A Once Crowded Sky
Page 32
On the astounding art of Tom Fowler featured throughout the book, let me just say that on page 5, panel 5 of this book, my note to Tom was, “he should look like God watching His son die on the cross, except, y’know, he’s a melting super robot.” Tom’s response to this absurdity, “Yeah, sure, give me a day.” Look at the panel. Perfect.
The gifted Steve Bryant provided the lettering for the illustrations, subtly and expertly capturing the tone of the novel through the art fonts and word balloons.
Any success this book achieves belongs also to the tireless work of my agent, John Silbersack, and my editor, Matthew Benjamin. These insanely talented men took an odd manuscript and transformed it into a bold tragicomic-book novel. They were aided in this effort by the insightful assistant editors, Hannah Dwan and Kiele Raymond.
I’d like to thank my first readers for their willingness to endure and then to comment upon a lot of weird ideas about superheroes and literature. This illustrious and patient group includes, Daniel McGinn-Shapiro, Molly McGinn-Shapiro, John Oates, Marvin Hinton, Alex Spellman, Bernie Shapiro, Eric Yellin, and Cliff Chiang.
To my former colleagues who continue to save the world in all sorts of odd and sad places, thank you for your service and your friendship.
As to my family. Without the kind work and support of my father, Llon King, and my stepmother, Virginia King, this book would simply have remained a bunch of bits trapped in my computer. My genius of a mother, Marsha King, read and edited four drafts of this novel while simultaneously taking care of my kids and discussing my future marketing and legal strategies; I am left in awe. Finally, my children, Charlie and Claire, are not only my inspiration, they are simply the best people I’ve ever met.
And to my wife, Colleen: “Honey, I’m not going to law school because I want to go overseas and fight terrorists.” “Okay, I’ll pack you some socks.” “Honey, I’m quitting that whole terrorist thing to write a book about superheroes.” “Okay, why don’t you use the desk downstairs.” Blessed with the grace of Beatrice, Dante walked from hell to heaven. Blessed with the grace of Colleen, I walk this life.
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