A Reply to an E-Mail, Archie Goodwin and Being Decent

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Thanks a lot for the letter, it was nice to hear from you. And thanks for the kind words. 

And -- congratulations on your comic. That's a great feeling, and something to continue to build on. 

I think I know the feeling you're describing, because when I was pretty young a friend who was writing fill-ins and things for Marvel took me on a round of interviews to try and get us some work at places. The early interviews were demeaning and demoralizing on the whole, I was already nervous and the way some editors and people acted towards us made me feel like crap. Then we had an interview with the (rightfully) revered Archie Goodwin, and although he gently tore our work apart, he took his role seriously and treated us with respect and kindness. He told us what was deficient in our work to be professionals at Marvel. He didn't show off, make fun, or dismiss us. Years later my wife and I wrote a Supergirl Adventures special for DC, where Goodwin was at the time. He had to sign off on the project along with two other top editorial people. He didn't remember me, of course, but it was a great feeling to have him okay a project. And of the three people who signed off, only Archie had something constructive and "real" written in his comments. 

Archie Goodwin didn't make me feel like I was going to become a comics professional with a career ahead of me. But he made me feel like that was a possibility, and that it was on me to achieve that. He wasn't promoting himself as a gatekeeper or lording over us, like other professionals had. He wasn't hazing us because we were nobodies trying to get into the frat house. And of everyone we encountered, he was the most experienced, talented and respected -- he had the position to be a bully if he chose to be. 

When Archie died I went to the tribute DC held. At the time I was a fairly known professional, and while I didn't know Archie personally, I knew people who were close to him. I saw the impact he had on the industry. The stories people told that day matched my minor experiences with him. There was a pin given out to attendees, featuring a self-caricature Archie drew in his own comic strips. I keep it on my desk, in front of my computer, where I can always see it, and remember that not everyone in this industry, not everyone in this world, is a bastard. And while my emotional insecurities and anxiety was a reason I was such an erratic professional to meet at cons back in the early 90s -- a reason for my often obnoxious and confrontational behavior, not an excuse -- I'm glad I eventually got myself right and started living up to his example to be more accommodating, professional and forthcoming. I try, at least.

I'm glad you caught me at my better self, and I'm glad it was a good experience for you. And that you met other professionals who also provided good experiences for you. We're a socially awkward bunch to this day, even as things open up and improve in many critical ways. I can remember all the bad experiences still, and most of the good ones. I remember my leg shaking so badly when I first spoke to Jim Woodring that it was like I was having an electric line run through me. I remember running away from people friends were trying to introduce me to. I remember stuttering and stammering and my body temperature going up to 105 in front of several cartooning heroes of mine like Will Elder. And I was 35 at the time.

All right, I'll stop blabbing, but again, thanks for the letter. It means a lot to me that meeting me meant a lot to you. And I hope things go well with you with your comic and whatever happens next for you in this strange world we call comics. 

Best and take care,

evan