KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — When it comes to comic book legends, names like Stan Lee and Jack Kirby often dominate the spotlight, but Bob Layton more than earns his place among them.
The veteran artist, writer, and editor has shaped the worlds of Marvel, DC, and Valiant Comics over a 50-year career that changed the industry forever.
Now 72, the American creator is enjoying life on the road, touring from Europe to Asia and meeting fans who grew up on his work.
Malaysians finally got to meet him in person during a special session at the Collektr Experience Center in Amcorp Mall, Petaling Jaya on October 4, and his first-ever visit to Malaysia.
“Malaysian people are absolutely the most hospitable people in the world,” he told Malay Mail in an interview.
Layton also revisited key milestones in his career, including Iron Man: Demon in a Bottle, which he called his most challenging and personal story.
He supports comic book adaptations for film and television — as long as they’re done right — and hopes to see more diversity in superhero leads.
The biggest change after five decades in comics
After half a century in the industry, Layton has seen how the way people consume stories has transformed.
“Let’s be honest, there’s less interest in reading in general,” he said.
“And even less when it comes to physical comics.”
Digital comics, he noted, haven’t quite taken off the way print once did.
Superhero movies and streaming shows have become the main gateway for new fans.
“Even at Comic-Con today, at least 50 percent of the attendees are movie and television fans, not necessarily comic book readers,” he added.
Comics, he said, are also harder to find now. He recounts that in his youth, comic books could be had for just 25 cents.
“Now they cost five or six bucks,” he said, observing that comics today seem to be less accessible and claimed that many people also don’t even know where to find comics.
Advice to aspiring creators
Layton has noticed that many industry newcomers are more focused on visuals than storytelling.
“I notice that a lot of these guys aren’t really telling stories. Many are only focused on the art. And don’t get me wrong, the art they create is beautiful,” he said.
“But I’m a storyteller, not just an artist. I tell stories and that’s where the focus needs to be.”
He urged aspiring artists to stop copying others and instead find their own creative voice.
“It’s about identity, finding your own voice. Find your own language and stop chasing trends or copying other people’s work. That’s the mindset too many people are stuck in today.
“Be less imitative, be more innovative, draw from real life, your real life, and bring that into your work.”
What’s next
Layton’s tour continues with his next stop in Vietnam.
Asked if he still wanted to create new characters or stories, he said that he’s already done that.
“In the early ’90s, I had the opportunity to build an entire universe with Valiant Comics and that was incredibly gratifying.
“At this point, I don’t think there’s anything left that I need to do. I’m 72, comics are really a young man’s game; it’s a lot of hard work.
“I’ve put in my 50 years and I have nothing left to prove.”
Still, he hasn’t ruled out a comeback if the right project excites him.
“There are plans in development for a Korean-language DC Huntress series – a character I created – and I’m really looking forward to that,” he said.
If it materialises, it would mark the first-ever foreign-language DC series.
