As with all my write-ups of these panel sessions, I try to be as accurate in what the individual said as I can. If I have the exact phrase, it's in quotes. The exact idea is in parenthesis in quotes, and the general story is not in quotes.
See the "panel" picture of the Golden Age panel from my March 29, 2002 article. The Golden Age Panel consisted of Martin Nodell, John Romita, Dick Giordano, Harry Lampert, Nick Cardy , and Carmine Infantino
George Tuska was in attendance at MegaCon and answered some questions in advance. George had decided that he would not be a good panelist because of his declining hearing.
The moderator asked the question on how the comic book industry has changed . Nick Cardy, Martin Nodell, John Romita, had already replied to this question.
Dick Giordano said that one thing that had changed was compensation. (In the old days) everyone was paid the same (so they did more pages than I did). (Another thing that changed is that when ) Stan Lee (was running the shop) everybody had a byline. Now everyone had a name in the late 80's and early 90's with big ego and storytelling value went to the ether. When I started, I got no feeback, (and) I was working for my friends. Now with the internet you (get some guy who will give you feedback as soon as the book is out.)
Harry - I was out of the industry (for a long time. Today there is) so much emphasis on the technique and less on the story. And when we go to other media. (movies today) now they have a beginning and a middle (but they don't know how to put together an end).
Nick - (For me) the first thing is the story. I look at it like a movie director. You have your close-ups and your wide shots (and you in-between shots). (Long ago) I think you take a simple statement. For a magazine cover, you spend a few seconds looking at the cover. So the cover (was there) to create an impact. (Today) everything is marketable, so ( a comic book has to keep) your interest from page to page. I used to like drawing women. I think they (today's artists and writers) don't tell the story. If I wanted to tell a story and and show someone (I would show them) alone. (Today) there is a cast of thousands (who was the artist on Crisis?) George Perez - if I had to draw all of those (faces) I'd be in the hospital.
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