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I blame myself. I started out all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, which led me to one colossal mistake -- trusting people. Crazy thing is, I still do it.

Years ago, a new editor asked Howard Mackie how "work" Byrne. Howard had been my editor for a while, and the new guy was doubtless expecting all kinds of dark tales. Howard's answer was simple: "Don't lie to him."

Sad that such a thing would even need to be said.

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Enough praises cannot be sung of Trish Mulvihill!

But here's my favorite story, from the first time we met. Having been vexed many a time at Marvel with colorists who think cities are all pink and blue, I said to Trish that so many seemed to miss that, except for splashes of color, the world is basically beige. "Well, of course!" she said.