Tom DeFalco: Under-appreciated and In Demand
When you consider the significance of his contributions and his long career, Tom DeFalco is possibly the most under-appreciated creator in the history of the medium.
When you consider the significance of his contributions and his long career, Tom DeFalco is possibly the most under-appreciated creator in the history of the medium.
Consider that it was DeFalco who worked closely with toy manufacturer Hasbro in the early 1980s, heading the creative team that produced the backstory and dossiers that served as the basis for the relaunch of the phenomenally successful G.I. Joe toy line and animated television show, in 1985.
As part of this relaunch, Marvel produced a comic entitled "G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero." The "Real American Hero" series would run for 155 issues over the next 12 years. DeFalco was also part of the creative team that introduced the Transformers to the American public, in 1982 (for which Michael Bay is no doubt extremely grateful).
DeFalco also edited and wrote a great chunk of the iconic Spider-Man tales that still influence the character today, including writing the first issue of Amazing Spider-Man in which the web-slinger wore a black costume that would eventually make Venom possible.
DeFalco also has the fourth-longest tenure as editor-in-chief at Marvel Comics behind Stan Lee, Jim Shooter and current Marvel COO Joe Quesada, and has co-created more than 30 characters, including Silver Sable and The New Warriors,
"It isn't something I really think about," DeFalco said regarding the recognition he gets from his impressive accomplishments. "I have no idea what others think of me or know about my contributions."
What he does have an idea about is the last time he came to a comic-book convention in Philadelphia.
"I believe I attended a Philly comic con in the late 1990's," he said, adding that he is glad to be back.
"Philadelphia is a great city with a terrific fan base," DeFalco said. "Aside from the Liberty Bell, it has the Rodin Museum, a great Museum of Art, and I'm hoping that I'll get a chance to visit the Reading Terminal Market."
DeFalco said he will be a busy man during the weekend.
"While I always have something new about to hit the stands - like Archie No. 666 and the last issue of the current Fantastic Four - I am not coming to promote any specific item," DeFalco said. "I just want to enjoy the Con, the city and the fans. I will be appearing on a number of panels and will be signing comics, books and whatever, every day of the show."
With his long tenure and association with Marvel, it has seemed strange to see DeFalco's byline in a few DC books recently. When I brought this up to him, he came back with the self-deprecating humor he is perhaps best-known for.
"Yes, I did some work for DC. I also did work for Marvel, Archie, Ape Entertainment, Moonstone and a whole bunch of other publishers. What can I say? I'm a bit of a magpie and can't keep a steady job."
