I know, I cheated. Two pictures joined together. Long-time colorist Carl Gafford had come on staff to be Marvel’s first typesetter. Something about “money” and “blasted editors” and “steady income.”

One day, much to my horror, Gaff started whizzing around the office on skates. After being politely asked, what in hell was he doing? It was one of those good ideas of the time period—roughly 1980—to use skating as a form of exercise. Well it was a new thing back then. For those wondering along at home, these shots were taken at Marvel’s offices then between 56-57 Streets at 575 Madison Avenue!

I told him he looked like a natural on those things! I certainly wasn’t letting this golden opportunity for photo-hilarity slip by. And he did look good. Alas, he only spent a few more months on staff after these pics were taken. By then he was looking leaner and meaner.

Carl wisely stuck to our back-area environs. Fewer people to dart out of an office and get clobbered. In fact, he never hit anyone. Back this-away there was no carpeting– you could hear him coming.

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