Posted By Dan Greenfield on Jun 13, 2025 | 2 comments

A special FRANCO FRIDAYS/NEAL ADAMS CHRONICLES (early) birthday tribute to the late comics legend…

By FRANCO

Neal Adams scolded me for not charging for my autograph.

At the time, imposter syndrome was high. I had been doing conventions, but honestly had not had many interactions with high-profile comic creators. But the more of them I did, the more I would have interactions with them. Most were good but awkward. I wouldn’t know what to say or do and get nervous most of the time.

This was the state of mind I was dealing with when Mr. Adams happened to be walking by my table, took a look, saw me sign a book for a fan and then told me I should charge for doing that.

I must have given him that look that translated to “What? Me? Charge for that thing I made? It’s probably not worth the paper it’s printed on.”

1972

I told him I couldn’t see myself doing that. They were already buying the book, so I couldn’t charge for my autograph. He lectured me on why I should be doing exactly that. (For the record I still don’t.) It’s a weird thing for me and very subjective to the individual creator. Everyone needs to do what they feel is right for them.

My next thoughts after this interaction however, were, “Did I even belong here in this world of comics? And why is Mr. Adams scolding me?” But I get it. And when you delve into the history of comics, you might understand it as well.

Neal Adams — who was born 84 years ago this Sunday, on June 15, 1941 — was that guy. He was the crusader of comics and looking for what you should be getting as a creator. This was the guy who fought for creator rights, artists to get what they should be paid, to get their artwork back after the publisher printed them… the list goes on.

The intimidation factor was high. I thanked him and he went on his way.

Years later we opened our comics store. We made a list of people we know we would love to have sign at the store and it included names we knew we would NEVER be able to get. Why not? It’s just a list. And if you can’t be ambitious in your imagination, then why bother dreaming at all?

It gave us a list to strive for. And luckily, we had most of them in our store at one point or another… and also a few surprises along the way. To this day, there are still a few creators on that list whom we have never had sign. (No, I’m not going to tell you who they are — we’re still working on it!)

Neal Adams was one of those names on the very first draft of the list. When we added him, it was down in the corner of the paper, in the section where we kind of knew we were never going to get these people to come, but we added him nevertheless. Again, why not? It was just a list. Something aspirational.

Bucky O’Hare, created by Michael Golden, Larry Hama and Neal Adams

Circumstances arose, stars aligned and it just so happens that one day, we made the ask. To our complete and utter delight, he said yes.

Although I was a bit scared. My interactions with him were always, “He’s Neal Adams! He’s very intimidating! He scolded me once!”

The date was set. He arrived. The line was tremendous. He was delightful! He loved the store and how bright and cheery it was. He loved that our bathroom was clean — he gave it the Neal Adams seal of approval!

Ms. Mystic, another character owned by Adams

Throughout the day, he regaled us with stories of comics and people from years past. We had a weird — but one of my favorite — conversations ever with a creator, about Bigfoot: Where he was now? How Bigfoot could be found, the cover-ups over the years, and it went on for a while and I loved every minute of it. I would even say it was more fun than you could shake a stick at.

As the day came to a close, he offered us some prints and books for free. I made a joke that he shouldn’t be giving that stuff away for free. He said he wouldn’t, if we weren’t friends.

He then told me that I should still be charging for my autograph at conventions.

Happy Friday!

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MORE

— I Will Never Forget GEORGE PEREZ’s Kindness. Click here.

— WHAT’S UP, UP AND AWAY, DOC? Why, It’s Mel Blanc’s Birthday! Click here.

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Franco and his forehead have traveled the world and he writes and draws stuff. Franco is the creator, artist and writer of Patrick the Wolf Boy and Aw Yeah Comics! Franco has worked on books/comics, including Tiny Titans and Superman Family Adventures. Franco was also a high-school teacher and is one of the principal owners of Aw Yeah Comics retail stores. Dan made Franco add that he has won three Eisners.