The article was originally written back in 2020, when people were hunkering in place during COVID lockdowns. In fact, it's so long that, outside of the regular features of Alter Ego (FCA, Comics Crypt, the letters column, and Roy's editorial), I've been told it will take up the entire issue. The endnotes alone are the length of a small article -- and if you've read my Dave Cockrum bio, then you know I love lots of endnotes!

Here are ten things you probably didn't know about Edmond Hamilton:

1)   He was arguably the most successful author of the Golden Age of science fiction. He was the first writer to have a collection of short stories published -- in hardcover, no less!

2)   He was so prolific that sometimes two stories by him would appear in the same pulp magazine, forcing the use of a pseudonym.

3)   Isaac Asimov grew up reading his work, and said that Hamilton was his favorite author.

4)   A young Ray Bradbury would bring him his stories to read, pre-publication, for his approval.

5)   An even younger Jerry Siegel -- long before Superman -- wrote him fan letters.

6)   He was the first client of the Solar Sales Service, a literary agency founded by Mort Weisinger and Julius Schwartz.

7)   He wrote almost all the Captain Future novels, years before he wrote comic books.

8)   He co-created Batwoman.

9)   He's credited with inventing the spacesuit.

10)   Ray Bradbury was the best man at his wedding to Leigh Brackett.

Today, Edmond Hamilton is best remembered for his comic book work, specifically "The Legion of Super-Heroes." In that capacity, he was the writer of record for numerous Legionnaires (Light Lass, Element Lad, and Timber Wolf among them), as well as the entire Legion of Substitute Heroes and the Heroes of Lallor. He wrote the first team-up of Superman and Batman in comics, and had a hand in the creation of the sci-fi characters Space Ranger and Chris KL-99.

Thanks to reprint collections, a lot of his comic book work is still kept in print. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for his prose science fiction, but getting people talking about him again might change some of that.

"Reading about an old friend today. Dave Cockrum was one of the most under appreciated forces in comics, even though much beloved as an artist. His behind the scenes work as a costume designer and cover sketcher had massive effects on Marvel, and influence far beyond the specific work he created. Consider checking out his life in this recent well-researched book."

"Just finished reading the book, The Life and Art of Dave Cockrum, by Glen Cadigan, published by TwoMorrows Publishing. Dave was not only a phenomenal artist and designer, but a friend from long before he became a pro. Along with so many great characters, Dave designed most of the X-Men characters you love (Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus, and many others). He also designed The Black Cat, one of my characters. How great was his design? Over 40 years later, you'll find scores of fans still cosplaying her at conventions across the globe. Dave's story is both fascinating and heart-breaking, and one all comic fans should read. The book is filled with great art and the writing will draw you in. Give it a try."

"Such a great book. A true joy to read as it adds insight to one of my all time favorite artists!"

"I enjoyed this book thoroughly. If you're at all a fan of the late Dave Cockrum's work, it's a must-read."

Not too shabby, huh? The book is still available in stores, online and off, for all you procrastinators out there!

I had two books come out in 2022, one non-fiction, one fiction. The Life and Art of Dave Cockrum fits into the former category, whereas Tall Tales, Fairy Tales, and Bedtime Stories (For Former Children) fits into the latter.

There was also an article in Back Issue! # 140, plus a story in the anthology, The Fans are Buried, edited by Peter and Kathleen David.

And I also pulled the trigger on four (4!) audiobooks, which includes both Bedlam & Belfry collections, plus Tall Tales and Top of the World.

That's a lot of new product to put out in one year, and I can promise you right now that 2023 won't be as busy. There's definitely one thing that I can't talk about yet, and another (smaller) thing won't be out until next year. More details will be released as we get closer to the official announcements!