Sooo long ago, whatever was captured in this “walk around the office” shot, is probably lost to the swirling mists of time.

I can see a cover sketch for a Cap book—that suggest Ed Hannigan, who was one of the most talented cover designers to cross the threshold (he also designed the mighty Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe “running around the covers” that turned into a poster!) was doing a little freelancery in the office. I don’t think Ed was ever on-staff—not while I was there (Nov. 1978 to April, 1986). I believe he enjoyed his freedom. He is perhaps most famous for co-creating Cloak & Dagger (with Boundless Bill Mantlo!) but he also did a lot of work for both Marvel and DC as writer and penciler.

In front of David Anthony Kraft—forever known as DAK—I can spot a “Hulk Paperback” folder. A sign that Dave was in to do some freelance at someone’s desk. Whose desk this is a minor mystery. There’s some sunlight beaming in. This was taken at 575 Madison in 1979. This would then be in one of the few offices along or near the Madison Avenue side. Assistant Editor Jo Duffy? Perhaps Assistant Editor Danny Fingeroth’s?

DAK was one of those thoughtful freelancers who managed to get a couple of “empires” going outside of regular freelance. I knew of his Fictioneer sci-fi imprint by being a sci-fi reader. He brought about Comics interview Magazine, which did the obvious (and fascinating) in the comic world. He also began selling comic-grade art board! Getting art board from the office was usually on a as-needed basis—you got an assignment and you got some paper. Anyone doing other comics or even out-of-town freelance needed an alternate source. Dave’s material up to spec and already had the blue-line templates for page layouts built in. Good stuff.

The office was much more “loose” or open to this sort of not exactly work-related, day-to-day goings on. Easier times. Not too much time went by when sign-ins and “badges” were instituted. Even then, color-coded badges were needed because smart alecs understood to save their badge and come back another day, gaining free access…

Back in 79, the offices were the wild open spaces! Just look at Ed’s hair… it never got better.