(Significant to note this was done in the days before the ever incestuous fan mindset demanded that everything be TOUCHING everything else. When titles were allowed to exist as if they were the only ones, and not have to worry--as so many did in retrospect--where the Avengers were when Galactus attacked the first time.)

GAH!!!!!

First, a bit of set-up.

There is a popular misconception that most of the projects I’ve worked on I did “for the money”. Not so. As I’ve pointed out many a time, there’s a lot of difference between expecting to be paid for one’s labors and doing it for the money.

When I signed up for Superman the rumor immediately blazed thru fandom that I was doing it for the money. No, I said. In fact, given the disparity between Marvel and DC I actually expected to make less doing Superman than I was making on FANTASTIC FOUR.

So, Ralph’s story:

Big John stuck his head in Ralph’s office. “Is it true Byrne says he expects to make LESS money working on Superman?”

Ralph said “Yes.”

Buscema paused. “Schmuck.”

:-)