Another Marvel Age photo shoot. Back in 1990– all shot in the Marvel offices (387 Park). At the time, I didn’t know what the project was but, hey, I’m a serious amateur, that didn’t matter.

What did matter was getting Don McGregor to hold still.

Dwayne Turner, was one of those really irritating good artists, who are able to cross over to DC and back to Marvel without so much as a hiccup. Or even to toodle off and do indie stuff—no prob. Him, he could hold still. Taking a picture of him was easy.

Don… well, I did have a strobe light—the sort famous for freezing motion. You might think I’m overstating Don’s inability to slow down, sit still…

One of the rare instances when Don’s head threatened to crash through a ceiling!

Here is the first book—

Which, no doubt, was the focal point of some in-depth interview in Marvel Age. As important a figure as Wakandan King T’Challa has become these days, that is not important to this article. There’s enough history and development of that character over the past 30 years+ to render anything I could say meaningless.

That, and the fact that I did not know Dwayne at all, just a quiet young fellow. Don, I knew a bit better. Here’s my Don story. I refer to my “career before my career” – a time when I worked at Marvel around 1974-75. I was in a small office that sent out merchandise and back issues to fans. But I hung around the editorial offices as much as I could. Don McGregor was one of the friendly people who lounged in that area.

I eventually was ushered out of Marvel and sulked for about two years before getting another job in an advertising agency. Of no interest at all, that place was only one avenue away from Marvel, in fact sharing the same bank (in the ground floor of 575 Madison, then home of Marvel!).

So when I got my first paycheck and went to the bank to cash it, Don—also check cashing– comes bustling through like he’s got ants in his pants and belts out, “Hi, Eliot!” As though not a moment had passed since our last time together.

I know, it’s not much of a story. But it’s mine and that’s Don. A bear-trap memory and a good chum.

We are taking over Editor Terry Cavanaugh’s office (along with shave-tail Assistant Editor Kelly Corvese– eventually an Editor himself!) as though every art team got to invade, critique and find fault. Dwayne, Don and colorist Steve Mattsson. Photographing a colorist is a rarity. Mostly those people are much more like mushrooms, enjoying the simple comforts of a dank basement.

Of note are the color separation “proofs.” The 3-M Chromelin process made color versions of each of the three primary colors used plus the black plate (yes, “black” is a color!). They were printed on clear acetate and were semi-transparent so the colors could “add” up and look like the printed version. If you were damned lucky. The “3-Ms” were at best a wild guess, often by a trained professional at the printing press who was fortified with strong drink and things like hot wings and ranch dressing.

Of further note is the mysterious box on top of the clock radio in the extreme foreground. It is an answering machine! If you called Terry with something important, that thing would record your message and once Terry was fully alert and able to operate this contraption, you would most likely get a reply. Don’t ask what that polished metal cone is, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you.

In June of 1990, Marvel Editorial was straining at the seams. Both the 10 & 11 Floors were packed solid with Bullpenners, editors, bookkeeping, and enough executives to start a franchise. In fact, Terry’s office was up one more flight of stairs from the 11 Floor!

This—this is where my cat-burglar days (and nights) served me well. I had been up on 12 many times, sneaking around—lurking even! Which was how I knew to suggest we step outside to do something different. Like stand over the storied rooftops of Manhattan—old chimney and all!

Fun fact: Legionnaire’s Disease was from bacterium that ponded in the faulty drainage of a roof-top air-conditioning plant! Just like the one behind Dwayne and Don!

Above and below: I am certain that none of these pictures were used. Both these guys look entirely too charming. But I really like the sequence!

Finally, I did manage to catch an exclusive bit of editorial coverage! I believe Dwayne was questioning the use of the Oxford Comma and Don replied with a “Sleeper Hold.” Not sure who won that one!