky, my constant companion, who
sits on my lap while I work and adores me all day long.