This is how Doug knows he is part of the family. I heard that Doug would be in and happy to tell the man how much I enjoyed Master of Kung Fu— I grabbed my camera, ran down the hall and caught this–
Everybody knows Doug for all the big stuff he’s done– Shang Chi–Master of Kung Fu, Moon Knight, Shogun Warriors, co-creator of Deathlok (with the late Rich Buckler) and much more– then moved on to DC to do Batman and re-writing history several times, etc., etc. And of course, let’s not forget Weirdworld— no doubt the reason he ventured into the offices in the first place.
But in the office– Marvel’s Editorial Offices– he’s fair game. Then Assistant Editor Mark Gruenwald is giving him the rabbit-ears and then Assistant Editor Ralph Macchio (and say, friends, won’t you join me in congratulating Ralph for his second season of Cobra Kai on Netflix!?)
Now you out there, not familiar with the casual bonhomie we all had with each other, might think this low and silly. Which would be right. Mark and Ralph were immense fans and appreciators of Master of Kung Fu. In fact Mark trained to use nunchuks and Ralph could kick straight up over his head– all thanks to the beautiful art of Paul Gulacy (which is not to neglect Gene Day!).
Here’s something a little better. These pics were taken in 1980.
Doug is still going strong! Still recognized as one of the greats… but for a brief period, one fine afternoon… well, one of the guys!