Wild Bill Kelso-migration

Dang Mervin – that’s an awesome story! Thanks for (re)sharing! And thanks to your entire family for their service!! Yes, your description of Kubert’s actions and words are a perfect description of how he held himself. Damn, they just don’t make them like that anymore. What a gentleman. That reminds me of something that happened this summer… Some of you know that I have an executive assistant named Nati. Aside from strategic aid, she provides support for me both at the office and at events. So it should be of no surprise that she was instrumental in the coordination and management of the “Dichotomy of War” panel with Joe Kubert recently. Aside from ensuring I had all my materials, aiding in promotion, and handling overall logistics, she made sure that audio-visual was operating correctly. The resultant undertakings required Nati to be up on stage (really a large riser) and she sat behind where Joe and I were presenting. At the end of panel, as several attendees were approaching us, she stood up to move our microphones and unfortunately got her foot tangled in the cabling. Being that she was wearing heels, she lost her footing completely and began to fall backwards and uncontrollably several feet above a concrete floor. I was at the far end of the table watching it happen in slow motion and watched helplessly as she fell. And even though there were several men standing nearby her, they just were not quick enough to break her fall. When suddenly—a big hand jettisons out, grabs her arm firmly, and reels her back to complete safety! I’ll give ya one guess whose big hand that was… That’s right girls! From a sitting position, and facing the wrong direction, an 85 year old Joe Kubert took action. In one fluid motion he brought Nati back upright, onto her feet, and out of danger. It was amazing! He looked completely unfazed, held her steady, and queried a flustered …and now blushing Nati; “You alright miss?” She turned to jello. All I heard for the next few days was: “Oh what a gentleman!” “What an amazing man!” “What chivalry!” “I looooove him!” and on and on… Jeeeesh. Ha! She was 190% right. What a man. Here’s a picture of Joe and Nati about 15 minutes after her mishap. Kubert is busy giving the useless guys the stank-eye, as Nati grins uncontrollably in the arms of her knight in blue denim. I’ll be telling this story for a long, long time. My 86th post begets:

Good point Mick. But, it’s still an awesome action cover à la Grandenetti! And since this is my 85th post... Here’s my copy:

Great comments guys! I agree with each of you across the board! And in the spirit of Andy’s comment about the ensuing issues, I brandish my 84th post with the following image: Sorry about the poor quality image… Left my scanner at work.

I thought this would be a very appropriate post for my 83rd posting! Hail Joe Kubert!

Speaking of memorable (and uncanny) something arrived at my office a week ago that I have to tell you about. As you all know, about 75 days ago I had the extraordinary opportunity to spend some time with Joe where I moderated a panel on Kubert and his work in war comics. Aside from having the singular fortune of speaking with him on several occasions over the course of the weekend, I was lucky enough to have Joe sign a few items. Among items that he signed, were a couple of posters that were used to promote the panel at the con. Well, feeling slightly foolish but egged-on by my assistant, I also added my signature to the comic panel poster. Not really because I am significant in any manner, but more as an act of memorializing the occasion. It’s not like I was planning on selling the thing. Naturally, a few weeks after the panel, I sent the poster in to be framed. This arrived a little over a week ago: Little did I know how significant this poster would be to me.

That was one of the most memorable events of my life. I am so glad I got to do the panel with him. It’s even sweeter that Richard was there too.

Mick I know we have compared notes on all the parallels in our lives… but it’s just uncanny to consider the similarities on how we both discovered Kubert. I forgot that you and I were both indoctrinated through his work on Tarzan… And at about the same age too! Crazy. I am also amused because it seems that after I discovered Rock, I was snapping- up Kubert war books at a 7-11 just a few miles away from you. Nuts…

I am speechless and heartbroken. We will miss you Joe…

More later...

I was late to the event. Between work obligations at the Con and a series of comedic errors, it took me an hour longer than I had planned to get there. It was a blast though and I had fun talking with war-folk as the night progressed. The highlight was obviously having Heath the man himself break bread with us! What an honor! All I had was my iPhone which takes crappy pictures in low light. But, since no one has posted anything yet, I thought I might throw you guys a bone… Cheers Heath! Cheers!!

Got it! Say hi to Keith for Fay, take pix for Bill977, and bring high grade GIC’s for Mi…. Uh, HEY! Waitaminute?!!

I dont believe this topic received the attention it deserved. This is actually a pretty good idea. And it certainly would help keep the wheels greased for the ongoing event. Question is. what would truly be auction worthy? That is; what could be independently submitted that would garner some moderately good interest (and some reasonably acceptable revenue). Hmmm. I mean, would peeps really be fired up about a DC Special #5 in 8.5?? How about an OAAW #107 in 7.5? How about some original art? But is anyone willing to let even their lesser OA go? Or does this require someone to throw down? Like a 9.8 Frontline Combat #1 or a very high grade Wings #1? Only a week before the event, anyone want to contribute ideas? Maybe we can zero-in on something that someone is willing to (generously) donate that would actually get some interest/action. Thoughts and suggestions please. I actually think the less expensive, less important stuff is a better idea for an auction like this. No big emotional attachment or expectations on the part of buyers or contributors. No big demands on anyone's pocketbooks. It would keep it fun, create less stress, and less chance for any butthurt feelings. I think avoiding butthurt at all costs is a good tactic (I’ve read about that on other threads and it is not a good thing). Good call Richard. You were always the smart one. I think if you feel like bringing something it shouldn’t be a prized possession, and you should set a reserve if need be (thanks Andy). Mick also suggested that the seller keep a good portion of the sale amount anyway… All in all a sound plan. I would be happy to post what I might bring… but, I kinda wanna hear what others might contribute (if anything). Watcha guys thinking?

The invite goes without question Fay! For the travel – we may need to cross our fingers that the Royal Canadian Air Force will do their part. However, accommodations are NOT a problem… I heard Comick is putting all 40 of us up at his house for the entire week! Thanks Bro!!

I don’t believe this topic received the attention it deserved. This is actually a pretty good idea. And it certainly would help keep the wheels greased for the ongoing event. Question is…. what would truly be auction worthy? That is; what could be independently submitted that would garner some moderately good interest (and some reasonably acceptable revenue). Hmmm…. I mean, would peeps really be fired up about a DC Special #5 in 8.5?? How about an OAAW #107 in 7.5? How about some original art? But is anyone willing to let even their lesser OA go? Or does this require someone to throw down? Like a 9.8 Frontline Combat #1 or a very high grade Wings #1? Only a week before the event, anyone want to contribute ideas? Maybe we can zero-in on something that someone is willing to (generously) donate that would actually get some interest/action. Thoughts and suggestions please.

Excellent indeed! Congrats! And... Nice gesture phantom War book benefactor.